How to remove the WindRelay NFC relay malware from Android

What kind of malware is WindRelay?

WindRelay is a specialized NFC relay malware targeting Android users across Central Europe. Working in tandem with SpyNote, a Remote Access Trojan, it captures contactless payment card data and streams it to attackers in real time. According to research by Group-IB, the malware has been active since at least November 2025.

WindRelay malware overview

WindRelay is purpose-built to perform NFC relay attacks against contactless payment cards. When a victim holds their card near an infected Android device, the malware silently captures the card's NFC signal and forwards the data to attacker-controlled infrastructure over the internet.

The fraud works through a carefully planned two-stage attack. First, a fraudster calls the victim while posing as a bank employee and convinces them to install a malicious app. That app is SpyNote, which gives the attacker full remote control over the victim's device.

Once SpyNote is running, the attacker uses its remote access to silently sideload WindRelay onto the device without the victim's knowledge. The victim is then asked to tap their payment card to the back of the phone, supposedly to "verify" their identity.

At that moment, WindRelay intercepts the NFC card signal and transmits the data to the fraudster in real time. The attacker loads the relayed card data onto a separate device acting as a fake payment terminal, then uses it to make purchases or withdraw cash at ATMs.

WindRelay requests several permissions to carry out these functions. NFC access allows it to capture card data, while internet permissions enable real-time transmission. It also requests contact access and uses diagnostic permissions to detect and resist security software on the device.

Group-IB researchers identified 23 WindRelay samples uploaded to VirusTotal between November 2025 and July 2026. The malware is compiled using a builder toolkit that lets operators customize each APK with a different app name, icon, and package name per target.

All analyzed samples targeted users in Czechia, Slovakia, and Slovenia, with app content and naming mimicking real financial institutions in those countries. This localization makes the malicious apps appear convincing to victims in those regions.

It has to be mentioned that malware developers often improve their tools over time. Future versions of WindRelay could target additional countries or incorporate new capabilities beyond what has currently been documented.

In summary, WindRelay's presence on a device can enable real-time payment card fraud, significant financial losses, and further compromise through SpyNote's extensive remote control and surveillance features.

Conclusion

WindRelay is a dangerous financial fraud tool that exploits Android's NFC hardware to steal payment card data in real time, without the card ever leaving the victim's hands. Combined with SpyNote, attackers gain full remote device control, making this a particularly sophisticated threat.

Other examples of Android-specific malware and Remote Access Trojans include Rokarolla, Night Dragon, and RedWing. Cybercriminals continuously develop new tools and methods, so using reliable security software and staying skeptical of unsolicited calls is essential.

How did WindRelay infiltrate my device?

WindRelay does not spread through the Google Play Store or legitimate app store channels. The primary vector is vishing - fraudulent phone calls in which attackers impersonate bank employees and instruct victims to install a supposed banking or verification app.

That app is SpyNote, which grants the attacker full control over the device. From there, WindRelay is silently sideloaded without any further input from the victim. Each APK is customized with a name and content matching the target's local bank to make the deception more convincing.

Android malware can also reach devices through phishing links in emails or text messages, third-party app stores, and fake update prompts. Always treat unsolicited contact from anyone claiming to represent a financial institution with caution.

How to avoid installation of malware?

Only install apps from the Google Play Store or the official website of a trusted developer. Be aware that no legitimate bank or financial institution will ever ask you to install software during a phone call. If you receive such a request, hang up and contact your bank directly.

Review app permissions carefully before granting them, and treat NFC access requests with suspicion if the app has no clear reason to need it. Keep your Android device and all installed apps updated, and use reputable mobile security software to help detect threats before they can cause harm.

Quick menu:

• Introduction
• How to delete browsing history from the Chrome web browser?
• How to disable browser notifications in the Chrome web browser?
• How to reset the Chrome web browser?
• How to delete browsing history from the Firefox web browser?
• How to disable browser notifications in the Firefox web browser?
• How to reset the Firefox web browser?
• How to uninstall potentially unwanted and/or malicious applications?
• How to boot the Android device in "Safe Mode"?
• How to check the battery usage of various applications?
• How to check the data usage of various applications?
• How to install the latest software updates?
• How to reset the system to its default state?
• How to disable applications that have administrator privileges?

Delete browsing history from the Chrome web browser:

Tap the "Menu" button (three dots on the right-upper corner of the screen) and select "History" in the opened dropdown menu.

Tap "Clear browsing data", select "ADVANCED" tab, choose the time range and data types you want to delete and tap "Clear data".

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Disable browser notifications in the Chrome web browser:

Tap the "Menu" button (three dots on the right-upper corner of the screen) and select "Settings" in the opened dropdown menu.

Scroll down until you see "Site settings" option and tap it. Scroll down until you see "Notifications" option and tap it.

Find the websites that deliver browser notifications, tap on them and click "Clear & reset". This will remove permissions granted for these websites to deliver notifications. However, once you visit the same site again, it may ask for a permission again. You can choose whether to give these permissions or not (if you choose to decline the website will go to "Blocked" section and will no longer ask you for the permission).

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Reset the Chrome web browser:

Go to "Settings", scroll down until you see "Apps" and tap it.

Scroll down until you find "Chrome" application, select it and tap "Storage" option.

Tap "MANAGE STORAGE", then "CLEAR ALL DATA" and confirm the action by taping "OK". Note that resetting the browser will eliminate all data stored within. This means that all saved logins/passwords, browsing history, non-default settings and other data will be deleted. You will also have to re-login into all websites as well.

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Delete browsing history from the Firefox web browser:

Tap the "Menu" button (three dots on the right-upper corner of the screen) and select "History" in the opened dropdown menu.

Scroll down until you see "Clear private data" and tap it. Select data types you want to remove and tap "CLEAR DATA".

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Disable browser notifications in the Firefox web browser:

Visit the website that is delivering browser notifications, tap the icon displayed on the left of URL bar (the icon will not necessarily be a "Lock") and select "Edit Site Settings".

In the opened pop-up opt-in the "Notifications" option and tap "CLEAR".

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Reset the Firefox web browser:

Go to "Settings", scroll down until you see "Apps" and tap it.

Scroll down until you find "Firefox" application, select it and tap "Storage" option.

Tap "CLEAR DATA" and confirm the action by taping "DELETE". Note that resetting the browser will eliminate all data stored within. This means that all saved logins/passwords, browsing history, non-default settings and other data will be deleted. You will also have to re-login into all websites as well.

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Uninstall potentially unwanted and/or malicious applications:

Go to "Settings", scroll down until you see "Apps" and tap it.

Scroll down until you see a potentially unwanted and/or malicious application, select it and tap "Uninstall". If, for some reason, you are unable to remove the selected app (e.g., you are prompted with an error message), you should try using the "Safe Mode".

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Boot the Android device in "Safe Mode":

The "Safe Mode" in Android operating system temporarily disables all third-party applications from running. Using this mode is a good way to diagnose and solve various issues (e.g., remove malicious applications that prevent users you from doing so when the device is running "normally").

Push the "Power" button and hold it until you see the "Power off" screen. Tap the "Power off" icon and hold it. After a few seconds the "Safe Mode" option will appear and you'll be able run it by restarting the device.

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Check the battery usage of various applications:

Go to "Settings", scroll down until you see "Device maintenance" and tap it.

Tap "Battery" and check the usage of each application. Legitimate/genuine applications are designed to use as low energy as possible in order to provide the best user experience and to save power. Therefore, high battery usage may indicate that the application is malicious.

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Check the data usage of various applications:

Go to "Settings", scroll down until you see "Connections" and tap it.

Scroll down until you see "Data usage" and select this option. As with battery, legitimate/genuine applications are designed to minimize data usage as much as possible. This means that huge data usage may indicate presence of malicious application. Note that some malicious applications might be designed to operate when the device is connected to wireless network only. For this reason, you should check both Mobile and Wi-Fi data usage.

If you find an application that uses a lot of data even though you never use it, then we strongly advise you to uninstall it as soon as possible.

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Install the latest software updates:

Keeping the software up-to-date is a good practice when it comes to device safety. The device manufacturers are continually releasing various security patches and Android updates in order to fix errors and bugs that can be abused by cybercriminals. An outdated system is way more vulnerable, which is why you should always be sure that your device's software is up-to-date.

Go to "Settings", scroll down until you see "Software update" and tap it.

Tap "Download updates manually" and check if there are any updates available. If so, install them immediately. We also recommend to enable the "Download updates automatically" option - it will enable the system to notify you once an update is released and/or install it automatically.

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Reset the system to its default state:

Performing a "Factory Reset" is a good way to remove all unwanted applications, restore system's settings to default and clean the device in general. However, you must keep in mind that all data within the device will be deleted, including photos, video/audio files, phone numbers (stored within the device, not the SIM card), SMS messages, and so forth. In other words, the device will be restored to its primal state.

You can also restore the basic system settings and/or simply network settings as well.

Go to "Settings", scroll down until you see "About phone" and tap it.

Scroll down until you see "Reset" and tap it. Now choose the action you want to perform:
"Reset settings" - restore all system settings to default;
"Reset network settings" - restore all network-related settings to default;
"Factory data reset" - reset the entire system and completely delete all stored data;

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Disable applications that have administrator privileges:

If a malicious application gets administrator-level privileges it can seriously damage the system. To keep the device as safe as possible you should always check what apps have such privileges and disable the ones that shouldn't.

Go to "Settings", scroll down until you see "Lock screen and security" and tap it.

Scroll down until you see "Other security settings", tap it and then tap "Device admin apps".

Identify applications that should not have administrator privileges, tap them and then tap "DEACTIVATE".

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

My Android device is infected with WindRelay malware, should I format my storage device to get rid of it?

Formatting is rarely necessary to remove WindRelay. Running reputable mobile security software such as Combo Cleaner should be sufficient to detect and eliminate the threat from your device.

What are the biggest issues that WindRelay malware can cause?

WindRelay enables real-time payment card fraud by capturing NFC signals from your contactless card and relaying them to attackers. Combined with SpyNote's remote access, this can lead to unauthorized transactions, serious financial losses, and ongoing privacy violations.

Can WindRelay steal money from my contactless payment card without me knowing?

Yes. When you hold your card near the infected device, WindRelay captures the NFC payment data and sends it to attackers instantly. They can then emulate your card at payment terminals or ATMs while the card physically stays in your possession.

How did WindRelay malware infiltrate my Android device?

WindRelay typically arrives through vishing attacks. A fraudster calls the victim posing as a bank employee and convinces them to install SpyNote. Once SpyNote is active, the attacker silently sideloads WindRelay without any further involvement from the victim.

Will Combo Cleaner protect me from malware?

Combo Cleaner can detect and remove the vast majority of known Android malware. Performing a full system scan is strongly recommended, as sophisticated threats like WindRelay may try to conceal themselves deep within the device.