Android: Remove OBAD virus

An Android virus with the name "OBAD" is currently attacking more and more smartphones. This practical tip shows you how to identify and remove the intruder and protect yourself from further malware.

Expensive fun - this is what the OBAD virus does with your Android smartphone

OBAD gets to your smartphone, for example, through infected websites, unofficial apps or via Bluetooth. It exploits three security holes in Android (zero-day exploits). Once the OBAD virus has taken root, it gives you an expensive pleasure.

• The virus sends expensive premium SMS.
• The data connection of your smartphone is increased.
• Your sensitive data is read out and sent to a server.
• Your smartphone can be completely remote controlled. In addition, OBAD has access to your Bluetooth, for example, and therefore automatically sends itself on.
• OBAD can load other malware onto your phone.

Detect and remove OBAD virus

OBAD camouflages itself very well, which is why most of those affected only recognize the pest with the cell phone bill. Then you have to act quickly.

• Connect your mobile phone to the PC and copy the data from your smartphone to the computer. Don't worry, there is no danger to your PC.
• Now reset your cell phone to the "factory settings". You can find out how this works, for example, with the Samsung Galaxy S4 here.
• If your smartphone is reset, you can copy the data from the computer back to your smartphone.

How to recognize OBAD and protect yourself from malware

Even if malware disguises itself well, you can recognize OBAD and other malware with a few tricks and protect yourself in good time.

• Pay attention to the rights that an app demands. If you need "administrator rights" you should become suspicious.
• Only install programs from the official Google Play Store.
• Check your data connection. A sudden increase in the data volume used for no apparent reason can be an indication of an infection.
• Is your Bluetooth on even though you haven't activated it? A virus may be trying to spread automatically.
• Always install the updates for Android and for your apps.
• And the most important thing at the end: Install the latest security software on your smartphone. You can find a test about virus scanners for Android here.

In this practical tip, you can read how to remove the Priyanka virus from WhatsApp.