Lotoor is an infamous virus, infecting Android device users with deception: it hides in fake apps and targets administrator privileges
It is now known that hackers spare no one, not even mobile devices. Especially those running on Android. Among the malware used to target the green robot is Lotoor, which, along with HummingBad and Hiddad, is one of the most dangerous threats.
This is a nasty virus, since it infects users with an Android device under false pretenses. Other malware also claims victims with the weapon of deception. But Lotoor is much more devious. Its main feature is to recreate copies of official applications and make them available online. This way, a careless user who dares to download apps from unofficial sources risks getting the dreaded Lotoor on his device. With everything - as we will see - that follows. The virus in question can also make its way via malicious attachments received via email. And not only that. It can hide in fake update banners.
How Lotoor affects you
In short, Lotoor is a mobile malware with many "resources". Unfortunately. We were talking about its dangerousness. The Android virus, once it penetrates victims' devices, is capable of performing many malicious actions. The malicious program aims, exactly, like almost all malware that affects the green robot, to obtain administrator privileges. The reason is simple: in this way, the virus gains total control over the smartphone. Mainly Lotoor manifests itself by showing unsolicited advertisements, but it can also get hold of personal data of victims who fall into the trap.
How to defend yourself
Defending yourself from Lotoor is not impossible, although the virus is very dangerous. Its modus operandi mirrors that of any malware: it always requires users' unintentional cooperation. As we have seen, Lotoor can be hidden in fake apps fished from the web. In order to avoid getting caught in the virus' web, you should only use the Play Store, the official Android marketplace, where every program is checked before being published online.
Lotoor can also strike via bogus update messages on insecure websites. Even in this case, you should not click on the banners: always refer to Google's digital store for updates as well.
It may also happen that the virus is included in email attachments. The best advice in such cases is not to open the file: delete the suspicious email immediately.
The best weapon, therefore, to protect your Android device and especially your personal data is prevention, avoiding irresponsible behavior.