What is Predator spyware?

What is Predator spyware

Predator spyware is a type of  mobile hacking software that infects the latest updated Android devices by exploiting zero-day vulnerabilities, which are security loopholes that have not yet been patched. Attackers send an email containing a one-time link disguised as a popular URL shortening service to a targeted user. If the user clicks on this link, they will be redirected to a domain controlled by the attacker, where zero-day vulnerability exploit code is delivered, and then their browser is redirected to a legitimate website.

The target Android device is first infected with Alien, a malicious Android malware that loads the Predator spyware. Alien receives commands from the Predator spyware, allowing it to record audio, add CA certificates, and hide applications on the user's device.

Has your phone been infected with Predator spyware?

Predator spyware is very stealthy and advanced, making it difficult to detect. However, you can still observe if your phone exhibits the following abnormalities:

① Battery consumption

If you notice that your phone's battery is draining quickly, and there is no obvious reason (such as using many power-hungry apps), there may be some background programs running, such as Predator spyware.

② Network traffic

If you notice that your phone's network traffic has increased abnormally, and there is no obvious reason (such as downloading many files or videos), some programs may be uploading or downloading data, such as Predator spyware.

③ Device performance

If you find that your phone becomes very slow or crashes frequently, and there is no obvious reason (such as installing many apps or games), some programs may be occupying your device resources, such as Predator spyware.

④ Application list

If you find that there are some apps on your phone that you do not recognize or have not installed, and you cannot uninstall or hide them, some programs may be disguised as normal apps, such as Predator spyware.

⑤ Certificate list

If you find some untrusted or illegal certificates on your phone, and you cannot delete or disable them, some programs may be adding certificates to bypass security checks, such as Predator spyware.

How to protect yourself from the threat of Predator spyware?

① Use security tools

Installing reliable security tools, such as antivirus software, firewalls, MetroVPN , etc., can enhance the security of your phone, prevent or detect some malicious software or spyware invasion. It is the first line of defense against your device being invaded.

② Update devices

Timely updating your phone's system and applications can fix some known vulnerabilities and improve your phone's resistance. Predator spyware infects phones by exploiting zero-day vulnerabilities, so if you can update your device in time, you can reduce the risk of infection.

③ Do not click on links from unknown sources

Predator spyware lures users into clicking on links by sending one-time links disguised as URL shortening services. If you receive an email or message from a stranger or suspicious source containing links, do not click on them easily, as this may be a trap for Predator spyware. If you are unsure whether a link is safe, you can use some online tools to check if it contains malicious code or redirects to a malicious website.