Multiple phones pre-installed with viruses BEFORE hitting shelves

News

Mar 13, 2017

According to emerging reports, multiple smartphones have been affected by malware which was installed before the devices even made it to designated stores.

It has been established that cyber security firm, Check Point, detected a “severe infection” on 38 handsets which were being used by two of its corporate clients, a telecommunications firm and a multinational technology company.

Informing the public of developments, Check Point, explained: "According to the findings, the malware were already present on the devices even before the users received them."

"The malicious apps were not part of the official ROM supplied by the vendor, and were added somewhere along the supply chain."

Highlighting the severity of the situation, the firm's blog post continued: "Pre-installed malware compromise the security even of the most careful users."

"In addition, a user who receives a device already containing malware will not be able to notice any change in the device’s activity which often occur once a malware is installed.”

It is understood that the security breach affects leading brands including Samsung, LG and Google.

Check Point have compiled a list highlighting the devices which have been affected, but are eager to stress that not every model of the listed devices have fallen foul of the malware installation.