Is Malware in Free Smartphones for Low-Income People in the US?

Recently, in the United States, as part of the Lifeline Assistance program, which is aided by the government to low-income people, several malware has been found on Android smartphones that Assurance Wireless has distributed for free. Among the apps preinstalled on this smartphone, Wireless Update is actually malware installed by Chinese company Adups, according to security company MalwareByte.

Until now, Adoops has been criticized for extracting text messages and address book data at will by adding malware to low-end Android smartphones. In this app, it is said that it has also found a feature that allows users to freely install several without obtaining user permission.

In addition, in the settings of this smartphone, HiddenAds malware that runs in the background was supposed to run. Over-the-air updates can be removed by the user, but since the settings are system applications, they cannot be removed unless special actions are taken, such as gaining root privileges. Smartphones, which the US government has distributed free of charge for data communication and calls to support low-income people, are said to be controversial in that they can transmit user personal information to Chinese companies at no cost.

Malwarebytes warns that this has often been the case for low-cost Android smartphones from Chinese companies. In exchange for a low-cost purchase, it is said to pay attention to the risk of personal information being leaked. Related information can be found here .