UpgradeSys virus (Tutorial) - Jun 2018 update
UpgradeSys virus Removal Guide
What is UpgradeSys virus?
UpgradeSys virus threatens Android users with Trojan features
UpgradeSys is able to monitor your text messages and other content stored on the device
UpgradeSys virus is a pre-installed Android application which is usually found on mobile phones manufactured by BLU. Experts also categorize these types of potentially unwanted programs as adups. Even though there is not much information about this relatively new infection, it is already known that this PUP possesses similar features to a Trojan Horse[1].
Multiple antivirus tools detected UpgradeSys malware under the following names:
- com.adups.fota;
- com.adups.fota.sysoper;
- FWUpgradeProvider.apk.
Since UpgradeSys adup is usually installed before the user purchases the smartphone, it is provided with the administrative rights. They allow it to install new applications and upgrade the old ones without user’s consent or notice. Root access is highly dangerous since the potentially unwanted program might be programmed to download other hazards.
Additionally, UpgradeSys is able to monitor your text messages and other content stored on the device. This Trojan horse might even connect to the command-and-control server and sent the copied information to the authors of the virus. Also, it can take over your device and send texts itself.
Furthermore, there are several reports which state the UpgradeSys malware can generate excessive amounts of intrusive pop-ups on your frequently visited websites. Even though it might seem only annoying, it is dangerous as well. Sponsored ads can lead you to bogus pages where viruses are distributed[2]. Likewise, you are put at risk every time you start a new browsing session.
UpgradeSys virus is a pre-installed app on Android devices which functions as a Trojan Horse.
Therefore, we strongly advise you to remove UpgradeSys as soon as possible. There not much reliable information about its other features which might be far worse than the ones mentioned above. Note that this pre-installed application cannot be eliminated from the device manually.
Thus, you can find UpgradeSys removal guide below. It will explain to you how to get rid of this malicious program without rooting your smartphone. You should be aware that currently, this is the safest option to clean your device from adups. We recommend you to stay away from any unauthorized third-party tools which might be designed to damage your phone even more.
How adups are installed on your device
According to the experts from DieViren.de[3], more and more devices sold online are modified for the malevolent purposes. Usually, the manufacturers re-image the Read-Only Memory (ROM) with customized ones and sell the products on e-shops such as Amazon.
This modification can completely change the default operating system of the smartphone and contain malicious applications which after re-image are classified as pre-installed and cannot be removed/uninstalled. Likewise, just like you must download software from authorized developers, you have to purchase devices from reliable sources as well.
Note that the price of the damaged good is significantly lower than the original one’s. Thus, do not get tricked by “great” deals or other offers. This low-price tendency is merely an attempt to lure gullible people into getting a malware-laden device.
UpgradeSys virus removal guide
As mentioned above, you cannot remove pre-installed applications. However, you are able to disable them by the following steps:
- Go to Settings > Apps;
- Find UpgradeSys;
- Click Disable button.
Sadly, but this is only a temporary solution since every time you reboot your device you have to repeat the steps above. To avoid that, you can use the DeBloater tool which does not require rooting Android. You can download it from the official website.
Step 1. Enable USB Debugging
- Go to settings;
- Go to the submenu (More or General);
- Find Build Number and click it 7 times;
- Wait for the pop-up You are now a developer or Developer mode has been enabled to appear;
- Go to settings menu and select Developer Options;
- Enable USB Debugging.
Step 2. Use DeBloater to remove adups
- Once you have the DeBloater tool installed on your PC and USB debugging enabled plug your device into the computer.
- Select Connected as Mass Storage (or Media Device) on the device notification;
- Open DeBloater on PC and click Read Device;
- Search for select com.adups.fota or/and com.adups.fota.sysoper and select them;
- Click apply;
Additional step. Make your device recognizable for DeBloater
If the application cannot find your device, you should follow the steps below:
- Navigate to the Device Manager;
- Find ADB Interface;
- If seen, you need to download Google USB Driver;
- Click on ADB Interface and select Update Driver Software;
- Tap on Browse My Computer for Driver Software and pick the downloaded Google drivers.
- Close the DeBloater and unplug your device;
- Repeat the steps 1 and 2.
How to prevent from getting malware
Choose a proper web browser and improve your safety with a VPN tool
Online spying has got momentum in recent years and people are getting more and more interested in how to protect their privacy online. One of the basic means to add a layer of security – choose the most private and secure web browser. Although web browsers can't grant full privacy protection and security, some of them are much better at sandboxing, HTTPS upgrading, active content blocking, tracking blocking, phishing protection, and similar privacy-oriented features. However, if you want true anonymity, we suggest you employ a powerful Private Internet Access VPN – it can encrypt all the traffic that comes and goes out of your computer, preventing tracking completely.
Lost your files? Use data recovery software
While some files located on any computer are replaceable or useless, others can be extremely valuable. Family photos, work documents, school projects – these are types of files that we don't want to lose. Unfortunately, there are many ways how unexpected data loss can occur: power cuts, Blue Screen of Death errors, hardware failures, crypto-malware attack, or even accidental deletion.
To ensure that all the files remain intact, you should prepare regular data backups. You can choose cloud-based or physical copies you could restore from later in case of a disaster. If your backups were lost as well or you never bothered to prepare any, Data Recovery Pro can be your only hope to retrieve your invaluable files.
- ^ Trojan Horse. Wikipedia. The Free Encyclopedia.
- ^ Malvertising: When Online Ads Attack. Trend Micro. Enterprise Cyber Security Solutions.
- ^ DieViren. DieViren. Security and Spyware News.