Cybersecurity

This Android malware has infected 85 million devices and makes its creators $300,000 a month

A strain of of Android malware has infected 85 million victims across the globe, generating at least $300,000 every month for the gang behind it, thanks to millions of pop-up adverts and app downloads.

On top of that, experts have warned that the spread of the malicious HummingBad software could be used to do even worse damage by stealing victims' data.

The mobile malware has been analysed by security researchers at Check Point after it was found on Android devices belonging to two employees at "a large financial institution". In-depth findings on the malware are laid out in the company's 'From HummingBad to Worse' report. The gang behind the malware -- thought to be located in China -- are estimated to generate around $1m every quarter from fraudulent ad revenue and the installation of bogus apps.