(WFLA) – Android users should beware of pre-installed malware, according to one global security vendor.
Check Point Software Technologies Inc. says its Mobile Threat Prevention recently detected malware in 38 Android devices that came with the phone.
The apps did not come from the vendor, according to Check Point, but were added along the supply chain.
This is a full list of the impacted Android devices:
5 Asus Zenfone 2
Galaxy A5
Galaxy Note 2
Galaxy Note 3
Galaxy Note 4
Galaxy Note 5
Galaxy Note 8.0
Galaxy Note Edge
Galaxy S4
Galaxy S7
Galaxy Tab 2
Galaxy Tab S2
Lenovo A850
Lenovo S90
LG G4
Nexus 5
Nexus 5X
OppoR 7 plus
Oppo N3
vivo X6 plus
Xiaomi Mi 4i
Xiaomi Redmi
ZTE x500
Check Point says most of the malware were information stealers and rough ad networks, but one of them was a mobile ransomware called Slocker. The ransomware encrypts all of the files on the device, and demands ransom for the decryption key.
To protect yourself from falling victim to pre-installed malware, Check Point says you should use advanced security measures to identify and block abnormalities in the device. Users should also avoid risky websites and download apps only from official and trusted app stores.