You might take extreme measures to keep your business’s devices from contracting the odd virus or malware, but what if the device was infected before you even started using it. You might be surprised by how often this happens, even to wary business owners.
Infected Devices
Two unnamed companies discovered this after Check Point researchers found malware on 40 different of their devices. Check Point believes that the malware was installed on the devices before they left the factory. The devices required a full reinstall of the operating system to ensure that the malware was removed because the malware was actually installed through system privileges!
The following devices were infected:
• Galaxy Notes 2, 3, 4, and 5
• Galaxy Note Edge
• Galaxy Tab 2 and S2
• Galaxy S7 and S4
• Galaxy A5
• LG G4
• Xiaomi MI 4i and Redmi
• ZTE x500
• Opportunities N3 and R7 Plus
• Vivo X6 Plus
• Nexus 5 and 5X
• Asus Zenfone 2
• Lenovo S90 and A850
The devices had a variety of malware preinstalled on them. Most of these were simply adware, but there was malware such as the Loki malware and the Slocker ransomware-a concerning pair.
Refurbished Devices
This isn’t the only time something like this has happened, but it should be enough to make you reevaluate your vetting process. Always have your IT department check out devices before using; especially used devices that you may have bought at a discount.
Trust No One…
If this proves anything, it’s that you can’t automatically trust manufacturers and that you can’t be too diligent when it comes to network security. Make sure your infrastructure isn’t vulnerable from within from pre-installed malware. Quikteks can help you protect your data. To learn more, reach out to us at (973) 882-4644.