Android MobiDash Virus – Threat Detection

You can remove Android MobiDash by following the malware removal instructions below.

By Andy Mulholland - Malware Researcher 5 Min Read

Antivirus software uses the detection name MobiDash to identify potential threats that have similar characteristics and behaviors to unwanted applications and advertising-supported software.

Android files and applications that share similar characteristics and patterns are often grouped together using threat detection names.

If you've encountered the MobiDash detection while scanning downloaded APK files on VirusTotal, you might be curious about its significance.

Don't worry, the threat name mentioned is often a false positive that can occur during file scans, so there's no need to be concerned.

It has been discovered to be flagging a variety of files, even those that are usually seen as harmless.

Antivirus threat detection in general

Antivirus software relies on comprehensive databases that store signatures and patterns for different types of harmful software, including viruses, malware, ransomware, trojans, adware, and other potentially dangerous programs that are frequently encountered.

Antivirus software often makes use of these datasets. To efficiently identify and remove malware from a computer.

If an antivirus program detects a file or application on a user's device that matches a signature in its database, it will quickly take action to remove the harmful file.

Similarly, an antivirus tool can safeguard a computer by constantly monitoring it for possible threats using its vast database of threat signatures. VirusTotal scans files using over 70 antivirus engines to provide a thorough analysis.

Sometimes, antivirus programs can mistakenly flag a file as malware, even if it's not, because of a common pattern or signature.

Behavior of the threat

MobiDash is a term commonly used to describe files with the sole purpose of displaying advertisements onto the device.

Sometimes, the antivirus engine may mistakenly identify reliable files as malware if they share common patterns or characteristics, even if other antivirus engines deem them safe.

This is a common problem that frequently occurs when working with downloaded files, especially modded APKs obtained from untrustworthy sources.

Common MobiDash threat detections:

  • Adware/MobiDash!Android – Fortinet
  • PUA.AndroidOS.Mobidash – Ikarus
  • Android/Adware.MobiDash – Malwarebytes
  • Adware.AndroidOS.Mobidash – Kaspersky
  • PUP/Android.MobiDash – AhnLab-V3

These modified applications have been programmed to acquire cheats and boosts for the game in a simple and clear manner. As a result, antivirus engines may flag these changes as potentially harmful because of their characteristics.

More about Android MobiDash

This specific threat is not intentionally harmful. On the other hand, it frequently causes false alarms and flags specific files and apps on the device as possible risks.

If your phone has been targeted by malware or if you have downloaded a modified APK from unreliable sources, it is possible that your system is infected and requires removal of the malware.

If you want to make sure the detection is accurate, you might want to scan your device with Malwarebytes. This program is widely recognized for its ability to protect your device from malware, and it even has a mobile version available.

How to run a malware scan with Malwarebytes
  1. Open the Play Store app on your Android device.
  2. To find Malwarebytes Mobile Security, simply enter “Malwarebytes” in the search bar.
  3. Click on Malwarebytes and tap on the Install button.
  4. Once the installation has finished, open the application.
  5. Simply tap Get started.
  6. When you open the app for the first time, Malwarebytes will ask for security permissions on your device. Simply follow the prompts on your screen to enable the necessary permissions.
  7. When you access the Premium screen, you will find clear and straightforward subscription activation and trial options.
    • Start free trial: Begin a trial by subscribing through Google Play. The subscription fee is applied after the 7-day trial period.
    • Already have a subscription: If you already have a subscription, you can easily activate the Premium features by making a purchase from the Malwarebytes online store or restoring a previous Google Play purchase.
    • Skip: Select this option to access the free version.
  8. Once you are in the homepage, click the Scan button to begin scanning the mobile device for malware.
  9. After the scan is finished, follow the on-screen instructions to delete the unwanted objects. Restart the device if prompted.

Leave a comment