HummingWhale virus that can KILL smartphones infects millions of people’s devices

MILLIONS of smartphones have been infected with a "cutting edge" virus which uses incredibly sneaky tactics to install itself on victims' devices.

The malware is called HummingWhale and is a new version of "malicious" software which infected millions of Android phones last year.

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It works by installing itself on gadgets and then downloading software behind its owner's back.

Researchers from the security firm Check Point said it was "hidden" in more than 20 apps on the Google Play store.

The virus is so clever it can even write fake reviews to entice people into downloading it.

Once on a victim's device, it raises cash for its designers by forcing the target to view adverts against their will.

This could mean that young people are shown pornographic ads, or even result in illegal material being downloaded onto an innocent adult's phone.

It could also  by overloading it with dodgy apps which prevent it from running properly.

When HummingBad, the previous version of the virus, was running wild last year it was earning its shady creators an estimated $300,000 (£239,348) per month.

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In a blog post, Oren Koriat, mobile cyber security analyst at Check Point, wrote:"HummingWhale also conducted further malicious activities, like displaying illegitimate ads on a device, and hiding the original app after installation, a trait which was noticed by several users.

"HummingWhale also tries to raise its reputation in Google Play using fraudulent ratings and comments."

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It is believed a Chinese gang designed the first version of the malware, but it's not know who produced the latest one.

"This is a prime example of malware developers learning from each other, as tactics that were introduced by one of them are quickly adopted by others,"

"The fraudulent ratings left by such malware is another reminder that users cannot rely on Google Play for protection, and must apply further, more advanced means of security"