Hey folks, I could really use some guidance. I'm in over my head with what seems like a serious malware infection across several devices. So here's the scoop:
My phone (a Nothing Phone 1) has fake default apps that stick around, even after a full factory reset. I checked my BankID app with APK Analyzer and found that the SHA-256 certificate doesn't match the official info, so I suspect I've been downloading tampered apps, maybe even a fake Google Play Store. Everything looks legit—from developer names to reviews—but I'm worried they're just fakes with a polished UI. I think they might be redirecting traffic and spoofing UI elements.
On my desktop, I got hit after downloading a cracked game from ThePirateBay—Windows Defender flagged it as a RAT and a miner, which I dismissed as a false positive because these things usually alter memory to avoid detection. I trusted the uploader's reputation, so I thought the torrent might have been tampered with elsewhere.
Now, I'm seeing bizarre DNS redirects and strange behavior in Google search results. I've been blocked from security websites and even sometimes from my router's admin panel. There are odd grammar and syntax errors popping up in my OS and on multiple websites, and my Windows version shows as Windows 10 when it should be Windows 11. Regular apps are updating way too often, and I'm seeing suspicious entries in services and firewall rules without explanation.
I initially thought my ISO file was safe, but now I worry all my devices might have been compromised through various services and attack vectors. Even downloading security software led to my files being flagged as potentially malicious.
The silver lining is I haven't seen signs of account takeover or financial loss yet, but I'm anxious about it. I've isolated my devices, and my plan involves using three new USB sticks to refresh my desktop: one for Windows installation, one for GParted Live to wipe everything, and another for a BIOS update. I'm considering a detailed approach to ensure I don't get reinfected along the way.
So, can I realistically handle this all on my own, or do I need to bring in a professional company that deals with serious malware issues? Any tips or advice would be greatly appreciated!
1 Answer
Sounds super intense! If you're worried about your BIOS being compromised, it's a good idea to flash it first. Just remember to back up your data first—never a bad call. Reinstalling Windows is a solid plan, and making sure to wipe all partitions will help clear out any lurking malware. After that, secure your accounts with strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication. Also, downloading apps only from official sources is crucial—should help mitigate the malware risk on your phone, especially from the Play Store.
Thanks! I figured a fresh Windows install and tight security measures might be my best shot to start clean. I’ll definitely keep an eye out for potential malware in apps.