AI-Powered Malware Drains Smartphones and Slows Performance

Cybersecurity researchers have identified a new form of malware targeting Android devices that not only slows down smartphones but also rapidly depletes their battery. The discovery, made by the cyber threat analysis firm Doctor Web, reveals that this malicious software leverages artificial intelligence (AI) to execute its operations discreetly, putting significant strain on users’ devices.

Unlike conventional malware, which typically aims to steal personal information, commit financial fraud, or monitor user activity, this AI-driven variant operates in the background to automatically click on online advertisements displayed on the smartphone screen. These actions occur without the user's knowledge, causing the device to overwork, overheat, and drain its battery at an accelerated rate.

Doctor Web’s research highlights several key behaviours of the malware: it can identify specific ads on websites or within apps, analyse their content, and interact with them autonomously. While it does not directly harvest sensitive user data, the prolonged background activity significantly hampers device performance, leading to slower app launches, laggy interface responses, and excessive battery consumption.

The malware primarily spreads through seemingly legitimate Android applications, making it difficult for casual users to detect. Google’s Play Protect service provides a level of defence against such threats, scanning apps for suspicious activity and warning users before installation. However, cybersecurity experts stress that user awareness and caution remain the first line of defence.

Experts recommend the following precautions to minimise risk:

The emergence of this AI-powered malware underscores a growing trend: malicious software is becoming smarter, more adaptive, and harder to detect. While traditional malware focuses on financial gain or data theft, this new variant demonstrates that even resource exploitation for ad revenue can have a tangible negative impact on everyday users.

By combining vigilance with the use of official app stores and built-in security features, Android users can significantly reduce their exposure to these invisible digital threats, ensuring that their devices remain both fast and energy-efficient.