What is Harly Mobile Malware?
Harly is the name of a malicious mobile application that can install on Android devices including phones and tablets.
Harly uses a very popular distribution method that many other malicious Android apps resort to - it hides inside seemingly harmless and usually "fun-oriented" applications. There are a number of applications that were known carriers of the Harly malware, including Mondy Gamebox, Flashlight & More Convenience and Fancy Launcher Live Wallpaper.
Such applications usually don't last long on the official Google Play Store, but the fact that they were up for a stretch of time is always worrying.
The purpose of Harly is to subscribe the victim to expensive premium services without the victim's knowledge. The malware also includes capabilities that let it read contacts, make calls, find and pair with Bluetooth-enabled devices and enumerate processes running on the compromised device.
The Harly malware is able to achieve persistence by getting permission to run on system startup.
Removing similar malicious apps as fast as possible is crucial, because you may rack up a massive monthly bill before you detect the presence of a premium service caller malware like Harly.