Incident Response Playbook for Smartphone Malware Detection (Updated 2025)

This Smartphone Malware Incident Response Playbook outlines the procedures for detecting, containing, remediating, and recovering from malware infections on mobile devices. It has been updated with modern tools and techniques, including mobile device management (MDM), enhanced forensic capabilities, and network monitoring integration.

1. Preparation

Objective: Establish preventative measures and procedures to enable swift detection and response to malware on smartphones.

Key Steps:

1. Deploy Security Solutions:

   • Use a Mobile Device Management (MDM) platform to monitor and manage all company-issued smartphones.

   • Install security apps (e.g., antivirus, VPN, anti-malware) on devices.

   • Enable automatic updates for operating systems and security software.

2. Configure Logging:

   • Enable detailed logging of system activities, application permissions, and network connections.

   • Integrate device logs with centralised log management systems (e.g., SIEM).

3. Forensic Readiness:

   • Prepare forensic tools compatible with Android and iOS devices, such as Cellebrite, Oxygen Forensic Suite, and Magnet AXIOM.

   • Establish protocols for data extraction, including procedures to enable developer options or USB debugging on Android devices.

4. Documentation and Access Control:

   • Maintain an inventory of devices, including operating systems, applications, and users.

   • Ensure that access control policies are enforced, such as requiring multi-factor authentication (MFA) and strong passcodes.

5. Training and Awareness:

   • Train IT and security teams on mobile malware threats and response procedures.

   • Educate users on recognising phishing attempts, suspicious apps, and unsafe browsing behaviour.

2. Identification

Objective: Detect the presence of malware on a smartphone, determine its scope, and notify relevant stakeholders.

Detection Methods:

1. Alerts from Security Apps:

   • Monitor security apps for notifications of malware detections or suspicious activities.

2. Anomalous Device Behaviour:

   • Investigate signs such as:

     • Unusually slow performance.

     • High data or battery usage.

     • Unexpected system reboots or shutdowns.

     • Frequent app crashes.

     • Unauthorised access to sensitive data.

3. Unusual Network Activity:

   • Detect abnormal network traffic patterns, including:

     • Unexpected connections to remote servers.

     • Large volumes of outbound traffic.

     • DNS queries to known malicious domains.

4. User Reports:

   • Interview the user to gather information on recent device activities, such as:

     • Installed applications.

     • Websites visited.

     • Unusual messages (e.g., SMS, MMS, Bluetooth messages).

5. Billing and Usage Anomalies:

   • Check for unexpected charges on phone bills or unexplained call logs, such as:

     • Calls to unknown numbers.

     • Premium SMS charges.

3. Containment

Objective: Limit the damage caused by malware by isolating the affected device and preserving evidence for investigation.

Steps:

1. Isolate the Device:

   • Enable airplane mode to block all wireless communications (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, mobile data).

   • If feasible, remove the SIM card and battery to fully disconnect the device.

2. Back Up Data:

   • Create a full backup of the device’s filesystem and application data using secure methods.

   • Ensure that backup data is stored on a secure forensic workstation.

3. Preserve Evidence:

   • Place the device in a Faraday bag if further isolation is required.

   • Perform an initial scan of backup files for malware indicators.

4. Secure User Credentials:

   • Request access credentials (e.g., device password, SIM PIN, Google Play account) for forensic analysis.

   • Provide the user with a replacement device to minimise business disruption.

5. Initiate Forensic Analysis:

   • Use forensic tools to extract and analyse data, including:

     • Application permissions.

     • Network traffic logs.

     • Installed apps and system modifications.

4. Remediation

Objective: Remove the malware from the device and secure it against future infections.

Steps:

1. Remove Malware:

   • If possible, delete identified malicious applications and files.

   • Use antivirus and anti-malware tools to scan and remove additional threats.

2. Factory Reset:

   • If malware cannot be fully removed, perform a hard reset to restore the device to factory settings.

   • Reinstall a clean version of the operating system if available.

3. Report Malware:

   • Notify mobile application marketplaces (e.g., Google Play, Apple App Store) of any identified malicious apps for removal.

   • Share threat intelligence with security teams and partners.

4. SIM and Network Restoration:

   • Reinsert the SIM card and verify that network connectivity is restored without signs of reinfection.

5. Recovery

Objective: Restore the device to full operational status and ensure that the environment is secure.

Steps:

1. Selective Data Restoration:

   • Restore only verified clean data and applications from the backup.

   • Avoid reinstalling potentially compromised applications.

2. Credential Reset:

   • Instruct the user to reset all passwords associated with the device, including email, cloud services, and financial apps.

3. Monitor for Recurrence:

   • Perform additional security checks on the device and network.

   • Monitor the device for any signs of suspicious activity over a defined quarantine period.

4. Update Security Measures:

   • Apply additional security policies, such as enhanced app permissions and stricter MDM controls.

6. Lessons Learned

Objective: Document the incident, identify gaps in security posture, and improve response processes.

Steps:

1. Incident Report:

   • Include details such as:

     • Initial detection and investigation findings.

     • Actions taken and their effectiveness.

     • Timeline of events and resolution.

     • Indicators of compromise.

2. Post-Incident Review:

   • Conduct a debrief with incident responders, IT administrators, and the affected user.

   • Identify areas for improvement in detection, containment, and remediation processes.

3. Policy Updates:

   • Update security policies and procedures based on lessons learned.

   • Implement regular security audits and penetration testing for mobile devices.

4. User Training:

   • Provide feedback and training to the affected user to improve awareness of mobile threats.

   • Conduct organisation-wide training sessions on mobile security best practices.

Conclusion

This Smartphone Malware Incident Response Playbook equips organisations with a comprehensive framework for handling malware incidents on mobile devices. Continuous updates to security tools, training programs, and response protocols will enhance resilience against evolving mobile threats.

For additional resources, including forensic analysis guides, malware reporting templates, and MDM configuration best practices, please contact the cybersecurity team.