Why am I unable to reset/access root directory?

[bloodyandroid]

Unable to reset/access root directory

I have a Samsung Galaxy s4, recently I've been unable to access the root directory and multiple unidentified System files have been added as well as applications that are allowing the application to directly call phone numbers, modify contacts, send emails to guests without owners knowledge, full network access, interact across users, create accounts and set passwords and read sensitive log data among other things.

I'm unable to root my phone and in looking in a file managing software some of the system files have been locked/hidden.

And yes I've tried resetting the phone by holding home, volume and power buttons (nothing happens).

 

[Rukbat]

Re: Unable to reset/access root directory

Sounds like malware. If it installs itself as a system app, a factory reset won't touch it. The only way to get rid of it is to reflash the ROM. It's simple with a Samsung - see our [Samsung] How to flash Stock ROM via ODIN guide.