It’s easy to forget that the device in your pocket isn’t just a phone. It’s a computer millions of times more powerful than the systems used for the moon landings in 1969. Show
Yet according to the Deloitte Mobile Consumer Survey 2019, 88 percent of the UK population had a smartphone - and we've never been more addicted to them. A third of UK adults have reported arguing with their partner about phone overuse. They also admit to regularly using it when with friends or watching television. But while smartphone use is on the rise, so is mobile malware. Malware (or 'malicious software') is software that's designed to secretly control a device and steal private information. According to Symantec, Managing mobile device security continues to present a challenge for organisations. During 2018, one in 36 devices used in organisations were classed as high risk and 1 in 36 mobile devices had high risk apps installed. It's not just AndroidThere is a common misconception with viruses on mobile devices: that Android devices are particularly vulnerable. In March 2021 one of the worlds leading cybersecurity experts warned of the alarming new surge in malicious apps posing serious threats to iPhone Users. As of March 2020, the total number of new Android malware samples amounted to 482,579 per month. According to AV-Test, trojans were the most common type of malware affecting Android devices. In 2019, trojans accounted for 93.93 percent of all malware attacks on Android systems. Ransomware ranked second, with 2.47 percent of Android malware samples involving this variant. So here's the lesson: avoiding one operating system won't protect you from mobile malware. Here's how to protect yourself:
Signs your phone has a virusUnfortunately your phone may still become infected with malware, even if you're taking all the right preventative steps. Here's how to tell if your phone has a virus:
What to do in the event of infectionIf you find out that your phone has a virus, it needs to be fixed as soon as possible. Firstly, switch the device to airplane mode. This will stop any malicious apps from receiving and sending data. Secondly, check your most recently installed apps. If there are any that have a low number of downloads, consistently low ratings and poor reviews on the App Store or Google Play Store - delete them first. This should remove any potentially malicious applications from your device. Best practice suggests that no matter what type of device you have, you should install anti-virus software. This can carry out a scan of your handset for malicious software. ESET Mobile Security is Pensar's recommended choice. Digital pocket protectionAccording to Statista, the current number of smartphone users in the world today is 3.8 billion. With such prevalence smartphones are only going to become a more lucrative target to cyber-criminals. But, with a little knowledge and pre-emptive protection, your device can stay safe. Anyone who frequently uses the internet is bound to encounter malware at some point. Your smartphone contains a lot of your private information, which makes it a prime target for malicious operators. Fortunately, finding and removing malware on your Android device is possible. If you want a simpler solution, you can use Clario's security app and malware removal tool to swiftly identify and neutralize any threats. Try Clario free Get it for iOS, Android Table of contents
We use our smartphones for virtually everything these days: working, shopping, banking, booking, and, of course, communicating with friends and family.
With all this activity passing through them, can you imagine how much information these devices contain? They are treasure troves of sensitive data that could potentially put you at risk if they fall into the wrong hands.
So with this in mind, it’s high time you learned how to avoid malware on Android.
Signs of malware on AndroidThe following Android virus symptoms will help tip you off if you feel something’s not right:
Be extra wary of the following:
How to check for malware on AndroidBeyond just looking out for symptoms, you need to learn how to find malware on Android.
Follow these simple steps:
Don’t just manually scan your Android device. You can give yourself more protection by setting up automatic scanning for your phone to ensure you are alerted anytime malware invades the system. To do this, simply tap the gear icon located in the top-right corner of the Play Protect window. Make sure both sliders are switched on or set to green. How to get rid of viruses or malware on Android
Reboot in safe modeSafe mode allows you to turn off any third-party apps and services, giving you a chance to disable malware as well.
Remember, if you use any custom launchers, your phone will look different while in safe mode. Don’t be concerned — your home screen icons will return after the reboot. The only thing affected will be the home screen widgets — those will be removed. So, before proceeding to safe mode, we recommend taking a screenshot of your home screen so you can quickly restore widgets after booting back to normal mode.
The steps to enter the safe mode can vary for different device models, but the most common ones are these:
If these steps don’t work for your device, consult the manufacturer’s guide.
Uninstall all suspicious appsIf you have noticed several symptoms we’ve mentioned, but your phone is still functioning, take a thorough look at your list of apps. Malware could be hiding there.
Get rid of pop-up ads and redirects from your browserIf your device keeps being redirected to unwanted websites or pop-up ads keep showing up, you will have to reset your mobile browser to its default settings. This is an action you should only perform if all other steps have failed to solve the problem. Unlike Windows and Mac computers, Android doesn’t have any setting restoration capabilities built into its browsers.
To reset browser settings on Android, you will have to clear the application data. This way, you will be able to remove all the saved caches, site settings, and cookies.
To return your Chrome browser to its factory settings:
Clear your downloadsUnlike iOS, Android OS allows you to download various files from the internet. This is a useful feature, but it also poses risks to your device: mainly, you can accidentally download malware. It’s important to keep your folder of downloads in order and free from suspicious or unnecessary files.
If your Android device is failing to respond, freezing, or not allowing you to open anything, then you need to resort to more advanced steps.
Install a mobile anti-malware appWith cybercriminals always on the lookout for new ways to invade our privacy and steal data, your best security efforts will often never be enough. This is why the most effective way to protect your device is by installing a trustworthy mobile security app like Clario.
Here’s how to use Clario’s antivirus for Android:
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Learning how to stop malware on an Android phone starts with awareness and preventive measures. So, to protect your device against future risks:
And if you want to stay in the loop about the latest tips on how to get rid of malware on Android and be one step ahead of cybercriminals, make sure to read Clario’s blog. Prevention is always better than cure. How do I clear viruses from my Android phone?How to remove a virus from an Android phone. Clear your cache and downloads. Open Settings, go to Apps & notifications, and select Chrome. ... . Restart your Android device in safe mode. ... . Find and remove malicious apps. ... . Activate Google Play Protect. ... . Install anti-malware software.. How do I check my phone to see if it has a virus?To run a virus scan on your Android phone, you'll need to download a mobile security software app . Most phones don't come with one installed. Android is an open-source platform, so there are many options for virus scanners, including McAfee Mobile Security.
What does it look like when you get a virus on your phone?An increase in random pop-ups and new apps.
If your device is housing a malicious app or a virus, you may notice an increase in random pop-ups (more than usual). And, if you take a closer look at your app library, you may even see app icons from apps you never downloaded.
Can I clean my phone from viruses?You can clean your Android phone of viruses and malware by deleting malicious software in safe mode, clearing the cache, or performing a factory reset. While there are no true computer viruses that can infect your Android phone, there's plenty of other malware.
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