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Our phones scan and download hordes of data every day. This leaves our phone vulnerable to malware.
Malware is any unsafe and unwanted software that can steal your information without your permission. This eventually causes the phone to crash and compromise your data.
The key to staying away from malware is to keep your phone updated.
We have all seen the message flash across our screens: ‘Your device is at risk.’ This usually happens when unwanted viruses try to. But how do they enter our phones, and what do they do?
In this article, let’s discuss how viruses impact our phones and our data, and also take a look at how to stay protected.
We often come across anonymous links while searching on the web or while watching or downloading files. These hidden links are powerhouses for malware. But how exactly do they invade Android phones? Given below are some ways malware enters mobile phones:
Malicious app downloads: Fake apps on third-party app stores are sometimes portrayed as legitimate, utility, or gaming apps, but are not real. Occasionally, Google Play Store can also house these apps.
Side-loading: users get tricked into downloading third-party store apps. These apps are usually downloaded from unauthorized sources and bypass authentic Google security checks.
Phishing/smishing attacks: Attackers send malware via email or text messages that contain suspicious or malicious links.
How does malware impact our devices? Our phones start giving out excessive permissions once they are infected with malware. This includes access to every accessibility service on our phone.
The malware now has permission to read the screen and perform actions on the user's behalf. Subsequently, they steal personal data and, in some cases, use the phone to conduct fraudulent or unauthorized payments. It also weakens the safety and privacy of our phones.
Also read: How to Scan & Remove Malware on Mac?
Malware is any unsafe or unwanted software that can steal our information or harm our devices. The following are the most common types of malware that affect Android phones:
Adware: Pop-up ads on your screen. This virus can slow down the device or lead to a complete crash.
Spyware: This malware hacks the device’s hardware. Browsing history, media files, and location can be spied upon once the malware enters the phone.
Keyloggers: The malware can spy on all types of texts on your phone
Trojan horses: This malware can steal passwords from Android phones. It uses deceptive methods to steal personal and banking information.
Rootkits: Malware that infiltrates a device to enable secret control over malicious activity.
Given below is a guide with the most important pointers you can follow to keep your phones safe:
Avoid downloading unwanted files or clicking on suspicious links. Do not follow any clickbait or rewarding ads and text messages.
Turn on Google Play Protect. This option can be found in the Google Play Store by tapping the profile icon.
Always keep up with the latest Android updates on your device. The option for any new update is in your phone’s settings. Keep checking the status of all software updates for the latest updates.
Clear cache frequently. Not clearing the cache can significantly slow down your device. A cache is a data storage location that mostly holds temporary files.
Do not install any suspicious apps. If you accidentally downloaded unauthorized apps, uninstall them.
Try activating multi-factor authentication (MFA). This is an excellent cybersecurity solution with a 2-step verification on Android.
If signs of malware persist despite the above precautions, you need to reset your Android device. You can also contact your device’s help center.
Also read: How to Avoid Data Breaches and Protect Your Information Online
1. What is Malware?
Ans: Malware is any unsafe or unwanted software that can steal information or harm your device. There are different types of malware. Some of them are Adware, Trojan horses, Spyware, and Rootkits.
2. How can Android phones get malware?
Ans: Usually, hackers spread malware through apps and download links. Sometimes malware can enter from pirated apps on an official app store.
3. How to identify a malware-affected Android device?
Ans: If your device is affected by malware, then you will see the following three signs: messages about a virus, your device’s anti-virus program stopping, and slowing down.
4. How to identify if my device is being tracked or not?
Ans: If your phone is being monitored, then there will be signs. For example, your phone will overheat, experience rapid battery drain, and have high data usage. You could also watch for unusual sounds during calls or unexpected pop-ups.
5. How to deactivate your phone from being tracked?
Ans: You can change your phone settings. It is advisable to use a VPN, switch to a private browser, and be more careful with app permissions.
