Does my Android phone have a virus? Is it infected with malware or a malicious app? Will my personal information be held for ransom? If you find yourself asking these questions, then here is some useful information about Android devices and antivirus apps that may help you.
There are a few reasons why Android devices may be more vulnerable to viruses than other types of devices:
- Fragmentation: There are many different versions of Android available, and each device may be running a different version. This can make it difficult to distribute security updates and patches, which can leave devices vulnerable to attacks.
- Third-party app stores: Android devices are able to download apps from a variety of sources, including the Google Play Store and third-party app stores. This can increase the risk of downloading infected apps, as these stores may not have the same level of security as the Google Play Store.
- Lack of control: Android devices are often more customizable than other types of devices, which can make it easier for users to accidentally download infected apps or click on malicious links.
- Security weaknesses: Like any operating system, Android has its own set of security weaknesses that can be exploited by hackers. These vulnerabilities can be exploited through infected apps, malicious links, or other means.
Overall, it’s important to be cautious when using an Android device and to take steps to protect it from viruses and other types of malware. This includes only downloading apps from trusted sources, keeping your device and apps up to date, and using an antivirus app to scan for viruses and other threats.
What are the signs my phone has a virus?
Whilst viruses and malware do not pose a significant threat to your Galaxy phone due to Samsung’s industry-leading security features, it is still important to be vigilant against a virus attack. The signs that your phone has been infected with a virus or malicious malware include:
- Your phone is operating slower
- Apps are taking longer to load
- The battery drains faster than expected
- You’re experiencing a lot of pop-up ads
- Your phone has apps you don’t remember downloading.
- Unexplained increase in data usage
- Higher than-expected phone bills
- Your contacts have been receiving unusual messages from you that you haven’t sent
Be aware that unscrupulous advertisers will often use ‘your device is infected’ pop-ups to persuade you to click on them. These can be malware or phishing attempts, but they can also be trying to persuade you to download an app or visit their website. These pop-ups will usually turn up while you are browsing the Internet and signs that they are not genuine include continual buzzing, bright flashing lights, or garish text.
How can I check for viruses and malware on my Android phone?
Galaxy security software will be working hard to keep your phone secure from any threats to your personal data. Samsung devices operating Android 7 (Nougat) and above will automatically run a diagnostic check to ensure your phone is protected. Your Galaxy phone is set to automatically optimize itself once a day and check for any security threats.
You can also manually scan your Galaxy device to check for security threats:
- Go to Settings
- Tap Battery and Device Care
- Tap Device protection
- Tap Scan phone
- All of the apps and data on your device will be scanned
- Once the scan is completed you will be shown whether or not your device is secure
If you are using Android 6 (Marshmallow) or below the Smart Manager application can be used to check for viruses and malware on your phone.
- Tap Apps
- Tap Smart Manager
- Go to Security
- Tap Scan Now
You can also use Google Settings to scan your phone for security threats:
- Open Apps
- Tap Google Settings
- Tap Security
- Tap Verify apps
- Tap Scan device for security threats
If any security threats are detected your Galaxy smartphone will guide you through the process of removing and securing your phone.
How can I remove the malware or virus from my Android Galaxy phone?
If you’ve identified malware or viruses on your phone, it’s important to stop the malware from causing any further damage.
Here are a few steps you can take to clean your phone from viruses:
1. Uninstall any unrecognized apps
Access Safe mode on your Galaxy device to determine any apps that are operated by a third party and may therefore be malicious using the steps below:
- Turn off your phone
- Repower your phone and when the Samsung logo appears hold down the volume down key, Safe Mode will appear on the bottom left of the screen
- Open Settings and tap Apps
- Check the apps for unrecognized apps
- Delete any suspicious apps
- Restart your phone to exit Safe Mode
2. Delete your browser cache
It’s worth clearing the cache and data when your phone is behaving in an unusual way and you suspect a virus or malware.
If you are using the Samsung Internet app:
- Open Settings
- Tap Apps
- Tap Samsung Internet
- Select Storage
- Tap Clear Data to remove all temporary files
- Confirm by tapping Delete
- Tap on Clear Cache to delete the browsing cache
If you are using Google Chrome:
- Tap Apps
- Tap Google Chrome
- Select Storage
- Tap Manage Storage to clear data
- Tap on Clear all data and then confirm by tapping OK
- Tap on Clear Cache to delete the browsing cache
3. Perform a Factory reset
Most malware can be removed by performing a factory reset on your phone. Before you undertake a factory reset you need to ensure that you have saved any data you want to access after you perform the reset, otherwise you run the risk of losing it all. Follow the steps below to factory reset your Galaxy phone:
- Open Settings
- Tap Factory data reset and confirm you wish to Factory reset
- Review the information and tap Reset
- Enter your security pin if requested
- Tap Delete all to remove all information and apps from your device
- Your phone will restart when it has finished the reset and will load to the initial setup screen
Please remember, if you’ve identified malware or had a virus attack on your Galaxy phone it is important to change your passwords and PINs as soon as possible. Remember to change them on a different device to ensure the malicious software does not detect your new passwords.
What happens if I leave malware or a virus on my phone?
Malware is ultimately designed to generate revenue for cybercriminals. If you leave malware or viruses on your phone cybercriminals can access your data and steal your personal information for illicit purposes.
The malware allows criminals to:
- Access your passwords
- Access your location
- Access your contact list
- Make your phone send SMS messages to premium-rate text services
- Install adware that forces you to view web pages or download apps
You should secure your Galaxy phone as soon as you become aware of malware or a virus attack on your phone by following the steps in the ‘How should I remove malware or virus from my Android phone’ section.
How do I avoid getting infected with malware or a virus on my phone?
Although malware and viruses are very rare on Android Galaxy phones, for the highest level of protection we recommend taking the following extra precautions to protect your phone:
- Always keep your operating system and apps up-to-date with the latest software and security updates.
- Ensure the embedded security features on your Galaxy device are activated at all times.
- Avoid being bombarded with malicious Ads by downloading an Ad Blocker.
- Only download or install apps from the Galaxy Store and the Google Play Store.
- Avoid clicking on suspicious or unfamiliar links in emails and text messages.
- Use strong, complicated passwords or a password manager.
- Never use unsecured Wi-Fi connections and always use a VPN when connecting to public Wi-Fi.
- Avoid installing third-party apps from unknown sources.
- Take the time to review app permissions before you download them. If an app request seems unusual it’s likely to be malicious.
- Avoid rooting your smartphone which will remove the verified Samsung and Android software from your phone and void the guarantee.
