Android Malware: Android is one among the best-selling mobile operating systems in the world. Being developed by Google, it’s been known for its free, ready-made, low-cost and open source license.
Despite its features, the major drawback is device support. If a new version of the Android operating system or a security patch is released, it typically takes months of time before it reaches the consumer. Sometimes they do not reach at all. This is due to wide variation of hardware in Android devices.
As there is an enormous amount of rising in malware’s, this article covers the following questions.
- What is malware and what does it do?
- Can you get malware on Android?
- How do I know if I have malware on my Android phone?
- How to check for malware on android?
- How do I get rid of malware on my Android?
What is malware and what does it do?
Malware Definition: Malware is a technical term and an abbreviated form of malicious software. The damage that malware does depends on the category of malware. In short, they create backdoors, corrupts files and spy on your online activities like passwords, credit card numbers, surfing habits and more. Not only that but also infect entire network of devices and pops-up annoying ads.
Can you get malware on Android AKA Android Malware?
The answer is yes. Malware is of type Virus that replicates itself can do nothing to the Android device (at least not yet). So technically there is no such thing as Android virus. But, malware is like Adware1, Spyware2 and Trojans3 can still affect the Android device.
- Adware: Not really malicious. But, can give a way to a lot of other malware.
- Spyware: A malicious software that is designed to spy on user activities.
- Trojans: Masks as a genuine software and creates backdoors to let other malware in.
How do I know if I have malware on my Android phone?
Check whether your phone shows the following symptoms.
Performance Drop: A device infected with malware will have a drop-in performance. This can be due to intensive tasks performed by the malicious software. As a result, you can experience slower loading, hanging of apps, and long boot times.
Faster battery drains: From the discussion above, malware perform intensive tasks. As the power for that processing is fueled by battery, the device requires a number of charges.
The appearance of Unfamiliar Apps: Do you see the apps or notifications on your device that you have never installed? That could be the act of malware done by slipping apps onto your device without you noticing them.
Sudden Pop-ups: A device infected with adware will obviously make user see a number of advertisements. For this reason, pop-ups are displayed. In addition, these pop-ups can open the door for other types of malware.
Unexplained Spikes in Data Usage and Phone Bill: Android malware isn’t there to just irritate. They use devices connection for sending stolen data of the user to online servers. This includes subscribing to services and sending messages. As a result, there will be spikes on user data plans and phone bills.
Related Article: Future of Ensuring Android App Security
How to check for malware on Android or Android Malware?
One can easily check the presence of malware on android by using free best anti malware tools like Zemana Anti-Malware.
Why Zemana Antimalware?
Zemana Antimalware is highly efficient cloud based adware removal tool with their own signature database. As the signatures are cloud based, it’s scan time is 5X faster and can remove many hard to remove adware infections like shorte.st.
Zemana Mobile Antivirus was launched in December 2015. It keeps mobile devices safe from latest mobile threats likewise spyware, key loggers, and Trojans. Pro version offers Antivirus, Anti-key logger for Android, Real-time protection, 24/7 support and automatic DB updates. Zemana Mobile Antivirus 100% detects and removes malware. Their scan time is 5xfaster than other malware scanners in the market. Most of all, no impact on battery life as the app is lightweight.
How do I get rid of malware on my Android or Android Malware?
Use one of the free anti malware tools like above said Zemana Mobile Antivirus or Avast Mobile Security & Antivirus or Kaspersky Mobile Antivirus. In addition, follow the below steps:
- Uninstall the unknown apps.
- Frequently scan your device with Mobile Antivirus Software.
- Clean-up the junk files with Ccleaner or CM Cleaner.
- Reset your device factory settings if necessary.
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