One of the most popular requests for help is how to remove Android viruses. To be exact there are those who talk about viruses, malware, spyware and so on and so forth: are they really dangerous? The ability to install any external application and the huge spread of Android have made it become very vulnerable. The Google operating system has attracted the attention of cyber criminals. For those who feel safe from viruses, you’re wrong.
A malware is always lurking to infect your Android device. So it is essential to protect yourself from these viruses by taking some precautions. For example, the use of some valid Android antivirus or more attention when installing apps from external sources. But what to do if you have already been infected?
Discover with us how to avoid, detect and eliminate Android viruses.
Virus or malware?
Speaking of viruses in the mobile context is not properly correct. Viruses do not exist on the green robotic system, but malware does exist. Malware is malicious software and consists of a program designed to disturb a computer, steal information, collapse the system or bombard a user with unwanted advertising.
If we usually download a myriad of applications from any site coming from the web, we have to pay close attention to the malware. Once contracted, they may steal our personal data, our credentials, our files and much more. The worst thing is that they act subtly and hidden, preventing us from seeing what is really happening.
It is therefore good to carefully check the permissions of the apps that we download and install.
Use an antivirus
To protect ourselves from these threats, it is a good idea to use your device in a conscious way and to use a light and functional antivirus to prevent the arrival of malware. To avoid taking a malware it is recommended to use a good antivirus, to protect us from any infiltration. Also it is good to prevent installation from sources outside the Google Play Store.
By default, Android smartphones do not allow installation of apps outside of the Google store. So, to make sure you do not take risks, let’s go into Settings. Select the Security section and make sure that the Unknown sources option is not activated. If this option is active, disable it.
Now we can recommend a list of the best antivirus, light and reliable. Unfortunately we will be forced to a consequent reduction in performance and autonomy.
Bitdefender
The mobile version of Bitdefender asserts itself just like its big brother for PC. Bitdefender secures our device from malware and other malicious software. In addition to offering antivirus protection, it also implements features that make your Android device safer. It is also designed to optimize battery performance and use.
On the Play Store there are two versions, one completely free and one paid, with an initial free trial.
- DOWNLOAD | Bitdefender Antivirus Free
- DOWNLOAD | Mobile Security & Antivirus
Kaspersky
It is an antivirus that offers many interesting features. Such as scan anti-malware, anti-theft, call filtering, anti-phishing filter and much more. It also allows the location of the phone to detect its position in case of theft or loss.
DOWNLOAD | Kaspersky Antivirus & Security
Identify and uninstall suspicious apps
One of the key things to do is to identify the apps that could be infected. Google allows us to check the permissions of the various apps we have installed and then locate the apps with strange permissions.
If the purpose of the malware is to steal personal data, credentials and files, it does not give the possibility to see what is actually happening. The victims, therefore, remain in the dark about everything, because the malware acts subtly and far from sight. It is essential to carefully analyze the permissions the apps require we install.
To do so, you must go to Settings and in the App section you can check all the apps you have installed, with the relative permissions. Just select the entry Permissions and we will be given a list of all the permissions that asks us that app.
Some applications may obsess us with banner ads, it will be up to us to remove the permissions or uninstall the app in question.
If the malware has been removed you will notice that everything will work properly. Restart the device to check that everything is OK and that there are no more advertisements and other malfunctions.
Restore Android
Unfortunately, uninstalling apps does not solve the problem completely. We must take into account that the app may have already infected our device. Thus, the effects of malware can remain even after uninstalling the infected app.
Also, if the app in question has managed to get root permissions, the problems we encounter may be worse than we thought. In fact, once root permissions are obtained, it could make radical changes to the device system. It is therefore essential to solve this problem as soon as possible.
The best solution, in general, is to reset the factory data. A complete restoration, therefore, will help bring the device as it was when you used it for the first time. We recommend that you make a backup before restoring it in order to recover your data later.
You can choose to perform a software reset, then going to the device settings. Or a hard reset, that is, with the device turned off by a certain combination of keys, which changes depending on the device.
Disable subscriptions and paid services
Recall that malware is not only taken by downloading apps and external markets, but also from famous sites such as Facebook.
Also it may happen to activate some subscription or paid service. The blame for everything is to be attached to fraudulent links or banners. These links open web pages that activate subscriptions to our telephone bill. You will then find yourself without a penny on your telephone credit.
Conclusions
These tips are intended to prevent and eliminate, in case we have already been infected, malware from our Android device. Remember, however, that we are the best antivirus. We are the ones who use our resources correctly and carefully.