To detect malware on Android devices is very important nowadays, as Android devices are loved for their flexibility, but that also makes them more prone to malware. So, Android users need to know whether their devices are malware-affected and the steps to remove them from their devices.
What is Malware?
Software that is designed to damage, cause disruption, or gain unauthorized access to a device is basically called malware. Hackers use it to steal sensitive information, track your activities, and even spam you with intrusive ads.
It can come to your device through infected apps, malicious websites, and even email attachments. So you need to be very much conscious while dealing with these things.
How to detect malware on Android devices?
There are common signs through which it can be detected that your Android device is infected with malicious software.
Constant Battery Drain
If your phone’s battery starts draining significantly without any obvious reason, there is a chance that some malicious software has infected your phone. Background processes have often been run by malicious apps that consume battery power. This leads to draining your phone’s battery even if your phone is idle.
Overheating
It’s normal if you use your phone heavily and it gets warm. But the phone isn’t in use yet; it is overheating persistently, which is a sign that it is infected by malware. There is a hidden process running in the background putting a strain on your phone’s processor that causes overheating of the phone.
Also read: How to enable Theft Protection feature on Android phones
Pop-Ups, Ads, and Redirects
if you are getting random ads, pop-ups, or browser redirects even without using any apps, it’s a strong signal that malware is there on your phone.
Some specific malware displays ads on your device to generate revenue for its developers, and it can create more malware on your device. Do not click those ads popping up on your device, and try to remove malware from your phone.
Unwanted Apps
If you find any app on your device that you have not installed, it is a confirmation that malware infected your device. Downloading apps from unauthorized sites can install additional unwanted software without your permission. And this unwanted software will serve a malicious purpose in your device.
Malware can also get into your phone through email attachments from spam, or through download sites for media and files.
That’s why it’s recommended that always download apps from trusted and authorized sites to protect your phone from infectious malware attacks.
Unexplained Data Usage
Your mobile data is getting used simultaneously without using it is a signal that malware is at work. Without your knowledge, your data has been used by Malicious apps to transfer data or to download more malware in the background.
How to remove malware from your Android phone?
If you find any of the mentioned signs in your phone or suspect that your phone has been attacked by infectious malware, you can follow the steps mentioned below to remove the malware and restore your device’s security.
The steps are as follows:
Turn on Safe Mode:
Safe Mode helps your device to disable all third-party apps. It will help you to recognize if the problem your device is facing is from the third-party apps you’ve installed.
To turn on the safe mode:
- Access the power menu by pressing and holding the power button. Once you see the option of “Power off,” tap and hold it until you see the “Reboot to safe mode” option.
- If you can’t find that option, then simply press the power button and volume down button together while turning on the phone to enter safe mode.
After keeping your device in Safe mode, if you find that unwanted ads or slow performance is absent, it’s confirmed that any third-party apps have malware.
Leave safe mode and uninstall unrecognizable apps and apps you download from unverified sources.
Using Antivirus or Security Tools:
You can take the help of antivirus apps that are specially designed to detect, isolate, and remove malicious software from your device.
Some of the popular antivirus apps are “Avast Mobile Security, Norton Mobile Security, and Bitdefender.”.
Download the official version of antivirus apps from the Google Play Store and then launch a scan. It will check your system and provide clear instructions to remove any malicious files it finds.
Malware is very infectious for your Android device, which can harm you by stealing all your personal data and destroying your privacy. BY following the above steps, you can detect malware on Android devices and can protect your phone from getting hacked.
