An overwhelming amount of malware is created to strike PC computers, but that hardly makes Android users safe to browse the Internet and download any app they wish carefree. Malware and ransomware increased by enormous amounts for Android in 2017 and will continue to do so as long as the Google product enjoys such a pronounced share of the global mobile market.
Android users also have to battle against adware and popup ads that continuously infest their screens. If you have trouble with your device, a good antivirus solution for your Android phone may be in order. How can you tell if your Android is infected with software you don’t want? Here’s a fast guide to keeping your phone safe and virus free.
Signs That Your Android Phone is Infected
There are more than 1 billion Android users worldwide, so there’s no wonder why cybercriminals and other scam artists are so intent on getting adware, popup ads, and malware onto their computers. But you don’t have to be a computer expert to notice when your Android doesn’t appear to be running as well as it could be.
Here are a few warning signs that something might be amiss on your Android:
1. Lots of Popups
This might have been a standard practice 15 years ago, but most legitimate advertisers are hip to the fact that the average consumer loathes popup ads. If you keep seeing extra ads and notifications, particularly ones telling you there’s something wrong with your system, take note that the ads themselves might be the problem.
2. Big Jumps in Data Usage
Your data usage will always vary from month to month but you should be in the same general rage every time. If there’s a giant surge that you can’t explain, you very well could be infected with malware that is chewing up bandwidth and costing you money.
3. Unknown Apps
If you’re the average person, you’ve got plenty of apps on your phone, to begin with. But you know what’s legitimate and what’s not. If you’re seeing apps that you know you didn’t download, don’t brush them off. Nothing should be on your phone if you didn’t put it there.
4. Battery Power
Malware can hide in a lot of ways, but it can’t disguise how much energy it’s eating up. If your battery is running out rapidly, or your phone seems hot even when it’s in sleep mode, you need to check for malware immediately.
How to Get Rid of It
Once you’re convinced something’s rotten in the state of your Android, you need to act quickly before more damage is done. In the case of suspicious apps, the easiest solution is to locate them and uninstall them using your Settings/Apps path. You should also use the controls to “Clear Cache” and “Clear Data” to ensure nothing is left behind from that particular app.
If the offending app isn’t obvious, you need to limit its ability to corrupt your Android. You can start this with the most obvious step, shutting your device down. This won’t solve the problem, but it could limit the damage while you consider what might be causing it. You can also use this time to research android antivirus removes. Doing your homework on another device will allow you to quickly download the anti-virus tool of your choice and set it to action once you reactivate your droid.
One more tip is to work in safe mode when you reboot your Android. This is achieved by holding down the power button when your device is on, then tapping and holding the Power Off option. One of the options called up will let you “Reboot to Safe Mode.” Safe mode isn’t 100% foolproof against malicious software, but it can limit its interaction in your system until you’ve got your next move planned.
