Android is the most widely used mobile operating system in the world. It
currently holds more than 65 percent of market shares globally with
over a billion users. As evidenced by the recent spate of trojan viruses
hackers are constantly changing their tactics to trick Android users
into installing malware. In this world of mobile attacks, the security
of your device is as critical as ever.
As a whole, Androids are a bit more open than Apple products. Their ability to download items directly from the internet leaves your smartphone and tablet more vulnerable, and hackers can easily take advantage of this. Android users can also download, install and remove third-party applications from unreliable sources.
Some tell-tale signs that your Android gadget is infected with malware are sudden slowdowns, spikes in data usage, glitches, ad pop-ups and battery drain
Surge in data usage
One of the first things to check is your monthly data usage. This is generally located on your statement from your cellphone service provider or when you view your mobile account details online. Compare the amount of data used to data usage from the prior months and if you notice sudden spikes in your data usage even though you haven't really changed your usage patterns, then chances are you are infected.
Adware infected phones usually perform unsolicited clicks in the background to generate profit for cybercriminals. All of these stealthy tactics use up bandwidth and the unauthorized data they consume should be fairly easy to spot.
Unexplained charges
One other sure sign that your Android gadget is infected is by incurring unusual charges on your cellphone bill under the "SMS" category. This happens when your gadget is infected with malware that sends text messages to premium-rate numbers and charges you.
Sudden pop-ups
If you're starting to get annoying pop-up ads and notifications, unwanted reminders and nagging "system" warnings that just won't go away, then your Android phone may have been compromised. Malware can also add bookmarks that you don't want, website shortcuts to your home screen that you didn't create and spammy messages that entice you to click through.
Apart from slowing down your phone and eating away at your data, these intrusive notifications can also install more malware on your phone
Unwanted apps
Keep an eye out for apps that you don't remember installing. Trojan malware, especially the adware, are known for automatically downloading further malicious apps without your knowledge. Also, cybercriminals try to mimic and clone legitimate apps to trick users into installing them but switch them out with malware via automatic app updates.
Battery drain
As you can imagine, all this unauthorized background activity not only takes a toll on your data usage, it can impact your battery life, as well. These battery-sucking viruses may be disguised in third-party apps and unreliable downloads, and once you install the program onto your Android, you'll start to see the drain almost instantly.
If you start noticing drastic reductions in your battery life and your phone is heating up even when idle, it might be infected with a virus
As a whole, Androids are a bit more open than Apple products. Their ability to download items directly from the internet leaves your smartphone and tablet more vulnerable, and hackers can easily take advantage of this. Android users can also download, install and remove third-party applications from unreliable sources.
Some tell-tale signs that your Android gadget is infected with malware are sudden slowdowns, spikes in data usage, glitches, ad pop-ups and battery drain
Surge in data usage
One of the first things to check is your monthly data usage. This is generally located on your statement from your cellphone service provider or when you view your mobile account details online. Compare the amount of data used to data usage from the prior months and if you notice sudden spikes in your data usage even though you haven't really changed your usage patterns, then chances are you are infected.
Adware infected phones usually perform unsolicited clicks in the background to generate profit for cybercriminals. All of these stealthy tactics use up bandwidth and the unauthorized data they consume should be fairly easy to spot.
Unexplained charges
One other sure sign that your Android gadget is infected is by incurring unusual charges on your cellphone bill under the "SMS" category. This happens when your gadget is infected with malware that sends text messages to premium-rate numbers and charges you.
Sudden pop-ups
If you're starting to get annoying pop-up ads and notifications, unwanted reminders and nagging "system" warnings that just won't go away, then your Android phone may have been compromised. Malware can also add bookmarks that you don't want, website shortcuts to your home screen that you didn't create and spammy messages that entice you to click through.
Apart from slowing down your phone and eating away at your data, these intrusive notifications can also install more malware on your phone
Unwanted apps
Keep an eye out for apps that you don't remember installing. Trojan malware, especially the adware, are known for automatically downloading further malicious apps without your knowledge. Also, cybercriminals try to mimic and clone legitimate apps to trick users into installing them but switch them out with malware via automatic app updates.
Battery drain
As you can imagine, all this unauthorized background activity not only takes a toll on your data usage, it can impact your battery life, as well. These battery-sucking viruses may be disguised in third-party apps and unreliable downloads, and once you install the program onto your Android, you'll start to see the drain almost instantly.
If you start noticing drastic reductions in your battery life and your phone is heating up even when idle, it might be infected with a virus
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