how to check for viruses on android
Tuesday, May 23, 2023
how to check for viruses on android
Some people will tell you that Android phones are safe from viruses and malware,
but there are many examples of finding apps with adware and malware on the Google Play Store. Last summer, Bleeping Computer reported a bunch of new malicious Android apps discovered on the Google Play Store. Google Play Protect can tell you if your app differs in any way from the version it maintains in the Store. But what if the original Google-approved code is bad?
Apparently, there is a role for anti-malware apps that can scan Android phones for viruses and other malware. Many of the products available for Android devices come from the same company that has been protecting PCs for years. But once any current vandalism is removed, there are still future threats to consider. Let's bring together the components of a successful Android security strategy.
QUICK RESPONSE
To scan your Android phone for viruses and malware, download a reputable anti-malware app from the Google Play Store and have it scan your phone to find suspicious code. After scanning, go through your list of apps and remove any that you don't remember installing. We've rounded up some of the best anti-malware apps for Android to help you choose the right one for your needs.
Skip to MAIN PART
Can Android Phones Get Viruses or Malware?
A virus is a special type of malware that behaves in a particular way. It replicates itself in the operating system or application code, in the same way that a biological virus inserts its genetic code into human cells. While Android phones are not usually exposed to this particular type of security threat, there are other forms of malware (the broadest category containing viruses and other malicious code) that can achieve their goals. Like the goal of the virus creators: get your information, damage your phone or hold it for ransom.
Android phones are often infected with malware through the phone owner being tricked into downloading it. It can come from a downloaded app, an email or text message attachment, or something downloaded from a website. It could even be from another phone if you connect the two together.
If your phone runs slow, drains battery very quickly, or keeps rebooting, it could be malware. If the same app keeps crashing, if you see pop-ups in apps that don't usually have them, if your phone suddenly overheats, or if you see an app on your phone that you don't want to use. Remember installed, you may have an unwanted guest in your phone. So what should you do?
How to scan for viruses or malware on Android
The first thing you need to do is scan your Android phone for malware. There are many anti-malware apps available for the Android operating system. Most offer a free version with basic features and charge for a premium version. Most Android owners will be fine with the free version (for example, many don't want a VPN). These apps are easy to use, most have a large scan button when you open the app. Among the apps listed in our linked article above, Bitdefender Antivirus is a great choice. It is lightweight and offers good functionality in its free form.
Scan for malware on your phone with Bitdefender Antivirus
Here's how to use Bitdefender Antivirus to get your phone working properly:
Download and install the app, then launch it use.
Tap the Scan Device button and Bitdefender will start scanning your phone for malware.
After the scan is complete, the application will display the results.
We received a certificate of good health in this analysis. If Bitdefender finds malware, it will automatically remove it. If this is not possible, it will give you the choice of disinfecting the offending file, deleting it, or quarantining it. Most anti-malware applications work the same way.
Remove all non-Play Store apps
Now that you have determined that your phone is virus free you should consider the possibility that there is a broken app on your phone has not been moved. If there's an app on your phone that you haven't downloaded from the Google Play Store, it might be suspicious because apps aren't usually available in the Google Play Store for some reason.
Sometimes it's because the app is performing a function that violates the company's terms of service. And other times, it's because the app maker or distributor wants to include spyware or other malware in their apps. They know Google won't allow that. Although infected apps sometimes appear in the Google Play Store, Google regularly scans its app store for malware. If you want to make sure your device is safe, it's best to remove any apps from your phone or tablet that you haven't downloaded from the Google Play Store.
What about the future?
Keeping your Android device free of malware in the future is a matter of vigilance. Here are some steps you can take to make sure no malicious code finds a clue in your phone: make sure they're 100% secure, and lock your phone with a PIN when not in use. in a period of time.
You can use an anti-virus application on your device. For real-time protection, consider a monthly subscription. That said, anti-virus software on a PC is a necessity. With Android, if you follow basic security measures like don't open suspicious messages and emails, avoid third-party apps outside of the Play Store, and take other similar precautions, you may find that anti-virus software is not necessary for all users.
Google Play Protect is a feature of the Google Play Store that can scan the Play Store apps you have on your phone or tablet and compare them to the store versions. Any modified apps on your device will be reported. If you only use apps on the Play Store and scan regularly with Play Protect, it's unlikely that anyone can damage your device. Search for Play Protect in the Play Store to access the tool.
All Android system updates include security fixes and fixes for known vulnerabilities in previous versions. The longer the Android version is available to the public, the higher the chance that someone can exploit these vulnerabilities as more hackers discover them. Between version updates, there are also smaller Android security updates. You should install them as soon as they are made available.
Disable password saving. It makes a hacker's job much easier when your passwords are stored on the very device they're trying to break into.
If you notice performance issues with your phone, it could be because someone is spying or spying on your smartphone. Here's how to know if that's what's happening and what you can do about it.