When it comes to viruses and malware, in some way, Android is a victim of both its own success and of its open nature. If you read any of the tech news, or even mainstream news sometimes, it can seem like virus threats on Android are increasing day by day. Exactly how much of a problem it is and what is Google doing to make sure your device isn’t affected? So, in this article, we’ll learn more about how to deal with viruses on Android.
Table of Contents
Understanding Virus Threats-
You really don’t need to panic over the threat of viruses on your device, but it makes sense to know more about them.
Android viruses:
There are still few known viruses that affect the Android operating system. One of the most well-known is Trojan-SMS. AndroidOS.FakePlayer.a. was the first Trojan-SMS virus identifies on Android and was thought to have infected hundreds & thousands of devices. The virus was capable of sending SMS messages to premium-rate numbers without the users having any indication that something was wrong. Other well-known viruses include Gingermaster, which was capable of stealing user information from the infected device. And DroidKungFu which allowed back door access to the device and files to be removed.
Android Malware:
The difference between viruses and malware is something of a grey area. Viruses get called malware and malware get called viruses. however, it is safe to say that you really don’t want either to infect your device. One of the best-known malware attacks was DroidDream (also known as Android.rootcager) which affected around 60 apps on the Android market in 2011. The malware added infected devices to a botnet, installed additional software, and stole data. it is thought that hundreds of devices were infected, even though Google was quick to release a fix for the problem.
Virus and Malware Safety Tips:
No operating system is completely safe, but it can be made safer by following a few simple steps. These tips will help to deal with viruses on Android.
- Install a reputable antivirus app on your device. Although the way Android is built means that anti-virus apps cannot be perfect. But having one installed will at least catch some infections.
- Avoid installing apps from third-party app stores if at all possible. Sideloading (installing apps using the .apk files found on unofficial websites) can be a source of virus infection.
- Google, via Play Store, can remotely remove infected applications from your phone. If you receive a notification to tell you a suspect app has been removed, make sure that you double-check.
- It is highly advisable to keep the installation of apps from Unknown Sources set to Off in the device’s settings. this will help ensure nothing enters the system except through official channels.
- Check permissions carefully. When you install any app from the Play Store, you are shown which permission the app requires to work. If you don’t like the sound of any of the permissions, avoid the app.
Antivirus Software-
Just like your computer, there are a lot of different Anti-virus tools available on Android. And just like on pc, they all do broadly similar things and offer similar features. You will also have a choice of using a free app or paying for a premium app. One of the best free apps is AVG AntiVirus FREE. With AVG AntiVirus FREE for Android phones and tablets, you’ll receive effective, easy-to-use virus and malware protection. As well as a real-time app scanner, phone locator, task killer, app lock and local device wipe.
What is Google Doing?
Although it hasn’t been super quick to remove infected or suspicious apps from the Play Store. Google is now taking the threat of malicious software seriously. It is getting quicker at removing dodgy apps, and in 2012 the company introduced Bouncer. Android also features several things that reduce the threat of malware and viruses.
Bouncer provides automated scanning of the Android Market for potentially malicious software without disrupting the user experience
Sandboxing:
The Android platform uses a technique called “sandboxing” to put virtual walls between applications and other software on the device. So, if you download a malicious application, it can’t access data on other parts of your phone. And its potential harm is drastically limited.
Permissions:
Android provides a permission system to help you understand the capabilities of the apps you install & manage your own preferences. That way, if you see a game unnecessarily request permission to send SMS, for example, you don’t want to install it.
Malware Removal:
Android is designed to prevent malware from modifying the platform or hiding from you. So it can be easily removed if your device is affected. Android Market also has the capability of remotely removing malware from your phone or tablet, if required.
THANK YOU FOR READING:
I hope the article “How to deal with viruses on Android?” was helpful and helped you gain some knowledge. If it did, then do let us know in the comments down below. Also, if you’re interested in similar articles then here are a few recommendations for you.
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