Is your Android phone or tablet no longer functioning normally? It is very likely that your device is attacked by a virus. But what to do in such a case? Here you have the solution to your problem..
Although their appearances are rare, viruses on Android do exist. They usually come from questionable apps, and the best way to avoid them is to stay within the safe limits of the Google Play Store.
What to do now if your device might already be loaded with malware? You can put your device in safe mode, and if necessary remove the administrator status of the malicious app and uninstall it, or perhaps as a last resort have to reset your device (which is not preferable in case you do not have a backup of your Android)..
Before you start anything, even if you get an ad that wants you to believe that your device is infected with viruses and you absolutely need to download a certain app to get out of it, your Android has not been necessarily attack by viruses. It can indeed be a trap.
To avoid confusion and threats, you can install antivirus software on your Android device in advance..
If you are convinced that your device has been attacked by viruses, here you will find effective ways to eliminate them.
Where do viruses come from?
Knowing where viruses come from is very important to be able to take all possible precautions to avoid letting them get into your Android phone or tablet.
Let's take a look at some known methods that many viruses use to steal your device:
1. Gunpoder, Ghost Trojan, Googlian, and Godless viruses like to hide behind apps so they can sneak into their users' phones and tablets.
2. Mazar virus enters devices via text messages prompting you to download Tor Browser web browser.
3. The FalseGuide Botnet virus, attacks devices, via questionable applications filled with advertisements for Pokémon Go and FIFA, and which are found in Google Play.
Due to their malicious natures and dangerous components, it is important to be wary of any app that asks you for device administration permission. This kind of request is a sign of a potential danger.
Android viruses have more than one weapon up their sleeve to be able to grab your personal data or to force you to download additional software or tools that you do not need at all.
How to avoid having viruses or malware on your device?
1. Download apps that are only from Google Play unless you are really sure what you are doing.
One-time upload to Google Play should be a default feature, but it can be good to make sure.
Go to Settings> Open the Security part> And check that the Unknown Sources part is checked.
2. Avoid cloned apps.
You can be 99% sure that the apps on Google Play are secure, but there is still 1% malicious apps left.
Avoid downloading apps that appear to be from unknown developers, or apps that don't fully describe their purpose.
3. Check the authorization of the application.
No matter what apps you want to download, always check the required permissions before accepting the installation. Never authorize the administration of your device to an application, if this one asks you, it is a sign that it should be deleted immediately.
Act with discernment! Does a video player really need to see your contacts?
You can also learn more about an app's benefits by researching developers or user reviews.
4. Constantly update your Android
Not all the latest Android update will necessarily be available for your phone or tablet already, however it is always good to check in your settings if you can already download and install it on your device. This will help keep your Android running smoothly.
5. Install Antivirus for Android
You don't necessarily need to install an antivirus on your Android, but if you want to avoid worrying too much about viruses and really want to have peace of mind, you can think about it.
There are many free Android antiviruses out there that provide very good security for your Android, but one of the best is BitDefender. However, it should be noted that Android antiviruses can sometimes show false reports.
How to remove viruses on Android
Put your device in safe mode. This will prevent any third party apps from working on your Android.
For many devices, just follow these steps:
1. Press and hold the On / Off button on your device and choose to restart in Safe Mode, Safe Mode should appear on the corner of the screen if it could really be enabled. (If that doesn't work for your device, please search for the method on Google.)
2. Open Settings.
3. Go to Applications, make sure the download tab is visible.
4. If an app is not working properly or if there is something fishy, you may also notice it on the list.
5. If you spot a malicious application, tap on it to uninstall it (the image here is just a reference, if there is a virus the name of the application will not necessarily change to Dodgy Android virus) .
If the Uninstall button is grayed out. This is because the virus has already made itself the administrator of your device. In this case, please continue with the following steps:
1. Exit the applications.
2. Open Settings.
3. Go to Security.
4. Select Admin. From Peripheral. You will see the list of all applications that have taken administrator status.
5. Uncheck all the boxes.
6. Tap Deactivate on the window that will open automatically.
7. Now go back to Settings> Applications, and uninstall malicious applications.
8. When you have finished removing viruses from your Android, please restart your device.
Its good ! You have finally been able to clean your device from viruses! Your Android is probably working fine now! What a relief, isn't it?
Now it is important to take a very final step. Take a backup of your Android device data, it might come in handy someday even if you think you don't need it now. And also install a good antivirus on your Android to protect yourself from all threats!
