Malware’s can be really annoying as they prevent you from performing meaningful tasks on your smartphones, they also make devices lag and they consume battery power. Most ad wares are click baits while some are data mining tools which Google frowns upon.
Just last week the search engine giant Google deleted about 86 applications believed to contain malware’s used in gathering android user data, it was gathered that this applications has been installed by over 9,000,000 users as they disguised as Game Applications, TV Remote Control, AC Remote Control which could easily be passed as harmless, even one of such apps was found among the trending apps on play store.
The easy remote control application which pops up a full screen advert and upon closing the ad, it pop’s up another button which has a call to action ‘start app or next‘ and also another banner ad, If the user taps the button, another ad pop’s up and if the user decides to close the adware more buttons will start popping up which will decrease such a users mobile use experience, some of this apps also monitor user actions like unlocking your Android with a pattern or password.
Trends micro was able to get Google to verify and remove the 86 applications from the play store,
If any of such applications is still remains on your device, Here’s a video on how to manually uninstall it.
Tips to protect your device from Malware’s
- Read User Reviews: Almost all apps on the play store has been installed by at least 50 people, check the reviews of the app to determine its viability.
2. Install Applications only from the Google Play Store: If an application is not on play store, its probably because it was not accepted or the developer has an underlying reason for not submitting the application. If you install application only from the play store you are assured its safe as google tests all its applications
3. Read the Permissions the Application Requires: When you are about to install an application, a list of permissions required by the application to function is listed, if you notice any odd permission such as an AC remote control requiring permission for GPS or the Camera, its most likely a malware.
4. Install Mobile Antivirus on your Device: A preventive measure against mobile malware’s and ad wares is the use of reliable antivirus, they detect and inform the user about any malicious actions of the application. Some good free antivirus are;
Dr.Web Anti-virus by Doctor Web, Ltd
Anti-Virus FREE by AVG Mobile technologies
Kaspersky Mobile Security Lite by Kaspersky Lab
With this few tips, you can be sure your mobile devices will be protected from malware’s and adware
For more security tips and news, visit the Trivest Technology Blog or contact us on contact@trivestgroup.com
