Signs Your Phone May Be Infected With Malware
– Your device is slowing down
Malicious software and spyware will run in the background of your device. Once they’ve infiltrated, your phone will run slower as these types of malware will take up system resources (CPU, RAM…), monitoring your activity.
If you notice your phone getting slower over time, even without updating to a new operating system version or removing apps, it’s a sign that your device may be infected.
– Battery drains faster than usual
Malicious software and spyware running in the background can cause your battery to drain faster.
In some cases, phone batteries will drain faster due to degradation over time. If this is the case, consider replacing the battery to ensure safe usage.
– Phone overheats
Malicious apps running in the background not only slow down your device and drain your battery but can also cause overheating. If your phone is getting warm despite minimal usage, be cautious as it may be infected.
When a phone is infected with malware or spyware, you may notice some of these basic signs.
– Strange icons appear
If you see strange icons and apps that you didn’t install, it’s possible that malware has found its way onto your device.
These malicious apps often hide very well and leave few traces. As a result, users may overlook or ignore these abnormal changes.
– Automatically sends/receives data when connected to the internet
If your phone is connected to the internet and you’re not using any data-intensive apps (like web browsing, social media, or streaming), but there’s still data activity, it could be spyware or malware at work. These programs silently send/receive data without your knowledge.
If your 3G/4G data plan is running out faster than usual, it’s another warning sign of malware activity.
– Full-screen advertisements appear
If your phone occasionally displays full-screen ads when you’re not using any apps, it’s likely infected with adware.
While this type of malware isn’t as dangerous as data-stealing malware, it’s still annoying. Hackers use adware to make money from unsuspecting users by displaying ads.
– Web browser redirects
If your web browser automatically opens or redirects to strange websites, it’s likely that your phone is infected. Hackers use this tactic to direct users to fake sites to steal email, social media, or banking information…
– Data loss for no apparent reason
If you notice photos, messages, or other data disappearing from your phone, it could be a sign of malware infection. These malicious programs can encrypt or delete your data, making it inaccessible.
What to Do If You Suspect Malware on Your Phone
If you suspect your phone is infected, the safest and most effective solution is to reset your device to its original factory settings. This will erase all apps, including any malware or spyware.
However, this will also delete your data. It’s essential to back up any important information beforehand. Additionally, ensure you remember your Google or Apple ID login credentials to sign back in after the reset.
When backing up data, only back up photos, contacts, messages, etc. Do not back up apps, as you may inadvertently back up malicious apps as well, rendering the reset useless.
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