Nowadays, Android phones have become indispensable tools in our daily lives., storing everything from banking information to memories in the form of photographs and personal conversations. This accumulation of valuable information makes mobile phones a very attractive target for cybercriminals seeking to access our private data through viruses, spyware, and other types of malware. Given this scenario, it's essential to know how to identify, eliminate, and prevent these digital threats to safeguard our privacy and the integrity of our devices.
Keeping your Android phone protected is not a task reserved for computer experts.By following certain guidelines, any user can learn how to detect viruses or spyware on Android and take effective steps to clean their device and protect it from future threats. Throughout this article, you'll discover detailed procedures, practical tips, and clear explanations so you can take control of your smartphone's security, even if you have limited technical knowledge.
Why is Android such a common target for viruses and spyware?
The Android operating system, being the most used worldwide, is constantly in the crosshairs of malware creators. Its popularity, coupled with the ability to install apps from multiple sources and the variety of customization layers available from manufacturers, makes it easier to sneak in malicious apps. This does not mean that iOS is invulnerable., but statistically, Android presents a higher risk if proper precautions are not applied.
Most common types of malware on Android
To correctly identify a threat, it is useful to learn to distinguish between the main types of malware that can affect your phone. Each one behaves differently and has specific objectives:
- Adware: It injects unwanted ads into apps, browsers, or even your home screen, often slowing down your device or collecting browsing data.
- Trojans: They disguise themselves as legitimate apps to gain access to private device functions, steal information, or perform malicious actions in secret.
- Spyware: The most stealthy, it runs in the background and collects sensitive information (passwords, messages, locations, screenshots, audio, etc.) without the user's knowledge.
- Keyloggers: They record keystrokes to capture login credentials and passwords.
- Stalkerware: A variant of spyware that is usually installed by someone nearby, taking advantage of physical access to the device, for purposes of control or abuse.
- Ransomware: It encrypts the files on your phone and demands a ransom to release them, although it is less common on mobile phones than on computers.
How does spyware and malware get onto your phone?
Infection methods are becoming more sophisticated, and you don't always have to be careless to fall into the trap.These are the main ways your phone can become infected:
- Installing applications from unofficial or unreliable sources, such as third-party app stores, download sites, or links received in messages. The Google Play Store has filters, but it's not foolproof.
- Phishing emails or SMS that include malicious links or attachments. They impersonate banks, well-known platforms, or even contacts.
- Social media messages with suspicious links or files that exploit user trust.
- Malicious ads (malvertising) which, when clicked, download spyware directly without the user being aware.
- Fake system updates or apps disguised as utility tools (flashlights, cleaners, number generators, etc.).
- Physical access of another person to the mobile phone, which can install stalkerware to spy on your activity without permission.
- Connecting to public and unsecured Wi-Fi networks from where attackers can attempt to compromise the device.
Signs to detect viruses or spyware on Android
Spyware and other types of malware are designed to go undetected, but they often leave characteristic traces.Pay attention to the following symptoms to identify a possible infection:
- Abnormal performance: The phone slows down, freezes, or responds with difficulty, even when not using heavy apps.
- Excessive battery and data consumption: If you notice that your battery life is significantly shorter and your data usage is skyrocketing for no apparent reason, it could be because spyware is running in the background and transmitting information.
- Constant overheating: The phone gets hot for no apparent reason, even when idle.
- Appearance of unknown apps or changes in settings: New apps you don't remember installing, changes to your browser's home page, strange icons, or permissions granted to suspicious apps.
- Advertising and pop-ups: Ads, pop-ups, or strange notifications, especially if they appear outside of your usual apps or at inopportune times.
- Difficulty accessing certain protected pages or apps: Redirects to strange sites or fake login pages (phishing).
- Unexpected deactivation of antivirus: If the security solution you're using suddenly stops working, it could be because malware has interfered with it.
- Strange messages or calls with noise: Text messages, WhatsApp messages, or emails you haven't sent, or calls with beeps, distant voices, or static.
- The phone turns off, restarts unexpectedly, or has trouble turning on/off: Many infections affect the stability of the system.
Step by step: How to detect and remove spyware or viruses on Android?
If you suspect your phone is infected, it is essential to act quickly.Below, I explain in detail the most effective methods for locating and eradicating any spyware or malware, both manually and with specialized tools. You don't need to be a technician to follow these instructions, but it does pay to be meticulous and patient.
1. Scan and remove suspicious apps from settings
The first step should always be a manual review of the installed applications.:
- Opens Settings on your Android phone.
- Go to Applications o Applications and notificationsThe complete list of installed apps will appear there.
- Review the list carefully, looking for any unknown apps or apps you don't remember downloading.
- If you find a suspicious one, click on it and select uninstallIf it doesn't work, follow these steps.
Can't delete the app? Check and revoke administrator permissions.
Some spyware or Trojans grant themselves administrator privileges to make them difficult to uninstall. To disable them:
- Sign in Settings > Security and Privacy > Device administrators (may appear in Other security settings o Advanced (depending on the model).
- Check the apps that have administrator access. If you see any you don't recognize, disable them by tapping Disable this device administration app.
- Once you've revoked the permission, return to the app list and uninstall it normally.
2. Reboot the device in safe mode
Android's 'safe mode' runs only essential system apps., blocking any third-party apps from running. This allows you to check whether the problems have disappeared (indicating that an app was the cause) and makes it easier to remove malware.
- Press and hold the power button until the power off/restart options appear.
- Long press on the option Delete until i get out Restart in safe mode. Confirm when prompted.
- The phone will reboot and “Safe Mode” will appear at the bottom of the screen.
- Review your apps and files again and delete any suspicious ones.
- To return to normal mode, simply restart the device.
3. Check your downloads and recent files folder
Many spyware arrive through files downloaded by accident or sent by third parties.. It is advisable to inspect the folders where these files are usually stored:
- Opens My files o Archives on your mobile.
- Access the section Downloads and check for any files, installers, or apps you don't recognize.
- Delete them, and if you have any doubts about a name, Google it to see if other users have reported it as dangerous.
4. Run a scan with a trusted antivirus or antispyware program
Mobile security solutions are much more effective than before, and there are free and paid options that offer deep scans for malware and spyware. Some names recommended by experts and tech media include Avast Mobile Security, Kaspersky Mobile Antivirus, Malwarebytes, and Bitdefender.
- Download an antivirus app from the Google Play Store. Avoid apps with low ratings or few reviews.
- Perform a full scan of the device.
- Follow the instructions to remove any detected threats.
- Always keep your antivirus updated and active.
5. Update the operating system and apps
Keeping your phone updated is essential to protect yourself against known vulnerabilities., as each new version includes security patches that block potential entry points for attackers.
- Sign in Settings > System > Software update.
- Press on Search for updates and if one is available, install it following the instructions.
6. If all else fails: Reset your phone to factory settings
If neither safe mode nor antivirus software has been able to remove the spyware, the most radical option is to restore the device to factory settings.This process deletes absolutely everything, so you should first back up your data (photos, contacts, documents) to Google Drive or other support, but Make sure you do not restore a copy created after the infection, as this could reintroduce the malware..
- Accede to Settings > System > Resetting > Wipe all data (factory reset).
- Confirm the process by entering the PIN or password if required.
- The phone will reboot and be as good as when you took it out of the box.
- Recover your data only from a clean backup from before the problems were detected.
Recommendations and good practices to prevent future infections
Beyond acting when the damage is already done, the key is prevention.By following these guidelines, you'll significantly reduce your risk of being infected by viruses or spyware again:
- Download apps only from the Google Play Store or official sources, and never from dubious links or banners on unknown websites.
- Read reviews and verify the developer before installing any app..
- Don't grant unnecessary permissionsIf an app asks for access to your camera, microphone, location, or storage for no reason, be wary.
- Avoid rooting your phone, since although it gives more control, it also exposes the system to threats that can bypass standard protections.
- Don't click on suspicious links received by mail, SMS or social networks, even if they seem to be from known contacts.
- Keep the system and all apps updated.
- Set up secure screen locks (PIN, fingerprint, pattern) and don't share your phone with people you don't fully trust.
- Turn on two-step authentication on all important accounts, especially email, online banking, and social media.
- Change your passwords regularly and don't repeat the same one in multiple apps or services.
- Clear the browser cache and delete session data if you have any doubts about a possible infection.
Real-life spyware cases and known examples
To understand the scale of the problem, it's worth reviewing some of the most notable spyware of recent years:
- RatMilad (2022): Distributed in the Middle East via fake apps, it was capable of spying on conversations, stealing data, and recording sound. It used a virtual number generator as a cover.
- FurBall (2022): Linked to surveillance campaigns targeting Iranian citizens, it was distributed through cloned websites and hijacked messaging and video functions.
- PhoneSpy (2021): Detected primarily in South Korea, it disguised itself as legitimate yoga, video, or messaging apps, but stole data and allowed remote control of the device.
- GravityRAT (2020): Initially created to attack Windows computers, it eventually adapted to Android, infecting apps like Travel Mate to intercept personal and WhatsApp data.
- Chameleon, Anatsa, FluBot, ZooPark and other Trojans have also wreaked similar havoc, each exploiting different infection vectors.
What to do after removing a virus or spyware?
Removing spyware does not guarantee that the damage is over.Take additional steps to protect the integrity of your accounts and avoid future risks:
- Change the passwords for all your important accounts, especially email, banking, messaging apps and social networks.
- Enable two-step verification (2FA) on all platforms that allow it.
- Notify your contacts if you suspect that you may have received strange messages sent from your mobile phone.
- Consider restoring your phone with only essential apps. and add the rest little by little, checking its origin and permissions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Spyware and Malware on Android
Are all Android phones vulnerable?
In principle, any Android smartphone or tablet can be a target for malware.However, better-updated devices with apps downloaded exclusively from official sources pose a much lower risk.
Is it always necessary to use an antivirus?
It is not strictly mandatory if you are very careful. and you follow the recommendations above. However, having an updated antivirus provides an extra layer of security and can detect infections that are difficult to detect manually.
How do you know if an app is legitimate?
Look at the developer name, ratings, number of downloads, and reviews on the Play Store.A quick Google search can uncover warnings from other users about malicious apps.
What do I do if my phone continues to act strangely after removing the malware?
If you have followed all the steps and the problems persist, the malware may be particularly sophisticated. Consider performing a factory reset, and if that doesn't work, seek professional help or consider replacing your device if the cost warrants it.
Extra tips to maintain digital privacy and security
In addition to protecting yourself from spyware, there are good habits that will help you keep your digital privacy safe.:
- Review and manage the permissions of each app periodically; many applications ask for more access than they actually need.
- Limit physical access to the phone; use biometric locks (fingerprint, facial recognition) whenever possible.
- Never share your authentication codes.
- Be wary of apps that promise miraculous features or spectacular prizes..
- Use password managers to create secure keys that are difficult for keyloggers to intercept.
Although spyware and virus attacks for Android are constantly evolving, an informed and cautious user can drastically reduce the risks.Detecting and interpreting warning signs, using the right tools and settings, and, above all, being cautious about what you install or access on your phone is the best way to ensure digital security. If you apply the steps and tips outlined here, you'll have a significant advantage in the battle against malware and can continue enjoying your phone with complete peace of mind.
