Here Are the Most Common Android Viruses
Malware on Androids is constantly evolving. Learn about the four types of viruses you need to worry about the most, and how to protect your device.
Viruses can be a disruptive and dangerous presence on your Android phone — they can ruin your device and steal your personal information. It seems like there is always a new virus to worry about on Android. Whether it’s spyware lurking in the app you downloaded or ransomware hijacking your system, you need to remember to run antivirus scans often to protect yourself. Click here to run a Full Virus Scan on your device:
Read More: Windows Malware Found in Over 100 Android Apps
But which types of viruses are the most common on Android? The following will discuss the four most common types of malware that infect Android phones with viruses.
Ransomware
Ransomware is a kind of malware that takes your device hostage until you pay the cybercriminal a certain amount of money. Usually this payment happens through bitcoin, or another untraceable form of currency transfer. For example, a hacker might pose as the FBI, lock down the phone, and keep it hostage until a fee is paid.
Universal Cross-Site Scripting (UXSS) Attack
If you’re using an older Android model, then you’re susceptible to this attack. This attack is when cybercriminals write code using JavaScript if you accidentally click on a malicious link. That means that the hacker can automatically download a malicious app onto your phone. The best way to stop the possibility of this kind of attack? Upgrade your Android to a newer model.
Malware Hidden in Downloaded Apps
Some of the most innocuous apps have hidden malware that infects users’ systems. Even solitaire games and history apps have downloaded viruses onto users’ Androids. The problem with these apps is that they might seem like they are functioning fine for weeks or even months before they download the virus. This means that you’ll stop looking at your newly-downloaded app as the source of your new virus.
Android Installer Hijacking
A shocking number of Android devices — nearly 50% — are at risk for this virus. The Android Installer Hijacking app comes into play when you try to download a valid app. Instead, the hijacker installs a malicious app in place of the real one. While you are reviewing the permissions for the app you want, the Hijacking virus sets up an innocent-looking app that will later install the malware.