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Showing posts with label Antivirus Apps. Show all posts
Mobile Virus
Android Antivirus Apps Antivirus Detection data security Data Theft Identity Theft iPhone Mobile Malwares Mobile Security Mobile Virus

Signs Your Phone Has a Virus and How to Remove It Safely

 

In today’s world, our phones are more than just communication devices — they’re essential for work, banking, shopping, and staying connected. That makes it all the more alarming when a device begins to behave strangely. 

One possible cause? A virus. Mobile malware can sneak into your phone through suspicious links, shady apps, or compromised websites, and can create problems ranging from poor performance to data theft and financial loss. There are several red flags that suggest your phone might be infected. A rapidly draining battery could mean malicious software is operating in the background. Overheating, sluggish performance, frequent app crashes, or screen freezes may also be signs of trouble. You might notice strange new apps that you don’t remember installing or unexpected spikes in mobile data usage. 
In some cases, your contacts could receive strange messages from you, or you might find purchases on your accounts that you never made. If your phone shows any of these symptoms, quick action is essential. 

The first step is to scan your device using a trusted antivirus app to locate and remove threats. Check your device for unfamiliar apps and uninstall anything suspicious. You should also notify your contacts that your device may have been compromised to prevent the spread of malware through messaging apps. Updating your passwords should be your next priority. Make sure each password is strong, unique, and ideally protected with two-factor authentication. After that, review your online accounts and connected devices for signs of unauthorized activity. Remove unknown devices from your phone account settings and confirm your personal and security information hasn’t been altered. 

Depending on your phone’s operating system, the process of virus removal can vary slightly. iPhone users can try updating to the latest iOS version and removing suspicious apps. If the problem persists, a factory reset might be necessary, though it will erase all stored data unless a backup is available. While iPhones don’t include a built-in virus scanner, some reliable third-party tools can help detect infections. For Android users, antivirus apps often offer both detection and removal features. Rebooting the device in safe mode can temporarily disable harmful third-party apps and make removal easier. Clearing the browser cache and cookies is another useful step to eliminate web-based threats. 

If all else fails, a factory reset can clear everything, but users should back up their data beforehand. Preventing future infections comes down to a few key practices. Always download apps from official stores, keep your operating system and apps updated, and limit app permissions. Avoid clicking on links from unknown sources, and monitor your phone’s performance regularly for anything out of the ordinary. 

Whether you use Android or iPhone, dealing with a virus can be stressful — but with the right steps, it’s usually possible to remove the threat and get your phone back to normal. By staying alert and adopting good digital hygiene, you can also reduce your chances of being targeted again in the future.
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virus
Antivirus Apps Cyber Security Ransomware Threat Landscape virus

Cybersecurity: Are Viruses Still a Threat?

 

Viruses were considered the biggest cybersecurity concern in the world, but is that still the case? How prevalent were viruses in the past, and are they still as deadly today? 

Understanding the modern computer viruses

Viruses are no longer the most dangerous type of cyber threat, despite the fact that they once were. With the last few major virus campaigns, such as Stuxnet, SpyEye, and W32.Dozer, the prevalence of computer viruses started to fall around the beginning of the 2010s. 

Technology developments are primarily to blame for viruses' diminished menace. The antivirus software that was available to use in the early 2000s was very different from what we use today because of better service, more features, and greater detection rates that have come along over time. 

As a result of their lack of extreme complexity, viruses are not very huge programmes. Viruses require a "host" on which to replicate, just like in the biological world. Typical viruses have to be pretty little since they have to sneak inside a programme. This doesn't allow the virus much area for additional coding that would give it complex powers. 

Furthermore, many viruses have a consistent pattern, so antivirus software is accustomed to detecting them. What actually poses a threat to our smartphones and computers today is malicious software like ransomware, spyware, Trojan horses, and other similar threats. 

These malware programmes can be extremely complex and occasionally are made to completely avoid antivirus protection. Overall, current malware just outperforms viruses, which is why they aren't employed nearly as frequently as they once were. 

Through the 2010s, ransomware in particular grew significantly as a cybercrime trend. This type of malware encrypts the contents on an infected device and notifies victims that the files can only be unlocked when they pay the requested ransom. WannaCry, LockBit, Jigsaw, and Bad Rabbit are a few well-known ransomware instances. 

Many ransomware operators acquire their malicious software through ransomware-as-a-service platforms, which sell ransomware to third-party hackers in exchange for a charge. This makes ransomware available to less technically savvy bad actors as well as seasoned pros.

Viruses are clearly no longer the most significant cybersecurity concern. However, viruses are not entirely extinct. As previously stated, the once-feared MyDoom virus was discovered in use in 2019. MyDoom was disseminated in this case through a phishing email campaign. Viruses are still used today, even if they are deemed primitive, and this is critical to remember. 

Is antivirus still required?

The definition of the phrase "antivirus" has changed over time. While antivirus programmes were initially designed solely to protect against viruses, they can now identify and remove various types of malware. 

Malware, as you are probably aware, is a worldwide problem that claims thousands of victims each month. According to Statista, security experts discover 560,000 new pieces of malware every day. That equates to about 17 million new pieces unearthed each month. 

Statista also revealed an 87 percent increase in malware infections over the last decade. These two data alone demonstrate how terrible the malware issue has become. In order to secure your gadgets from cybercrime, you must still use an antivirus programme. 

Always choose a highly regarded antivirus programme that has demonstrated its efficacy in avoiding viruses and malware. It's not a good idea to install any free antivirus software you come across because you can end up with subpar security or even malware that poses as antivirus software.
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User Security
Android Trojan Antivirus Apps Mobile Security User Security

SharkBot Android Trojan Resurfaces On Google Play Store

 

Check Point researchers have unearthed multiple malicious Android apps on the Google Play Store posing as an antivirus applications to deploy the SharkBot Android trojan. 

The malicious banking trojan was initially spotted in November last year when it was only being deployed via third-party application stores. The primary motive was on initiating illegal money transfers via Automatic Transfer Systems (ATS) by auto-filling fields in authentic applications. 

Last month, NCC Group reported that multiple SharkBot droppers had infiltrated Google Play, all of which showed similar code and behavior. The first SharkBot dropper discovered in Google Play masqueraded as antivirus solutions. It was identified as a downgraded version of the trojan containing only minimum features, but capable of fetching and installing the full version at a later date. 

Apparently, on March 9th, Google removed four apps in question, and a few days after that, another SharkBot dropper was identified. The app was reported right away, so no installations for this one. The same happened on March 22 and 27. Those new droppers got removed from Google Play due to quick discovery. 

According to Check Point researchers, they identified a total of seven droppers in Google Play, published from developer accounts that were active in late 2021, and which had some of their applications removed from the store. However, these malicious apps have been already installed more than 15,000 times before the takedown from the store. 

Once installed on an Android device, SharkBot exploits Android's Accessibility Services permissions to present fake overlay windows on top of legitimate banking apps. Thus, when victims enter their usernames and passwords in the windows that mimic benign credential input forms, the stolen data is sent to a malicious server. 

“What is interesting and different from the other families is that SharkBot likely uses ATS to also bypass multi-factor authentication mechanisms, including behavioral detection like bio-metrics, while at the same time it also includes more classic features to steal user’s credentials,” NCC Group stated. 

The malicious Android trojan also employs geofencing features and bypassing techniques, which makes it unique from other mobile banking viruses. The particular features include ignoring the users from China. Romania, Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, India. The majority of victims reside in Italy and the United Kingdom.
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