There was a famous screen-recording app designed for Android, the name was iRecorder. But now, you cannot find this app in the Play Store because Google detected it as a harmful app and removed it. Are there ways to spot a malware infected app so that you can protect your smartphone?
Some apps can steal information from the app’s users. iRecorder, for example, was released in 2021 in the Play Store and it was harmless. But in 2022, the developer added an update that introduced malicious functionality to Android devices that used the app.
Different Ways to Spot a Malware Infected App
iRecorder may not be the only app that will harm your data and everything on your phone. This malware phenomenon is known as versioning. At first, the developer submits an ordinary app that seems safe. But then, the developer updates the app with malicious code.
How do you know that an app may contain malware that will ruin your life? Below are some signs you need to look for when using phone apps that don’t look dangerous.
1. Watch the app’s performance
If your Android device constantly slows down and lags, your device may have been infected with harmful malware. You need to comb through all downloaded apps and then make sure that all apps installed on your device are the apps you recognize.
If there is an unfamiliar app installed on your mobile device, then you need to delete it immediately. Don’t even think to run the app or tap on the “allow” buttons on any permission request it is showing.
2. Check for overheating
Your mobile phone may get warmer when you charge it, it isn’t always a sign of a malware attack. But if your phone gets really hot when it is unplugged or not in use, it isn’t something normal. You need to check the phone thoroughly and see if there’s a virus or malware on the phone.
What are the next ways to spot a malware infected app? If the mobile device is constantly overheating, you must check for unfamiliar settings and apps. Malware or virus that operates in the background will cause constant overheating.
3. Decreased battery life
All mobile devices will experience decreased battery life gradually over time. But if the mobile device is new, you use it for less than a year, and then it is no longer holding a charge, then your device may be infected by malware. Malware program infects a device and will run in your device’s background.
The malware can significantly drain the battery. If the battery of your device drains quicker than usual, then check for high data usage and suspicious apps.
4. Unusual high data usage
Malware usually runs in your Android phone’s background and then consumes data without letting you know. If the data usage of your Android phone suddenly spikes, then you need to check the apps you downloaded. You may spot a virus or malware in one of those apps you just downloaded.
5. Unfamiliar pop-ups or ads
Adware is something that will display unwanted ads on Android phones, usually in the form of banners or pop-up windows. This is annoying and will reduce the end user’s productivity. Moreover, ads will also consume resources from your device and cause slowdowns.
Those pop-up ads may also steal your personal information. If you see ads for services and products you don’t search for or you see ads that ask for your personal information, you may have malware on your device. Use one of some ways to spot a malware infected app above to spot a harmful app.
6. Degraded performance
Some malware types are designed to consume the resources of your device, like the memory and CPU. This is going to slow down your device and make your device unresponsive. If you see those signs, you can accurately and quickly identify malware on your Android devices.
If you get malware from apps you use to promote your business, you need to eliminate the app immediately. Replace it with something safer and more effective to promote your business, such as Hitech Terminal Enterprise from SMS Broadcaster.
Use the six signs above as the most effective ways to spot a malware infected app and then don’t use the same app again to protect your data and prevent loss.