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How do I avoid getting infected with malware or a virus on my phone?
Although malware and viruses are very rare on Android Galaxy phones, for the highest level of protection we recommend taking the following extra precautions to protect your phone:
- Always keep your operating system and apps up-to-date with the latest software and security updates.
- Ensure the embedded security features on your Galaxy device are activated at all times.
- Avoid being bombarded with malicious Ads by downloading an Ad Blocker.
- Only download or install apps from the Galaxy Store and the Google Play Store.
- Avoid clicking on suspicious or unfamiliar links in emails and text messages.
- Use strong, complicated passwords or a password manager.
- Never use unsecured Wi-Fi connections and always use a VPN when connecting to public Wi-Fi.
- Avoid installing third-party apps from unknown sources.
- Take the time to review app permissions before you download them. If an app request seems unusual it’s likely to be malicious.
- Avoid rooting your smartphone which will remove the verified Samsung and Android software from your phone and void the guarantee.
More ways to protect your device
Here are some more tips to protect your device and keep it malware-free:
- Only download apps from the Play Store or Galaxy Store, which verifies the safety of all apps.
- We do not recommend using third-party anti-malware apps.
- Keep your device's software and operating system up to date.
- Turn off Bluetooth and Wi-Fi when not in use.
@Bev54 , I've copied and pasted the relevant troubleshooting steps from the links for you.
It may be that a Factory Reset is needed, but might be worth trying the above first if you haven't already.
@Bev54
How can I check for viruses and malware on my Android phone?
Galaxy security software will be working hard to keep your phone secure from any threats to your personal data. Samsung devices operating Android 7 (Nougat) and above will automatically run a diagnostic check to ensure your phone is protected. Your Galaxy phone is set to automatically optimise itself once a day and check for any security threats. You can find out more information on our Device Care page.
You can also manually scan your Galaxy device to check for security threats:
1Go to Settings
2Tap Battery and Device Care
3Tap Device protection
4Tap Scan phone
5All of the apps and data on your device will be scanned
6Once the scan is completed you will be shown whether or not your device is secure
You can also use Google Settings to scan your phone for security threats:
1Open Apps
2Tap Google Settings
3Tap Security
4Tap Verify apps
5Tap Scan device for security threats
If any security threats are detected your Galaxy smartphone will guide you through the process of removing and securing your phone.
Hi @Bev54 ,
We have an ongoing topic about the recent security incident here: https://eu.community.samsung.com/t5/samsung-shop/security-incident/td-p/8551833
Did you receive an email about the security incident like the OP of that topic?
Cheers for confirming that @Bev54 . 👍
And very much the same sort of advice from me that others on here have given you.
From what I can piece together from your various posts on this it's looking like you’ve got some kind of virus or malware on your device – and possibly on one or more of your accounts. Exactly where it is or how it got there, I’m not sure. (Could've been from the link in the text you supposedly got from Evri, or even from something much earlier than that.)
From one of our official guides: https://www.samsung.com/uk/support/mobile-devices/how-do-i-use-the-smart-manager-application-to-chec...
“What are the signs my phone has a virus?
Whilst viruses and malware do not pose a significant threat to your Galaxy phone due to Samsung's industry leading security features, it is still important to be vigilant to a virus attack. The signs that your phone has been infected with a virus or malicious malware include:
- Your phone is operating slower
- Apps are taking longer to load
- The battery drains faster than expected
- You’re experiencing a lot of pop-up ads
- Your phone has apps you don’t remember downloading.
- Unexplained increase in data usage
- Higher than expected phone bills
- Your contacts have been receiving unusual messages from you that you haven’t sent
Be aware that unscrupulous advertisers will often use 'your device is infected' pop-ups to persuade you to click on them. These can be malware or phishing attempts, but they can also be trying to persuade you to download an app or visit their website. These pop-ups will usually turn up while you are browsing the Internet and signs that they are not genuine include continual buzzing, bright flashing lights or garish text.”
The guidance link above also gives some advice on how to remove a virus or malware, and how to protect against future infection. As does this one: https://www.samsung.com/uk/support/mobile-devices/how-to-protect-your-galaxy-device-from-malware/
