How to detect and remove malware from an Android device
Mobile malware can come in many forms, but users might not know how to identify it. Understand the signs to be wary of on Android devices, as well as what to do to remove malware.
Malware is a major concern with any enterprise endpoint, and mobile administrators should know how to detect and remove this threat on Android devices.
Mobile devices can be a significant risk surface in the enterprise, and IT shouldn't ignore how vulnerable they can be to malicious attacks. Mobile malware can cause serious harm by stealing sensitive corporate and personal data, disrupting operations or damaging hardware. To avoid these dangers, organizations must understand the risks and take measures to protect their devices.
When handling Android devices, it's important to consider their vulnerabilities and the types of malware that often affect them.
How safe is Android against malware?
The Android operating system is not inherently a security threat. However, Android devices are susceptible to malware for a few reasons. First, Android is open source, meaning any developer can access the code and create applications with malicious intent. Second, Android has a large global market share, making it a large target for potential cyberattacks.
Another challenge with the Android ecosystem is that there are many different device manufacturers and carriers, each of which plays an important role in releasing software updates for their devices. This can result in a fragmented ecosystem of devices running outdated or unpatched versions of Android.
Ransomware is a significant risk on enterprise devices.
Common vulnerabilities and types of malware on Android
Malware can get onto smartphones in any number of different ways. In some cases, attackers exploit vulnerabilities that specifically affect Android devices. Common Android vulnerabilities include the following:
Unpatched devices. The Android OS frequently receives patches for vulnerabilities. Attackers often target unpatched devices that have known vulnerabilities to exploit.
Social engineering. Hackers can use social engineering techniques to deceive users into providing unauthorized access.Mobile-specific techniques include SMS phishing (smishing), a type of attack that uses SMS text messages to distribute malware or obtain sensitive information.
Third-party app installations. When users download apps from third-party sources rather than the official Google Play Store, it increases the risk of malware infections.
Excessive permissions. Android apps that request unnecessary permissions might abuse their access to sensitive data or device features.
Mobile malware can come in many forms, and newer tactics, such as smishing and fraudulent apps, have emerged in recent years. Android malware often falls into one of the following categories:
Spyware. This type of malware spies on users, monitoring device activity and collecting user data.
Adware. This software displays unwanted advertising on a device, sometimes in an attempt to trick the user into downloading other forms of malware.
Trojan horses. These programs appear harmless to users, often disguised as legitimate apps or email attachments. After a user downloads a Trojan horse, the program usually attempts to steal user information or install and enable unauthorized remote access.
Ransomware. This type of malware locks or encrypts a device or its data. Then, it demands a ransom payment in exchange for returning access to the user.
How Google helps protect Android users from malware
Although Android users face several malware risks, Google has taken some steps to help secure mobile data. These measures include monthly security patches and Google Play Protect, which scans apps for malware during and after installation.
Additionally, the Android Enterprise Recommended program helps organizations find appropriate devices for corporate use. This program works directly with manufacturers to certify devices with Android OS version requirements, enterprise-grade features such as management and encryption, performance standards and regular security updates.
Google Safe Browsing also helps ensure that end users are aware of cyberthreats. This feature warns users about malicious sites that might try to install malware or ask for sensitive information such as usernames and passwords.
7 signs of malware on an Android device
There are several signs that users and IT professionals should look out for to detect malware on an Android device. A performance issue is sometimes more than just an inconvenience and is the result of a malware infection. By being aware of these signs, users can quickly and accurately identify security threats.
1. Excessive data usage
Malware often runs in the background of a device, consuming data behind the scenes. If an Android phone's data usage suddenly spikes in an unexpected way, it might have a malware infection.
2. Unusual battery drain
Because malware runs in the background of the device, it also consumes system resources. This leads to the phone's battery draining much more quickly than usual. There are other reasons why a phone's battery might drain quickly, but it's a strong indicator of malware when it appears alongside other signs.
3. Unfamiliar ads or pop-ups
The pop-up windows or banners that adware displays on a smartphone aren't just annoying. They consume device resources as well, causing slowdowns. If users start to see ads for products and services they didn't search for or unfamiliar prompts asking for personal information, malware might be the cause.
4. Unexpected app installations
Malicious apps often install themselves on devices without users' knowledge. If a user notices a new app on their phone that they did not download themselves, the app could contain malicious code. Similarly, if a user tries to use a malicious app, it might overload the screen with pop-up ads that make it difficult to interact with or uninstall.
5. Degraded performance
If a device suddenly starts slowing down, the problem might stem from a malware infection. Some types of mobile malware are designed to perform actions that consume device resources, such as CPU and memory, which can slow down the device and, in some cases, cause it to become unresponsive.
6. Ransomware notice
Perhaps the most obvious sign of malware on a device is a ransomware note. A real ransomware note would appear when an Android device is unresponsive, even after an attempted reboot. Then, the user would see a note on the screen demanding that they pay a ransom to restore the device.
7. System anomalies
Unexpected system behaviors might mean that malware is present on a device. For example, an infected device might show text messages that the user doesn't remember sending or unfamiliar phone calls in their call history.
How to detect and remove mobile malware from an Android device
If an Android phone shows signs of malware, it's crucial to remove the malicious software and protect the endpoint from future threats. Mobile threat detection and MDM tools can help prevent and eliminate threats, and there are a few other steps that admins can take if malware persists.
Use mobile threat detection tools and run a scan
IT can take a proactive approach to security with mobile threat detection tools.
IT can take a proactive approach to security with mobile threat detection tools. These tools detect malicious apps, network attacks and other vulnerabilities in real time. Other mobile security tools to use for device scanning include antivirus software and endpoint detection and response technology. Organizations should look for apps that provide real-time malware protection.
Enforce security policies through MDM
Standard policies on most MDM platforms can help identify unauthorized apps on a managed Android device. If it's a fully managed device, admins can remove the unauthorized application.
Restart the device in safe mode
Restarting an Android device in safe mode restricts some third-party software from operating. This makes it easier to identify and remove malware applications. While the device is in safe mode, delete any unrecognized or suspicious apps.
Clear downloads and cache files
It's sometimes possible for malware to reinstall even after removal. To reduce further risk, be sure to clear the download folder and cache files.
Perform a factory reset
If all else fails, a full factory reset is often enough to remove any malware. This should be a last resort, as it also erases user settings and content.
Editor's note:This article was originally written by Michael Goad in April 2023. Sean Michael Kerner wrote an updated and expanded version in March 2025 to include more detailed information on Android vulnerabilities and malware removal.
Sean Michael Kerner is an IT consultant, technology enthusiast and tinkerer. He has pulled Token Ring, configured NetWare and been known to compile his own Linux kernel. He consults with industry and media organizations on technology issues.
Michael Goad is a freelance writer and solutions architect with experience handling mobility in an enterprise setting.
