Android owners often run virus scanners just like that, for prevention, thinking that there is nothing on their phone. But the worst part is that your virus scanner might give you that disastrous message about detecting viruses. And this is where you should take action and have malicious software removed from the system. In this post, we will look into how to run your Android device scan for viruses to stay always safe and protected.
Why are Android devices targeted by malware?
Mobile phones play an important role in everyone’s life — from managing finances, working, staying connected, and more. They are often used to perform sensitive and private tasks, such as banking, managing our healthcare, booking appointments, and paying for goods. If a device is compromised, it may be vulnerable to malware, which could potentially steal our money, passwords, and other private information.
Android devices with sensitive data are a potential source of cybersecurity vulnerabilities. Since smartphones are easily accessible and some users are unaware of the security issues they are exposed to, these devices are a potential target for malware.
Cyber attacks are continuously rising
There is no denying that cyber-attacks are on the rise. According to a DataProt report, mobile device users are much more likely to fall victim to cyber-attacks than any other gadget users.
We’ve all heard horror stories about different hacking and phishing attacks when users’ sensitive information is stolen and used against them. You can’t guarantee that you won’t click on emails you’re not expecting or won’t browse the web on an unsecured connection, so you should always stay protected.
Always remember that everyone can fall victim to viruses. With that, it is suggested that Android users should scan their devices once in a while — maybe at least once a month or so.
Regular virus scans are now recommended
Running a virus scan with the https://clario.co/android-antivirus/ solution on your Android device can be important on a weekly/monthly basis to avoid unwanted pop-up ads and other dangerous programs. If you already have a virus scanner on your phone, you’ll be happy to know that it should be doing a good job of checking your device. However, you should still know how to use your device to scan your smartphone for viruses, spyware, and other security flaws. So, here’s a short guide to running a virus scan on your Android device.
Steps to follow to scan your Android phone for viruses
You should also check that you have the latest version of your device’s operating system, which can be found in the settings. This is important because manufacturers often release security patches by updating the device’s software.
The first step is to download the virus and malware scanner that you want to use. If you are using a stock Android device, you may want to look for a virus scanner in the Google Play Store.
Once downloaded, you just have to hit the “scan for viruses” button or something similar. This will depend on the software that you choose, but they should have identical functionalities with slight differences in the user interface. Wait for the process to finish.
If the virus scan doesn’t find anything, you’re good to go. But always remember to do it regularly to keep your Android smartphone safe. In case there’s a virus detected, let the software remove it or follow the recommended steps to get rid of the malware found.
That’s it. It’s pretty simple, right?
See also: Why you should always update your antivirus software
Wrapping up
Running a virus scan on your Android device is important, especially if you use your smartphone for important stuff. There are many reasons why you should run a virus scan on your device: it can save you from an attacker trying to install malware onto your phone and ensure that your mobile phone is working at full capacity.
There’s a recent Android malware that is capable of draining the batteries and network bandwidth of users if left unchecked. So, if you don’t want to become a victim of these fraudulent schemes, make sure to always keep things safe.