TCL, an Android smartphone manufacturer, has identified five signs that your smartphone may be infected with malware, as well as solutions to the problem.

Whether you use your Android smartphone for personal use or business use, there is a chance that malicious software could worm its nasty way into your device. But would you know if it had?

TCL Communication creates, manufactures, and sells products and services under three major brands: TCL, Alcatel, and BlackBerry.

They have recently stated:

“Android mobile devices are pretty secure, provided you follow common-sense precautions such as using strong passwords for all of your accounts, downloading apps only from Google Play or official phone manufacturer app stores, and not clicking on suspect website links you receive by email or instant messaging.

“Still, it’s possible for you to accidentally download some malware on your device or give your account details to a persuasive scammer.

“Cybercriminals are clever and persistent, and it’s not always easy to keep up with their latest tricks. And once they’ve breached your phone, they might quietly steal your personal data, hijack your social media accounts, or use your phone to mine cryptocurrencies.”

According to TCL, the following signs may indicate that your phone has been hacked or that malware has been installed:

• Your battery's life has suddenly deteriorated. Some malware and fraudulent apps run in the background on your phone constantly, draining its battery.
• Your phone is running hot and uses more data than usual. This may also indicate malware or spy apps running in the background.
• Another sign that you have a malicious app on your phone is that your performance has deteriorated. Websites, for example, take longer to load, and apps freeze, crash, or run slowly. This is a further clue that a malicious app is stealing resources from your device.
• Unusual occurrences have taken place with your online accounts. If a cybercriminal gains access to your information, they may attempt to log into your apps, such as social media or online banking. If you are receiving emails and texts for password resets or notifications that someone is logging in from an unfamiliar location, you may have been compromised.
• Apps, texts, and phone calls that aren't what they seem. If you notice apps you haven't downloaded, calls you haven't made, and texts and emails you haven't sent in your history, this is a big red flag.

If you suspect that your device has been compromised, TCL suggests taking the following steps:

• Disconnect your phone from the Internet. Immediately disconnect from the Internet to prevent malware from sending more data from your device or the hacker from controlling your phone.
• Remove any suspicious apps. Check your phone for any suspicious apps that you may have unknowingly installed. Uninstall them immediately.
• Install a reputable antivirus app. Use a good antivirus app to scan for any malware or viruses that may be present on your device.
• Change your passwords. Change the passwords for all your accounts, including your email, social media, and banking accounts, to prevent the hacker from accessing them.
• Perform a factory reset. If nothing else works, consider factory resetting your phone to remove any malicious software and start fresh.

These suggestions are from TCL. If you follow them and are still having issues, contact an Android specialist.

Reporting

Report all Fraud and Cybercrime to Action Fraud by calling 0300 123 2040 or online. Forward suspicious emails to report@phishing.gov.uk. Report SMS scams by forwarding the original message to 7726 (spells SPAM on the keypad).