Malware advice

[philliplavelle]

Hi Folks.

I've done something a bit silly and hoping some Android expert on here may be able to help me.

I stupidly installed an app from an external source using a link that was given me for a specific app.

I am now freaking out about malware/spyware and all the rest of it.

At this point, I must point out that there is nothing to immediately suggest the app is bad. I only installed it a few hours ago on my phone but there hasn't been anything suspicious like extra battery use, heat, unknown apps in the list of battery usage or pop ups or anything like that. It could be that it's absolutely fine (and probably is.)

What I'm more concerned about is that there may be some nefarious background process running that means I suddenly wake up and find my bank account has been drained, or I'm being blackmailed by some Russian hacker that has hold of my emails and photos etc.

TWO IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERS (before anybody states the below:

- Yes, I know it was a stupid thing to do and I don't know what came over me. But it is done now.

- I know that a full factory reset is the best way to clear all but I'm desperate to avoid that. It took me two days to setup my new S21 Ultra and hate the thought of going through all of that again!

I know that Google Play Protect helps with apps from the GP Store, but I assume this is not relevant here because it came from an external source. Is there any kind of facility where I can upload the app and it scans it? Or am I screwed?

I also know you can download Norton etc but I read that they may not be effective on things like this. FYI, I am running the January 1st Android security patch (the most recent available.)

Thanks in advance.

 

[B. Diddy]

Welcome to Android Central! Play Protect should still be able to scan apps from external sources: https://support.google.com/accounts...=Turn Improve harmful app detection on or off.

"Send unknown apps to Google

If you choose to install apps from unknown sources outside of the Google Play Store, turning on the “Improve harmful app detection” setting will allow Google Play Protect to send unknown apps to Google to protect you from harmful apps.

1. On your Android phone or tablet, open the Google Play Store app
   
   .
2. Tap Menu
   
   
   Play Protect
   
   Settings
   
   .
3. Turn Improve harmful app detection on or off."