Malware and Android.

[DennisOS2]

It must exist or there wouldn't be apps to find them. Although, there are still screen savers for flat panels.

Is there anyone out there that has had malware on their android devices? If so, was it identified and how did you take care of it? Where was it embedded?

 

[Mooncatt]

Battery/memory optimization apps work counter to how Android is designed and hurt performance, but yet they are a dime a dozen.

It's definitely possible to have malware installed, but it's very difficult. That's why sketchy sites try to trick you into purposely installing it. Apps are unable to install themselves outside the Play store.

 

[DennisOS2]

Battery/memory optimization apps work counter to how Android is designed and hurt performance, but yet they are a dime a dozen.

It's definitely possible to have malware installed, but it's very difficult. That's why sketchy sites try to trick you into purposely installing it. Apps are unable to install themselves outside the Play store.

How is malware introduced into an Android device? Through an installed app? Code added by a remote system after clicking on a site or email link? Download an infected document?

 

[Mooncatt]

How is malware introduced into an Android device? Through an installed app? Code added by a remote system after clicking on a site or email link? Download an infected document?

Hacked/pirated apps could have malicious code added to them. A pop-up claiming a virus was found on your phone tries scaring you into installing their fake anti-virus app, which could have malicious code. And anything else along those lines. That's why for most people it's best to leave the option to install from unknown sources turned off. It prevents those types of attacks from installing apps onto your phone.

As far as I know, you can not get a "drive by" attack by simply going to an infected site or document. Android operates in almost a sandboxed mode, which is why Android malware typically requires the installation of an infected app.