How to remove a virus from an Android file. How to remove a virus from your phone - what to do if your phone is attacked by malware

A SEO needs a smartphone not only for making calls, as it is necessary to work with mobile applications, without which the work becomes more complicated. Personally, I use a dozen applications, including Web Money, Yandex Money, TOTP for Pay and a bunch of other stuff. They allow you to make payments outside of your home, check your email, and track website activity. It’s a big problem if there are viruses on your smartphone, because your account data and passwords can float away, and the device starts to become stupid and kick.

Today I will tell you how to remove viruses and Trojans from a smartphone running Android 5. Cleaning will take half an hour, after which you won’t have to worry about the state of your balance of payments, and the device will stop showing miracles of stupidity when surfing the Internet.

Birth of a problem

The problem arose immediately after the New Year, when my son and I were testing the capabilities of a new smartphone and downloading various junk from everywhere. The first sign of the disease manifested itself in the refusal to update via OTA, since the system files were modified by viruses. The device’s disease progressed - When connected to the Internet, the wrong applications began to load on their own, like AliExpress, the processor began to overheat due to strain, and the phone began to freeze.

As a result, at the end of the first month of life, it became impossible to use the Internet without swearing, launching applications became a pain, and the phone was headed for the wall, despite the warranty.

Virus scan

Naturally, I didn’t sit idly by and started looking for the evil spirits on the phone. The 360 ​​Total antivirus for smartphones was disappointing - when checking, it found 6 dangerous files, but did not show where they were installed and could only suggest disabling applications. He cannot delete anything due to lack of root rights. The list of dangerous applications included:

1. - Android Media Service,
2. - App Manager,
3. - Guard Service,
4. - Phone Service,
5. - Setting Service.

I found only the first two in the applications; the rest were successfully disguised. There was no point in carrying a smart phone under warranty; there was also no desire to pay for flashing a new device. What to do, the eyes asked the brain, the latter tensed.

Working the solution started with installing Malwarebytes-anti-malware, then it went on as usual.

Removal instructions

In order to completely remove all viruses and Trojans on Android, three programs were needed:

1. Malwarebytes-anti-malware,
2. Kingo Root
3. ES conductor.

The Malwarebytes antivirus scanner found all the viruses, Kingo allowed me to get root rights for removal, and the Trojan Explorer removed the Trojans.

Malwarebytes

First, install Malwarebytes and scan your smartphone. He will find all the evil spirits, indicate their location on the phone and give a brief description of the viruses. The scanner is compatible with regular antivirus, so you don’t need to remove anything before installing it. I found it in system/priv-app:

1. - org.show.down.update,
2. -newmast.apk,
3. - higher.apk,
4. - newdlir.apk,
5. - parlmast.apk,
6. - CLPower.apk,
7. - smalls.apk,
8. - tpings.apk,
9. - oneshs.apk.

This is due to the fact that he could not delete it due to the lack of root rights and moral principles, he burned 4 folders with malicious content at the stake, I don’t remember exactly their names - the ashes hid everything. Rewrite the “coordinates” of dangerous files that the scanner found but could not delete.

So, after scanning, you found viruses, removed some of them, and know the exact location of the remaining malicious files. Now you need to get root rights and install File Explorer to delete files.

Kingo Root

On my Android 5, only Kingo Root successfully became available, which is why I recommend it. Even the vaunted Bajdo Root did not. You will find all the programs needed to remove viruses below. They have been tested by me personally, everything is working and will not break Android.

Before installing Kingo, I recommend that you follow two rules - charge your phone properly and connect to the network, as you will need to download updates and install Super User. You launch the application, click “get root” and turn blue while waiting for the software to install and update. There is a more complicated way to install root rights using Kingo via a computer, but you shouldn’t complicate your life when it works that way.

ES conductor

Got your license? Now install ES_file_explorer– a conductor capable of working with root rights. In Explorer, go to the menu (top left), look for the Root Explorer tab and turn it on. Agree with the stupid questions from the application and go to the menu item “Local storage - device”.

All that remains is to find malicious files and delete them. Select and delete.

After removing the viruses, reboot your phone and scan it again with the scanner. If not everything has been removed, repeat the procedure for complete recovery.

The disease requires sacrifice, that’s how it goes.

So, let’s consolidate the material covered:

1. - Install Malwarebytes and scan for viruses,
2. - Write down the location of files that cannot be deleted,
3. - Install Kingo Root and open root rights,
4. - Install ES conductor,
5. - Remove viruses
6. - Restart your smartphone
7. - Recheck the system with the scanner again.

Uninstall the Kingo Root program immediately after destroying the viruses, you can leave Super User and ES Explorer. If you are going to the workshop for warranty repairs and need to remove root rights and their traces, then go to the Super User menu and use the “remove root” line. If Super User was deleted and you still have root rights that need to be removed, then install it again and remove the rights through the menu. Otherwise, you won’t be able to get to the SU file in system/bin.

And yes, if you think that you don’t have viruses on Android, but in 90% of cases you are wrong.

You can download Malwarebytes, ES Explorer and Kingo Root in one rar file directly from the Zegeberg blog.

Android phones and tablets are gradually replacing computers running Windows. The operating system becomes attractive to scammers who develop virus programs. Android's vulnerability to viruses allows attackers to gain access to users' SIM cards, passwords for accounts and e-wallets, as well as bank accounts. Smartphones and tablets are protected by built-in Google blockers, as well as antivirus programs. Read our article about how to remove a virus from an Android phone and whether the device needs an antivirus.

Virus programs are divided into four groups:

• depleting the user's balance;
• stealing access to electronic wallets and bank cards;
• storing personal data - logins, passwords, documents;
• blocking device.

Every year, new blocking components appear in antivirus software, and unique protective mechanisms are developed to block malicious programs. However, viruses continue to attack smartphones and tablets. This happens largely due to the fault of users who ignore pop-up system windows with danger warnings. The desire to install the game is sometimes stronger than the thought of a possible charge of money or blocking of the gadget.

An antivirus is necessary to protect Android devices, provided that the user responds to warnings and follows the program's instructions.

How viruses get into the system. How functions are blocked

Viruses penetrate smartphones and tablets due to user inexperience.

Common manifestations of viral activity:

• increased battery consumption;
• increase in mobile communications costs, regular debits of small amounts from the balance;
• appearance of unfamiliar files and applications;
• slow operation of the gadget;
• the appearance of pop-ups and banners.

Most viruses do not manifest themselves, and the user understands that his gadget is infected only at the moment of debiting funds from the card or e-wallet.

List of effective antiviruses

If you discover that your smartphone is infected with a virus, first take out the SIM card to avoid zeroing your balance. Next, install an antivirus program and scan the system. Applications can be downloaded from the Play Store or from the official website of the developer. To install an .apk file from a computer:

1. Go to the antivirus developer's website and download the installation file.
2. Connect your smartphone or tablet to your PC in storage mode.
3. Open the removable disk and copy the antivirus file to the selected folder.
4. Disconnect your device from your computer.
5. In the gadget menu, find File Manager and use it to open the folder with the antivirus file.
6. Install the program.

Before installing the antivirus, allow the installation of applications from unverified sources in the “Settings - General - Security” menu.

An overview of effective free antivirus programs is given below.

Avast Mobile

AVAST antivirus is available to users for free on the Play Store. Antivirus features:

• protecting your smartphone or tablet from viruses;
• scanning applications for malicious elements;
• scanning Wi-fi networks;
• firewall;
• cleaning RAM.

Download and install the program. To start a scan:

1. Open your antivirus.
2. In the main window, select "Test device". The antivirus will identify problems and vulnerabilities and offer to correct the situation.
3. Remove detected malicious files by clicking "Fix".

Gallery - using AVAST

If a virus is found in an application, open the application blocker and stop the malicious program, and then uninstall it.

AVG AntiVirus Security

AVG's antivirus application ensures the security of the user's personal data. Program functions:

• real-time scanner;
• scanning files and applications for viruses;
• searching for a lost smartphone or tablet;
• completion of processes that slow down the operation of the gadget;
• blocking unauthorized access to confidential applications.

AVG antivirus can be downloaded from Google Play. To scan your system for viruses, open the application and click the “Scan” button.

The program allows you to selectively scan suspicious folders and files. To start the process:

1. In the main window, select “Protection”.
2. Select "Check Files".
3. Check the boxes for folders and files to scan and click “Scan”.

Gallery - working with AVG

Step 1: Click the "Scan" button
Step 2: Remove malware if necessary
Step 3. Run a scan for suspicious folders

Step 4. Mark suspicious folders for scanning
Step 5. The smartphone will scan, then evaluate the results

Delete infected files and set a daily timer scan of the device.

Mobile Security and Antivirus (ESET)

Mobile Security from NOD32 protects the user when surfing the Internet and making online payments. Program functions:

• protecting your device from virus threats;
• filtering of unwanted SMS messages and calls;
• application review and management;
• scanning files;
• anti-phishing.

After installation, the program prompts you to enable real-time protection, and then automatically scans your smartphone or tablet for viruses. You can pause the scan by going to the “Antivirus” section and clicking the corresponding button. In the same menu, scan settings are available - “Deep”, “Intelligent” and “Fast”, as well as database updates and a list of quarantined files.

Gallery - working with ESET NOD32

Anti-phishing is available to users who have purchased the Premium version. ESET embeds its components into the browser and blocks malicious sites that collect user personal information.

The Security Scan menu allows you to detect and eliminate device vulnerabilities for viruses. The antivirus also examines applications for the presence of rights that harm the security of the Android system. And if, for example, a weather widget requests access to SMS messages, ESET signals this.

Trust&Go Antivirus and Mobile Security

TrustGo developers pay special attention to the activity of suspicious applications. After installation from the Market, the program starts scanning and protection in real time. When installing an unsafe application, the program alerts the user about possible risks, and blocks particularly dangerous ones.

To check your gadget for viruses, open the main program window and click “Scan”. The program will scan, find dangerous files and offer to delete them or mark them as trusted. If you are not sure about the reliability of the application, it is better to select the “Delete” option.

The antivirus assigns security ratings to installed applications. You can view them in the Application Manager and, if necessary, remove risky programs.

Gallery - using the TrustGO program

Do not install two antiviruses at the same time - the protective components conflict with each other and reduce the degree of protection. If you want to make sure that the malicious application is destroyed, download and run several antiviruses one by one.

Video - how to remove a virus from Android yourself

What to do with a virus if the antivirus did not help

If the antivirus cannot cope with the malicious application or does not detect it, the virus will have to be removed manually. There are four key ways to combat viruses on Android:

• disabling administrative rights and subsequent removal of the application containing the virus;
• checking your smartphone or tablet with antivirus on your PC;
• reset settings to default;
• flashing a smartphone or tablet.

The method of eliminating the virus depends on its type.

Trojan

Trojan programs penetrate the system and collect personal data of the gadget owner, and also send requests to premium numbers. If you have root rights and know which application is causing harm, open the file manager and go to the application directory along the path data/app. Once you remove the dangerous program from the folder, you don’t have to worry about virus activity.

If you do not have root access, restart your smartphone or tablet in recovery mode. To do this, turn off the device, and when turning it on, press the power and volume down/up buttons simultaneously. From Safe Mode, disable administrator rights for the application with the Trojan and remove it.

Virus that installs applications on the phone

The most dangerous virus is one that can independently install applications and create its own files in directories. Having received administrator rights, the application infected with the virus installs intrusive banners and programs, penetrating deep into the system. As a result, the gadget freezes and stops working normally. To eliminate a virus:

1. Check your device with antivirus programs. Remove all suspicious applications.
2. Open the application manager through “Settings - General - Applications - All” and manually remove unknown programs, first clearing the cache and stopping them.
3. Get root access to your device using Kingo Android Root or Farmaroot app.
4. Disable Internet access, download Root App Deleter and delete the remaining virus program files.
5. When the Internet is turned off, manually delete residual files left by viruses from the system/app folder. Use ES Explorer.

If your smartphone or tablet is infected with the Android.Becu.1.origin virus, the method described above does not help. Try blocking the activity of the malicious application:

1. In the list of installed programs, find the infected package file com.cube.activity, open it and select “Disable”.
2. Uninstall the support packages left by the virus: com.zgs.ga.pack and com.system.outapi.

The virus will be suspended.

Com android systemUI

Launching com.android.systemUI is triggered by a Trojan installed on the smartphone along with an unlicensed application or game. The virus loads advertising applications, porn site banners, second-rate cleaners and battery boosters into the Android system. You can remove the virus only if you have root rights:

1. In the Application Manager, find the program containing the virus, open it and select Stop. Next, click “Clear cache” and “Delete”.
2. Open a file manager (ES Explorer or X-Plore), go to the “Root - System - App” folder and find the com.android.systemUI file inside.
3. If this is not the case, the virus developers have come up with a different name for the file. Find the file by installation date - it must match the installation date of the infected application.
4. Remove the virus file. If necessary, use the "Delete 2" application.

The virus will stop working after you reboot the gadget.

Ransomware viruses - Ministry of Internal Affairs banners, battery damage

The ransomware virus prevents you from using your smartphone or tablet, displaying a banner in full screen that reads: “Your device has been blocked by the security service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation.

To activate access to the device, transfer 300 rubles according to the details.” There are three ways to remove a banner and the virus that caused it:

• factory reset via Android recovery mode;
• uninstalling the application through safe mode;
• flashing the gadget.

In Android safe mode, only system applications are launched - accordingly, the virus will be inactive. To launch safe mode and uninstall an infected program:

1. Turn off your smartphone or tablet.
2. While turning on, hold down the lock and volume buttons at the same time.
3. Open Settings - General - Applications - All.
4. Select and stop the malware.
5. Clear the cache and uninstall the application.

Use flashing and rolling back to factory settings only as a last resort - these methods lead to data loss. To reset settings:

1. Connect your gadget to your PC.
2. Activate Recovery mode.
3. Select wipe data/factory reset and click
4. On your computer, copy important data from a removable disk and format it.

After rebooting, the smartphone will return to factory settings, and the virus will be removed.

Security/Firewall service

The virus interferes with the operation of the browser and applications. When the program starts, a black screen opens with the words Firewall Service. If you just close the window, it starts again.

Antiviruses and traditional methods do not work against Trojans. To remove the virus, remove the application with which it was installed, then gain root access and, using the file manager, delete the Firewall Service (gmk.apk) and SecurityService (gma.apk) files from the system/app folder. After a reboot, the virus will stop working. If this does not happen, repeat the steps, but to delete .apk files, use the “Delete 2” program instead of the usual manager.

Engriks

Engriks is a virus that triggers the display of intrusive banners and installs “fraudulent” applications on a smartphone or tablet. After detection and removal by the antivirus it occurs again.

A hard reset, that is, rolling back the system to factory settings, helps deal with the malware. To perform a hard reset:

1. Turn off the device and when you turn it on, go into recovery mode.
2. Select wipe data/factory reset from the menu.
3. Wait for the final reset.

Advertising virus in the browser - how to block

Certain viruses only infect mobile browsers. Having opened the Internet browser, the user sees advertising banners instead of pages, often with obscene content. It is impossible to close the advertisements; they appear again. Most often, the virus is hidden in the browser cache, and to combat it you just need to clear the cache:

1. Go to the menu “Settings - General - Applications - All” and select the browser in which banners are bothering you. Open it.
2. Click the Clear Cache button and then Stop.

If the banners appear again when you restart the browser, uninstall the viewer itself and install it again, having first scanned your smartphone or tablet with an antivirus.

SMS Manager: how to block the threat yourself

SMS viruses send requests on behalf of the user to paid short numbers, for which amounts from 30 to 300 rubles are debited from the balance. The user does not immediately notice the charges - today there are few people who track the balance on the number. To remove a virus:

1. Go to Application Manager.
2. Find recently installed apps that are requesting access to SMS messages.
3. Delete them by first clearing the cache and erasing the data there, in the Manager.
4. Install an antivirus and scan the system.

Remove detected malware. The antivirus may display a warning that if you uninstall the application, you will lose all your data. This is the machinations of the virus developers - they deliberately replace the text of the system message so that the user gets scared and refuses to remove the malware.

Video - removing a virus from CCleaner

How to remove a virus file using a system computer or laptop

If after all the steps the virus continues to cause harm, check your smartphone or tablet with an antivirus via your PC. For this:

1. Connect the device to the computer in storage mode.
2. Open an antivirus on your PC (use Dr. Web or Kaspersky) and run a custom scan.
3. Mark for checking the removable drives that appeared when you connected the gadget.
4. Delete detected files.

After checking, turn off your smartphone and restart it to completely eliminate virus activity.

Prevention of viruses on smartphones and tablets

After removing the virus, take care of the security of your smartphone or tablet in the future. Install an antivirus program and set a weekly timer scan. When working with the device, follow the rules:

• install applications only from the Play Market and official developer sites;
• do not skimp on paid programs;
• in the device settings, uncheck the “allow installation from unknown sources” option;
• try not to download applications that request access to SMS and calls;
• If you see a message on any website about the need to update one of your applications, ignore it - update only through the Play Market;

Do not perform important operations while working over Wi-Fi - traffic can be intercepted by attackers.

By using an antivirus program and being careful when installing applications, you will protect yourself and your device from the negative effects of viruses and malware. If a virus has penetrated your Android, do not follow the lead of the scammers, but consistently try to eliminate it using various methods.

In this article we will look at how to remove a virus on an Android phone/tablet using your laptop or computer. Useful in cases where it is not possible to detect a virus using the application or the virus itself blocks access to the phone.

A large number of viruses are written for Android, so users who actively use the Internet on a phone or tablet can accidentally infect the device. You can clean your device from malicious software using a computer or mobile antivirus.

How to remove a virus from your phone via computer

If, when connected, the internal memory of a smartphone or tablet and microSD card are detected as regular removable media, then they can be scanned using an antivirus on your computer. Before performing this procedure, make sure that USB debugging is enabled.

If there is no “For Developers” section in the settings, first go to the “About phone” submenu and click on the “About phone” item 5-7 times. A message will appear on the screen telling you how many times you need to tap on the item to become a developer.

After enabling debugging, connect your device to your computer. Its media will be detected as removable disks. To check them for malware, launch an antivirus on your computer. Under PC Scan, select Removable Storage Scan or Custom Scan.

Files that the antivirus detects as malicious must be deleted from the phone. Together with the built-in antivirus, you can use the free cleaning utility Dr.Web CureIt!

It also has a function for checking removable drives, which allows you to quickly deal with harmful files if they are stored on a memory card or internal storage of a mobile device.

Removing a virus from your phone using the built-in

Unfortunately, most modern devices, when connected to a computer, are identified as a media player or camera, depending on the selected mode - MTP or PTP. Accordingly, the option of checking removable drives on the computer is eliminated. The only possibility is if the virus is saved as an application on the memory card. It can be removed from the phone and read through a card reader.

In addition, not all antiviruses for computers running Windows detect viruses for Android. Therefore, it is better to use specialized software, that is, antivirus software for your phone/tablet. All major antivirus developers have such applications: Kaspersky Lab, ESET, Avast, Dr.Web.

If the phone responds to your requests, install one of the proven antiviruses for Android from the Play Market and scan your mobile device. Delete infected data. Also, get rid of recently installed applications that could have become a source of infection. Pay especially close attention to programs that were downloaded from an unknown source and not from the Play Market.

Working in Safe Mode

If the mobile antivirus does not work in normal mode, try cleaning your phone in Safe Mode. Most viruses do not work in it, so you can easily remove them if you can find them. To enter safe mode:

Run your mobile antivirus in safe mode and check your system again. This method helps to get rid of advertising applications that display banners on your desktop. To return to normal Android mode, simply restart your device.

Resetting your phone to remove a virus

If cleaning your phone/tablet with an antivirus did not help, or the device has a ransomware virus that has blocked the device, then you will have to reset the settings to remove it. As a result of this operation, all data will be deleted from the mobile device.

If synchronization with Google is enabled, then nothing bad will happen - then restore the lost information from the backup. To save photos, music, videos, connect the device to your PC and copy the necessary files to your hard drive. Don’t forget to check them on your PC with an antivirus in case they are also infected.

After a little preparation, turn off your phone and launch Recovery Mode on it. Typically, this requires holding down the Volume Up key and the Power button when turning it on, but there may be other combinations, so find out the exact combination for your phone model.

Today, Android OS is positioned as one of the most popular operating systems - more than 70% of devices around the world run on it.

The reason is its accessibility: the manufacturer uses open source code to “sharpen” it for numerous gadgets and makes it possible to independently change the appearance of the shell, flash a smartphone, receive it, and so on.

These desires for personalization were eventually taken advantage of by attackers, resulting in a huge number of malware injected into open source code, transferring the reins of the device into the wrong hands.

How to get a virus?

Android is considered a fairly secure operating system. It’s not for nothing that smart people came up with Google Play - most of all software is filtered for viruses, which protects the user from unauthorized use. By lifting the ban on installation from unknown sources, you can manually give dubious applications access to the device system.

Basically, most malware enters the system by downloading software from third-party file hosting services, for example, when a smartphone owner tries to purchase a paid application or program for free that is not on Google Play. You can also “catch” a virus when entering a phone number on various sites: this way you will end up in the attackers’ database, after which messages with strange links will begin to arrive on the phone, after clicking on which the malware will automatically be downloaded to the device and harm its owner.

What viruses are there?

Classic Trojans. Old as the world, but still functioning successfully. Their main purpose is to steal user personal data: contacts, personal correspondence, logins/passwords for websites and bank card numbers. You can earn such a misfortune both through a dubious application, and by following a short link from familiar SMS messages like “You have received a photo, look here.”

Recently, such viruses are increasingly designed to hack applications like Mobile Banking, since this gives attackers the opportunity to transfer all the victim’s money to their account.

Viruses that make it possible to obtain root rights. The moment a smartphone is infected with this virus, attackers gain administrative rights. From this moment on, they have access to any remote actions with the device: sending SMS on behalf of the user, making calls, managing the operation of the device, installing software, all access codes, passwords, and so on.

Sending paid SMS messages. At one time they were very popular on file-sharing sites containing free applications. As soon as the owner of the device downloads the program, messages are automatically sent from his number to paid short numbers. Or, as an option, subscriptions are automatically issued for some non-existent content, for the imaginary use of which the owner of the device pays from 20 to 60 rubles. daily.

As a rule, until the reason for the rapid loss of funds is established, the user will have time to lose a decent amount.

"Eavesdropping Viruses". This kind of software is designed to record all the user’s telephone conversations; some subtypes are configured to selectively extract important information from these conversations: phone numbers, bank accounts and credit cards, logins, passwords and other confidential information.

Advertising application modules. Probably everyone has noticed, when working with some applications, an intrusive advertising banner that suddenly pops up in the middle of the screen. In some cases, when you click on it, the creator receives a certain amount from the user's account. For the most part, such an action is one-time and does not entail a regular loss of funds, although sometimes the owner of a smartphone receives a package of parallel viruses.

How not to catch a virus?

To protect against a variety of malware, owners of Android-based smartphones should avoid installing software from unverified sources, use antivirus programs, and simply be prudent regularly.

If you have a virus on your smartphone or tablet, the good news is that it is easy to remove. We will tell you how to remove a virus from Android. In addition, we will show you how to avoid the Atheist, Gunpoder, Mazar and other malware viruses on Android.

Viruses are installed on a smartphone through third-party applications; To remove them, run the gadget in safe mode, remove the administrator status if necessary, and then remove the infected application. If this method does not solve the problem, a full data reset will destroy the defective application and roll back the device to factory settings. At the same time, all applications that you installed will be deleted, and all accounts will also be deactivated. That is, you will receive a “virgin” device out of the box.

In this article, we provide a step-by-step guide on how to remove malware from your Android smartphone or tablet.

To begin with, we note that the likelihood of an Android device becoming infected with a virus is very low. It is more likely to see a message convincing you that your gadget is infected, and assuring you that you need to download a truly malicious application, or pop-up windows, or the device is simply not working correctly. However, viruses still occur on Android devices.

If you are convinced that your smartphone has a virus, read on to learn how to destroy it.

How to avoid viruses on Android or know the enemy by sight

How to avoid viruses on Android, including viruses such as Godless, Gunpoder and Mazar.

All Android viruses get onto the device along with installed applications, so if there is no virus on your smartphone or tablet yet, the best way to prevent its appearance is to be very careful with the applications you install. Rule of thumb - if you don't know what the software is, don't download it outside the official Google Play app store. By default, your smartphone or tablet is configured to prevent such installation.

Similar tactics work for the Gunpoder virus, which made headlines after Palo Alto Networks discovered it could infiltrate smartphones through Nintendo gaming emulators installed outside of Google Play, and could even force you to pay for additional services.

More recently, the Mazar virus appeared, penetrating a smartphone through a link in a text message that downloads the Tor browser. For now, it appears to only be infecting devices in Denmark, although it could potentially spread further.

It is alarming that the latest malware for Android is in the form of an application - the “Atheist” virus can be installed through applications from Google Play. They tend to look like legitimate up-and-coming apps, such as copycat games and a flashlight app (Summer Flashlight is one such app), but from unknown developers. Trend Micro also found several third-party copies of clean Google Play apps on the Internet that included malicious code.

Godless only affects devices running Android Lollipop and has the ability to take full control of the smartphone and install other (potentially dangerous) software. The advice of the company's security department is to ensure that you have administrator rights, as well as permission to install or not install the application from Google Play.

If you are not sure, then do not install applications from unofficial sources.

To make sure you don't accidentally install malware by installing apps outside of Google Play, open the Settings menu, look at the Security option, and then deactivate Unknown Sources (prevent the installation of apps from unknown sources).

If you decide to install an application outside of Google Play, do your research. Check permissions (does the player need to have access to your contacts?), look at reviews, and visit the developer's site to see their other programs. In the case of Gunpoder, be especially wary of Nintendo gaming emulators.

You can use one of many free antivirus apps for Android, such as 360 Mobile Security, Avast, and Lookout. They are able to detect and remove malicious applications. All of them scan the contents of the smartphone for anything suspicious, but keep in mind that the applications can give false signals. For example, flagging an app you've been using for months as malware when you know it's safe. In most cases, such warnings can simply be ignored. Also, again dealing with Gunpoder, these antiviruses may not notice malicious behavior if the application is able to hide it from them - Gunpoder uses the AirPush library to hide its behavior.

If you think there is still a virus on your smartphone or tablet that is resisting your attempts to remove the associated app, a factory reset will remove it and return the device to its original state. But carrying out such a manipulation means that all data on the smartphone that is not saved in a backup copy will be lost. Instead, follow these steps to get rid of the virus.

How to clean Android from a virus

Step 1

Start your gadget in safe mode. It is impossible to launch any applications from third parties, and this includes malicious programs. On most devices, to access the power-on options, you must press the power key and then press and hold it until you are given the option to reboot into safe mode. If this does not work for you, then enter “How to run [model name] in safe mode” into Google and follow the instructions. If everything is done correctly, the message “Safe Mode” will appear in the lower left corner of the screen.

Step 2

Open the “Settings” menu and click on “Applications”, make sure that the “Downloaded” tab opens. If you don't know the name of the virus that infects your smartphone or tablet, go through the list and look for anything that looks suspicious or that you didn't install or shouldn't be on the device.

Step 3

Tap the malicious app to reveal its information, then tap Uninstall or Uninstall Updates. Basically, this is enough to remove the virus, but sometimes you find that the “Delete” button is inactive. This happened because the virus made itself the device administrator status.

Leave the “Programs” menu and click on “Settings”, “Security”, “Device Administrators”. Or go to settings and use search at the very top. Enter “Device Administrators” there. You will see a list of all programs on your device with administrator status. Uncheck the box of the program you want to remove and click “Deactivate” in the window that appears. After that, go back to the Applications menu and uninstall it.

Now that the virus has been removed from your Android smartphone or tablet, reboot your device to get it out of safe mode. If everything is functioning well, it's time to back up your saved data and install an antivirus application to protect yourself from viruses that may come knocking on your door in the future.