Cell phones have become an integral part of our daily lives. We use them for everything from making calls and texting to browsing the internet and using apps. Unfortunately, as cell phone use has increased, so have cell phone viruses and malware. Cell phones can become infected with viruses in many ways, such as visiting compromised websites, downloading infected apps or files, or opening phishing text messages or emails. Once infected, a virus can wreak havoc on a cell phone by damaging the operating system, stealing personal data, or locking the phone until a ransom is paid.
The good news is that there are steps cell phone users can take to remove viruses and other malware from infected devices. With some knowledge and the right tools, it is possible to fully disinfect a cell phone and restore it back to normal working order.
How cell phones get infected with viruses
There are several common ways cell phones can become infected with a virus:
Visiting compromised websites
Websites can sometimes become infected with malware without the owner’s knowledge. Visiting such sites, especially with a vulnerable web browser, can trigger downloads of viruses, trojans, or other malware. These can install themselves on a phone without the user even realizing it.
Downloading infected apps
Apps downloaded from untrusted sources outside the official app stores can contain hidden viruses. Even apps from official stores can sometimes contain malware that slips through screening processes. Downloading and installing infected apps provides an easy way for viruses to infect phones.
Clicking infected links
Phishing scams often rely on sending text messages or emails with infected links. Clicking such links from an untrusted source can trigger a drive-by download of malware. This takes advantage of vulnerabilities in the phone’s web browser.
Connecting to infected devices
Connecting a phone to a computer or device that is infected provides a bridge for viruses to spread. This can happen through USB cables, WiFi, Bluetooth, or other methods. The virus can take advantage of vulnerabilities to spread.
Outdated software
Older, unsupported software is often riddled with unpatched security holes. Running outdated operating systems and apps leaves phones vulnerable to new and emerging threats. Malware creators design viruses to exploit known flaws in older software.
Signs of a virus infection on a cell phone
Cell phone virus infections can manifest in several ways. Here are some common signs a phone may be infected:
Decreased performance
Viruses hog system resources to scan files, spread, and conduct other malicious activities. This can cause noticeable slowdowns, freezes, crashes, and other performance issues.
Unusual behavior
A virus may cause strange app behavior, constant pops ups, or apps opening on their own. This indicates malicious software is running in the background.
High data usage
Viruses often need to communicate with command and control servers to receive instructions or exfiltrate data. This can show up as abnormally high data usage.
Overheating
The extra processing power needed to run malware can cause some phones to overheat, sometimes to dangerous levels.
Ransomware
Some viruses employ ransomware to encrypt data and lock the phone. Usually a ransom message is displayed demanding payment to decrypt the data.
Unusual pop ups
Unexpected pop up ads, notifications, or alerts, especially for fake security software, can indicate adware or other unwanted programs on a device.
Spam text messages
A virus that has stolen contact info may spam contacts with links or messages to spread. Unexpected texts from your own number is a giveaway.
Battery drain
Similar to overheating, fast battery drain can point to a virus overworking the phone’s processor and systems.
Resetting settings
Some malware resets menus, defaults, and other settings as part of disabling security software or covering its tracks.
Steps to remove a virus from a cell phone
If you suspect a virus on your device, there are a number of steps you can take to try to disinfect your phone and regain full functionality:
1. Disconnect from networks and turn off Bluetooth/WiFi
This contains the virus by stopping communication attempts and shutting down potential avenues for further infection or spreading.
2. Boot into safe mode
Booting into safe mode starts the phone with only essential apps and processes running. This prevents malware from loading and provides space to remove it.
3. Delete suspicious apps
Look for apps you don’t remember downloading and uninstall them. This eliminates any infected apps harboring malware.
4. Run anti-virus software
Use a reputable anti-virus app to scan for and isolate any infections on your phone. This can quarantine and remove viruses.
5. Reset phone to factory settings
For serious infections, resetting the phone to factory defaults may be necessary. This gives you a clean slate to rebuild your apps and data.
6. Update software
Make sure to update your phone’s operating system and apps to the latest secure versions. This patches security holes that viruses exploit.
7. Change passwords
Viruses that steal login info may have compromised accounts. Change passwords as a precaution once the infection is cleared.
8. Avoid suspicious links/files
Exercise caution going forward. Don’t open random links and attachments that may reinfect your phone. Only install apps from trusted sources like official app stores.
Professional phone cleaning services
For serious infections that persist even after trying the above steps, you may need to turn to professional phone cleaning services. Experts have commercial grade tools to fully disinfect mobile devices and eradicate stubborn viruses and malware. This is a sure way to clean even severely infected phones.
Phone manufacturers themselves often provide phone cleaning services through mail-in repair centers. Large electronics and phone retailers sometimes offer on-site cleaning services. There are also standalone phone cleaning services that specialize in malware removal.
These professional services use tactics like:
- Booting from external media to bypass internally installed malware
- Connecting phones to forensic tools to scan file systems
- Flashing stock OS firmware images to completely reset the device
- Using advanced commercial anti-virus tools designed for mobile devices
Professional phone cleaning typically costs between $50 to over $100 depending on the provider and specific services required.
Preventing cell phone virus infections
They key to avoiding cell phone malware is following good security practices:
Keep software updated
Continually update your device’s OS and apps to the latest versions to maintain patched security vulnerabilities. Sign up for automatic updates where possible.
Only use official app stores
Stick to downloading apps from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, which screen programs for malware prior to distribution. Avoid sideloading from third-party stores.
Don’t jailbreak/root devices
Jailbreaking or rooting phones removes built-in security protections. Never modify your device in this manner as it makes infections easier.
Install security software
Run robust anti-virus software specifically designed for mobile devices to catch any infections before they spread.
Avoid unknown links and files
Be wary of messages and downloads from unknown senders which may be infected. Stick to trusted sources.
Use secure connections
Only access the web via secure WiFi and avoid public networks. Use a VPN when on cellular data networks.
Back up data
Maintain backups via cloud services or external storage. This gives you the ability to reset your device if needed without data loss.
Monitor data and battery use
Look for abnormal spikes in data or battery consumption, which can indicate malware.
Following best practices greatly reduces the chances of cell phone virus infections. But even with precautions, infections still occasionally happen. If you do get a virus, try the removal techniques outlined to disinfect your phone and get it working properly again.
Conclusion
Cell phones are increasingly at risk from viruses and other types of malware as mobile devices become more interconnected and complex. While preventing infections through safe computing habits is ideal, it is still possible for viruses to infect phones through exploits in apps, operating systems, and networks.
If your cell phone becomes sluggish, overheats, or shows other unusual behavior, there is a chance it may be infected. However, there are steps you can take to try removing viruses yourself, such as disconnecting from networks, resetting the phone, running anti-virus software, and updating all software.
For stubborn infections, turning to professional phone cleaning services via phone manufacturers, retailers, or dedicated providers can fully disinfect a phone when self-help options fail. With vigilance and proper phone hygiene, the malware risks associated with modern cell phones can be contained and managed.