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What to do if you’ve had a mobile malware attack?

As smartphones play an increasingly central role in our daily activities, they have become a prime target for cybercriminals.

Hackers may attempt to install malicious software on your device, designed to steal banking information, make unauthorized app purchases, send premium-rate SMS messages, connect to external sources, and more.

Be vigilant for the following warning signs:

  • Unexplained charges on your phone bill.
  • Unusually high data usage.
  • Poor battery performance or overheating, which may indicate malware running in the background.
  • Strange or suspicious text messages, often containing unusual characters.
  • Slow performance or frequent freezing, suggesting malware is consuming system resources.
Disclaimer

The advice and information provided on this website are for general informational purposes only. While we strive to offer accurate and helpful content, we do not take responsibility for any actions taken based on the advice provided. Users are encouraged to exercise their own judgment and discretion when implementing any recommendations. We make no guarantees regarding the outcomes or results of following any advice, and assume no liability for any consequences resulting from its use.

First steps

If you notice any of the issues above on your phone you should try:

  • iPhones: Restart your device by holding the power and home buttons together until you see the Apple logo.

  • Android: Try booting into safe mode to check for unwanted apps. To do this:

    1. Press and hold the power button for a few seconds until you see the power options.
    2. Press and hold “Power off” until a message appears asking if you want to enter safe mode.
    3. Confirm to restart in safe mode, which will load only the original apps that came with your phone.

Safe mode can help identify and remove suspicious apps causing issues.

Who to contact

You should flag the malware attack to the following people:

  1. Your phone manufacturer’s support site.
  2. Action Fraud.

Further action

You should consider the following actions following a malware attack:

  • Only download apps from trusted developers on official app marketplaces like Google’s Play Store and Apple’s App Store, not third-party websites.
  • Read reviews on official marketplaces on each app before you download as this provides a useful vetting system for their apps. You will normally be able to discover if the app asks for excessive permissions or another user may have written about malicious activity.
  • Install a mobile anti-virus solution onto your Android or iPhone device.
  • Do not click on any links in e-mails or texts unless you are absolutely certain that they are from a reliable and trustworthy source.
  • Regularly run updates for your device and ensure they are from a trusted source, not a link.

Get Safe Online has further information for protecting your smart phone from viruses and malware.