Malicious software
(malware)

What does such malware look like? 

Malware can have many different names. Below are examples of what malicious apps can be called:  

PDF AI: Add-on, Android Core OS, File Explorer: Pdf Viewer ect.

If you have some type of malware in your device, the recommendations below explain how to remove it.

Before you begin to remove the malware according to the following points, read through them. If you think that the procedure is too complicated then you better seek out the official service of your device and ask for help. Finally, have a service report drawn up. In it you will find out what dangerous apps were stored in your device.  

1. Turn off your device and enter safe mode

How to switch the phone to safe mode? Look at the illustrative example for Samsung phones.  

Safe mode will temporarily turn off all third party apps, which will allow you to identify and remove those apps that are a problem. 

The procedure for individual types of phone may differ. So proceed according to the manufacturer’s manual of your device, which you can easily find on the internet. 

2. Check your device, you have two options

• Android operating system: Using Google Play Protect − click on the Play Store app, then in the upper-right corner on your Profile, then on > Play Protect > and finally select Scan. The app will scan your device and on its screen will display the information of what malware the device contains. You can also use the following procedure for Android. 

• Android i iOS operating system: Using the antivirus app – if Google Play Protect has not found any malware or you do not have it in your phone, use antivirus software such as Avast, Eset and other. Install this software if you do not have it either. Providers offer a paid or unpaid version. Read a review of some antivirus software or select a free version of antivirus software.  

3. Uninstall suspicious apps  

Find any suspicious apps and uninstall them. 

Android operating system: Remove apps displayed by Play Protect or antivirus software in Settings > Apps.  

iOS operating system: On the home screen, find the app you want to uninstall. Long press the app icon and in the menu select Remove App.

4. Reset device to factory settings  

If none of the previous steps helped you to find and uninstall the malware (malicious app), resetting the phone will remove all data and return the device to factory settings.  

Android operating system: Typically in Settings > System > Factory Data Reset select the Reset option.  

iOS operating system: Go to Settings > General > Reset.

WARNING! Before resetting don’t forget to backup all important data! If you reset your device, you will need to reinstall and reactivate George.  

Other general recommendations

• Check app permissions

Apps on your phone should only have access to the features they need to function. 

Android operating system: In Settings > App Permissions check which apps have access to features such as camera, microphone or GPS, and restrict their access there where it is possible. 

iOS operating system: In Settings > Privacy > Select Specific Permissions such as Location Services, Contacts, Microphone etc. and change their access.

• Update the operating system and apps  

Updates often contain fixes for security bugs that malware could exploit.  

Android operating system: Go to  Settings > System update and install all available updates.  

iOS operating system: Go to Settings > General > Software update and install all available updates. 

If the phone no longer provides the manufacturer’s security updates, consider replacing the device. 

• Pay attention to prevention  

Do not visit suspicious websites, do not download apps from untrusted sources and keep your device and apps updated. 

Change your login details including passwords for all apps (even George) that you use.