Your Device Got Infected by Malware? Here’s How to Handle It!

Malware (malicious software) is a type of software designed to infiltrate, damage, or steal data from your phone/PC without the owner’s knowledge. It can steal personal data, cause system damage, and more.

Malware can enter your device in many ways. One of which is through scams that impersonate government institutions, which have recently become widespread.

Signs Your Device Is Infected with Malware

You can usually spot malware infections when using your device. Here are some common signs:

• The device overheat (becomes unusually hot)
• Strange noises appear during calls on your smartphone
• Battery drains quickly
• You receive OTP SMS even when you’re not making any transaction
• It’s hard to power off your device
• Screen glitches (abnormal visual disturbances such as lines, flickering, color distortion, or other artifacts)
• Noticeable lag in device performance
• Unexpected pop-up notifications from Security Features or Antivirus
• Indicator lights turn on unexpectedly

How to Handle Malware Attacks on Android Devices

Here are 5 essential steps and 1 optional step if your Android device is infected by malware.

1. Turn on Airplane Mode on your handphone to cut off internet connections
2. Immediately block eChannel services and uninstall any suspicious or unofficial apps not downloaded from the Play Store that is suspected as malware
3. Uninstall BCA eChannel apps (BCAmobile, myBCA, Sakuku, etc.) from the infected handphone
4. Adjust Installation Source settings to prevent future attacks by:
   1. Open Settings on your Android device and go to System Security
   2. Tap App Installation, then tap Installation Sources
   3. Make sure all installation sources are turned off so only official apps can be installed in the future
5. Enable Google Play Protect through these steps:
   1. Open the Google Play Store app
   2. On the top right, tap Profile
   3. Select Play Protect, then go to Settings
   4. Turn on Scan apps with Play Protect and Improve harmful app detection
   5. Press Back and run a Scan with Google Play Protect
   6. Wait until the scan is complete and ensure your device is safe
6. As an optional and additional step, you can perform a Factory Reset as a last resort to fully clean your device from malware. Different malware works in different ways, so some traces might remain on your device. After doing Factory Reset, double-check for leftover suspicious apps on your phone. Keep in mind that a Factory Reset can result in partial or total data loss, so do this carefully and only with user consent.

Note: Please keep in mind that malware handling steps may differ across devices. So always pay close attention when making security adjustments.

Immediately do these steps if you detect or suspect malware on your Android device.

But remember, the best protection from malware is by not installing, downloading, or clicking on unofficial or suspicious apps and files.