Experts warn to check for eight signs that a criminal is recording everything you type on the phone

CYBERSECURITY experts have urged Android users to remove malicious apps from their phones or risk losing money.

In a new blog post, cybersecurity company Kaspersky warned smartphone owners about malware that could attack their devices.

Malware is malicious software specifically designed to disrupt, damage, or gain unauthorized access to a computer system.

And Android smartphones are one of the biggest targets for cybercriminals when it comes to malware.

This is due to Android software, which contains an open source program that is easier to infiltrate than iOS, for example.

“Compared to Apple’s App Store, Google’s Play Store has less stringent security measures,” Kaspersky explains.

“Additionally, Android users can download apps from various sources on the Internet. This creates an environment where cyber attacks are possible,” the report said.

One of the biggest ways hackers can get malware onto Android devices is through malware-laden apps.

These malicious apps include programs such as Trojans, adware, spyware and more.

The aim of such software is to attack your device, steal your data and ultimately hack your banking details.

Some data that can be stolen includes your photos, texts, and even what you type in real time.

Another purpose of malware is to spread the malicious programs to other devices and users.

SIGNS OF MALWARE ON YOUR DEVICE

To help users avoid malware, Kasperksy has shared some signs that it may be lingering on your device.

• You notice a lot of pop-ups or inappropriate advertisements while browsing the Internet
• It seems like your battery is draining much faster than normal
• You see apps that you don’t recognize on your device
• Your phone lags, crashes frequently, or repeatedly displays error messages
• Your phone does not shut down or restart properly
• Your phone won’t allow you to uninstall software
• Contacts say they have received messages from you that you did not send yourself
• You notice a drop in your mobile account balance

HOW TO STAY SAFE

For starters, it’s important to always keep your device up to date.

Also avoid installing apps from unofficial Android stores. If you see apps on your device that you haven’t installed, uninstall them.

“Removing apps that you think are malicious can be difficult,” says Kaspersky.

“Sometimes removing the app’s permissions and uninstalling the app is enough,” it added.

However, sometimes you need to download a legitimate anti-malware service and remove it that way, or reset your device.

Furthermore, you should never download anything from strange pop-up windows.