Online Threat Alerts (OTA)
An anti-cybercrime community alerting the public.

8 Signs that Show Your Digital Devices Are Malware Infected

Malicious programs such as viruses, malware, or spyware are quite common. They can clutch your device and steal your personal details. The more time the virus stays in your device, the more harm it will cause to your system and stored data. It may work in the background without disrupting other functions. This article will highlight the signs of troubling activities caused by virus infection.

Excessive Data Usage

If your device is constantly losing its data, even the unlimited data plan, it is likely due to the presence of a virus. The rapid depletion of mobile phone or tablet data can be caused. This is because the virus tries to perform multiple background tasks and interact with the internet. Malicious apps or programs have to send and receive information from their creators using the internet. So, it will consume more data than expected.

Slow Device Performance

A slowdown in your device performance is another sign of malware infection. In fact, malware can slow down your operating system. This might happen due to low RAM, running so many apps altogether, insufficient space on the hard disk, pending OS updates, or outdated drivers. Identify what’s slowing down your device and utilize these 15 ideas to optimize its speed.

Unexplained Charges

Unauthorized or unexplained charges on your bank statements or credit card is another sign your digital device has a malware infection. If you are being informed by family and friends about receiving a payment-related message from you, it is due to a virus infection. The malicious app can make a fraudulent purchase on your behalf. Even the infected device can send messages to premium-rate numbers.

Faster Battery Drain

The malware on digital devices not only consumes data but can also take your device’s battery. Although batteries degrade naturally after some time, certain battery optimization tips can help. To perform some background tasks, malware can hijack your device, which eventually requires the most frequent battery recharge. If frequent battery drain is not caused by other reasons, malware infection may be the culprit.

Frequent Overheating

Even though overheating is the most common digital device problem, it can be a sign of malware infection. If it is caused due to normal causes, it doesn’t overheat to the level that you cannot touch it. But, when specific malware enters your device and overworks the internal processor or charging mechanism, it will cause excessive overheating. Unplug your device from power sources and turn off your device immediately.

Sudden Pop-up Messages

If you are suddenly receiving warning messages that would not go away, you may be infected with malware. Many users reported that they get a message for running out of disk space on a specific partition. Delete unwanted files or apps, and find out if your physical storage space is increasing extensively. If these are not the culprits, it could be a sign of malware. It uses several methods to cover the available space in the hard drive.

Unnecessary Apps

When you are noticing the presence of apps that you have not installed intentionally and unintentionally, malware could be the reason. It happens when an application carries malware and related additional programs during its downloading. Sometimes, identifying their presence becomes extremely difficult as Trojan download apps are designed just like real apps. Hence, if you find any unfamiliar app you have not downloaded, delete that.

Bad Connections or Dropped Calls

Alongside higher data consumption, malware infection can hamper your calling process and internet connectivity. If your phone has a malware infection, it may cause a sudden drop in the calls or slow down the internet connectivity. It can affect your phone’s cellular or Wi-Fi connection. Identify the reason by checking the connectivity of the same network with other devices. If they work properly, your phone becomes a victim of malware infection.

What Else?

It is not necessary that malware leaves a certain clue behind its presence. Cybercriminals are getting more creative nowadays. They can hide malware in the most unexpected zone while infecting your digital device badly. Hence, if everything seems to work normally on your device, you need to be careful. Scan for malware and check out for it. Install a security solution that does scanning and stops threats earlier.

The Conclusion

Prevention is better than cure; safeguard your digital device by practicing the safety measures. Install comprehensive security and antivirus software. Regularly update your device to get the latest security features.

Don’t click the unknown apps or pop-up messages. Use unique and strong passwords. Avoid jailbreaking your device as it reduces safety. Don’t download any app from any random third-party app stores without checking reviews.

Check the comment section for additional information, or share what you know or ask a question about this article, by clicking the 'View or Write Comment' button below.

Note: Some of the information in samples on this website may have been impersonated or spoofed.

Share this article with others.
Write / View Comments (0)
View on Online Threat Alerts (OTA)
Help Maintain Online Threat Alerts (OTA)