How to Clean and Protect Your Android Device Against Ransomware [1]
The plague of ransomware [3] has spread to Android devices. There are numerous recent reports of malware infections on Android platforms that lock or encrypt personal files and demand payment before you can regain access to the files. Here is some help with this growing problem.
For systems that may already be infected, try a new free app that has just been released by Avast. It scans the system, removes any ransomware it finds, and decrypts affected files. It is called “avast! Ransomware Removal”. The description and download is at this Google Play Store link [4]. The vendor has a description at this page [5]. There is also a short video demonstrating what actually happens when ransomware infects your Android smartphone.
If an infection prevents you from accessing the Google Play Store from your mobile device, Avast says that you can install the app remotely. You use a computer to go to the Google Play Store and use the same Google Play login that you use on your mobile device.When you click install, the app will be automatically installed on the mobile device (not on the computer), followed by an announcement in the notification bar.
This new app is for one-time use in cleaning already infected systems. For prevention and more permanent protection against a wider variety of malware, Avast has a second free app called “Mobile Security & Antivirus” available at this Google Play Store link [6]. According to the vendor’s description, the app secures against unwanted phishing, malware, spyware, and malicious viruses such as Trojans. It is free but it does contains in-app purchase options. This and other Android security apps have been reviewed previously on this page [7].
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This tips section is maintained by Vic Laurie [9]. Vic runs several websites with Windows how-to's, guides, and tutorials, including a site for learning about Windows and the Internet [10] and another with Windows 7 tips [11].
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