How do I use the Smart Manager application to check for malware or viruses?

Samsung takes your security seriously and has partnered with McAfee to provide pre-installed anti-malware protection on your Galaxy phone. Flagship Samsung smartphones, including the sensational Galaxy Z  series Galaxy S series, and the latest Galaxy A series come pre-installed with McAfee anti-malware protection.

You can also scan your device for malware and suspicious activity in the Battery and Device Care app*. Older Galaxy devices operating on Android 6 (Marshmallow) and below are protected by Samsung's Smart Manager application. Unsure which version of Android you have? You can check your Galaxy operating system here.

Samsung's industry-leading security features largely mitigate the risk of viruses and malware on your Galaxy phone, it remains crucial to maintain vigilance against potential virus attacks. Indicators of a virus or malicious malware infecting your device encompass:

• Sluggish phone performance.

• Prolonged loading times for apps.

• Unexpectedly rapid battery drainage.

• Frequent appearance of intrusive pop-up advertisements.

• Presence of unfamiliar apps that you didn't intentionally install.

• Unexplained surges in data consumption.

• Receiving unusually crafted messages from your contacts that you did not send.

It's worth noting that unscrupulous advertisers frequently employ deceptive "your device is infected" pop-ups to coax users into clicking on them. These pop-ups can serve as vehicles for malware, phishing attempts, or attempts to persuade you to download an app or visit a website. You can typically identify them as fraudulent if they exhibit characteristics such as persistent buzzing, intense flashing lights, or flashy text. Stay alert to protect your device and personal information.

You can  manually scan your Galaxy device to check for security threats:

You can also use Google Settings to scan your phone for security threats:

If any security threats are detected your Galaxy smartphone will guide you through the process of removing and securing your phone.

To effectively address malware or viruses on your phone, follow these steps:

Remember to change your passwords and PINs on a different device if your Galaxy phone had a malware attack to prevent malicious software from detecting your new credentials. Stay vigilant!

Malware serves as a revenue source for cybercriminals, granting them access to your data and personal information for illicit gains. It enables cybercriminals to:

1. Obtain passwords.
2. Track your location.
3. Access your contact list.
4. Initiate SMS messages to premium-rate services.
5. Install adware, compelling unwanted web page views or app downloads.

When malware strikes your Galaxy phone, act promptly to secure it using the steps outlined in the "How to Remove Malware or Virus from Android Phone" section.

While instances of malware and viruses on Android Galaxy phones are exceptionally rare, for optimal protection, we recommend the following additional precautions to safeguard your device:

1. Keep your operating system and apps consistently updated with the latest software and security patches.

2. Ensure that the built-in security features on your Galaxy device remain enabled at all times.

3. Mitigate the risk of malicious ads by installing an ad blocker.

4. Download and install apps exclusively from trusted sources like the Galaxy Store and Google Play Store.

5. Exercise caution when encountering unfamiliar or suspicious links in emails and text messages; refrain from clicking on them.

6. Strengthen your security posture by employing robust, complex passwords or consider using a reputable password manager.

7. When connecting to Wi-Fi networks, avoid unsecured connections and opt for a VPN when accessing public Wi-Fi.

8. Refrain from installing third-party apps from unverified or unknown sources.

9. Prior to downloading apps, carefully review their permissions; be wary of requests that appear unusual, as they may indicate malicious intent.

10. Avoid the practice of rooting your smartphone, as it not only removes the validated Samsung and Android software but also voids your warranty.