Identifying and Resolving Malware Issues on Your Loved One’s Smartphone

In our increasingly digital world, malware can infiltrate devices in various ways, often without the user’s knowledge. If you suspect that a family member’s smartphone might be compromised, it’s important to take action. Here’s a case study that underscores this issue and some steps you can take to safeguard your loved ones.

The Concern

Recently, a perplexing situation arose involving my mother’s phone. While using her laptop, I stumbled upon her browsing history, which revealed several explicit websites that I knew were out of character for her. Initially, I assumed she might have accidentally visited these sites, but her reluctance to engage with such content raised my suspicions.

Further investigation only deepened my concerns. After placing her phone down for a moment, she returned to find it unexpectedly playing a pornographic advertisement. Additionally, she discovered that a search for “soft porn” appeared in her Google activity history. This incident led me to believe that her phone might be infected with malware.

The Red Flags

Additional signs of trouble surfaced when my mother showed me an unusual behavior on her device. Whenever she attempted to switch between applications, she was repeatedly taken to pop-up ads instead of her intended apps. This was not just a mild annoyance; it indicated a deeper issue.

Given that my mother feels comfortable downloading various apps, I worried she may have inadvertently installed malicious software along with something innocent. With hundreds of files cluttering her phone, I felt overwhelmed about what to delete. In a worst-case scenario, a factory reset seemed the only option, but she was understandably resistant to this drastic measure.

Seeking Solutions

I turned to the online community for advice and support. Many well-meaning individuals engaged with my post to provide guidance, which was immensely helpful. The primary feedback centred around understanding the device she was using—an Android, specifically an LG V60 ThinQ— and examining the root cause of the malware.

It was evident that persistent pop-up ads were a significant issue. The browser, Chrome, was flooded with numerous open tabs, highlighting the extent of the problem. I took initial steps to clear her browsing history and minimize these disturbances, but I knew I needed more effective measures.

The Breakthrough

After gathering ample input from various sources, my mother decided to consult professional tech support. It turned out that her device had fallen victim to a new phishing scam related to Credit Karma. Unknowingly, she had