Viruses on Android Phones

[Anonymous]

Hello

I sadly caught a virus on my samsung galaxy x2 where my internet was either being slow or redirecting to inappropriate websites. I installed a free avg antivirus mobile software which told me that i had two threats, where it then instructed me to untick usb debugging (i think) and another (i think again,sorry my memory has deserted me) unticking access to unknown locations. After this i went back online and looked at a variety of otherwise safe websites but sadly a number of them still redirected to inappropriate websites. I promptly returned my phone to factory settings. As someone who isn't very tech savvy, although my phone's internet seems fine atm and there has been no redirecting of websites, this has all happened in the last few hours, is it possible that a virus could survive a phone factory reset?

Thanks in advance for any advice regarding this

[jonsie · Accepted solution]

A factory reset should remove any virus. Just be careful what apps you install. Always look at reviews and the number of downloads as a virus is usually caused by a rougue application.

Unticking access to unknown locations means that you can only download from the play store so that should help. I use Avast security on the S3 and so far so good. It scans every app you download.

[perksie]

Totally agree but I thought you were using AVG on your phone though jonsie.

Of course the memory isn't what it was..........!

[jonsie]

No I took a while to decide, thought of going with AVG but opted for Avast in the end. Quite like it and it doesn't seem to affect performance in any way.

[Anonymous]

Thankyou for your reply. I hope thats the case, the paranoia persists that a virus could survive a factory reset (I know its unlikely but i've read how certain nasty trojans/viruses on computers are reputed to) but I guess its a case of monitoring my device. With a phone on contract the worry i suppose is hackers could access my phone's information and run up huge bills. Still if you're fairly certain a factory reset should have done the trick it leaves me more confident than before.