The Smart TVs that run on Android TV, have become a key element of entertainment in many homes. But like any device connected to the Internet, are also exposed to security risks, including the possibility of being infected by malware. This possibility forces us to know how to detect a virus on Android TV and, most importantly, how to remove it, by ourselves. This is essential to avoid problems in its operation or the exposure of your personal data.
Fortunately, there are some easy ways to identify if your Android TV has been infected by malware. After all, cybercriminals don't just stick to computers or mobiles - they can target our Smart TVs too. From strange behavior to installing unauthorized apps, the symptoms can vary. But no matter what symptom your Smart TV is displaying, We are going to review this guide so that you can identify and remove all malware from your Android TV.. Let's see.
How to know if an Android TV has a virus?
Detecting a virus on a smart TV can be difficult at first, but there are several symptoms that can alert you to a possible infection. One of the most common is that the TV starts behaving strangely. This may include: suddenly turns on and off without any apparent explanation. Another symptom is the presence of apps you don't recognize or that you don't remember installing.
It is also common to encounter menus or settings that appear out of nowhere or with pop-up advertising in unusual places, as in the TV system itself. If you notice that the performance of your Android TV has suddenly been reduced, with speed problems, or if the video and audio quality has gotten worse for no apparent reason, it could be a clue that you are dealing with some type of malware.
Risk factors: How does malware get onto your TV?
Malware on an Android TV is usually installed accidentally, as a result of installing Untrustworthy apps or APKs downloaded from untrustworthy sources via VPNIn fact, the risk increases when the TV is used for surfing the Internet or download content from unsafe sites. Although downloading apps from the official Google Play Store offers some protection, it is always advisable to check the reviews and permissions requested by each app before downloading it.
On the other hand, we also have another common route of infection, which is through apps that request accessibility permissions or full access to the system. While some of these are safe, others may be intended to collect your data or gain control of certain functions of the TV.
The danger of using non-certified devices
One of the problems that has generated much debate is the use of devices that do not have the Google certification. Many unofficial devices use a modified version of the Android system (Android Open Source Project or AOSP). These devices, although they can run Google apps and access the Play Store, are not considered safe because lack Play Protect, a security tool that Google uses to protect Android devices.
To check if your Android TV has this certification, you can go to Google Play Store, click on the three-line menu and look for the option Play Protect. If your device is certified, this option will appear, which means you are protected by Google. If it does not appear, you should consider switching to a more secure device. However, And what can you do if your Smart TV is already infected?
What to do if your TV is infected
If you think your Android TV has been infected by a virus, the fastest and most effective way to fix it is to restore factory systemThis action will remove all content from the TV, including downloaded apps and of course any malware that is causing problems. Not only will you get your TV back to normal operation, but you will also be sure that the virus is completely gone.
After performing this reset, it is important change passwords of all the accounts you had linked to the TV, such as those of streaming services or Google. This way, you can ensure that even if the virus has gained access to these accounts, it will not be able to use them again.
And that's it, this is the most effective way to remove malware on your Android TV. Even though it takes some time, the reward is worth it. Just don't try to infect it again as you will have to change all the passwords and restore your Android TV system again. Read on if you want prevent malware infections in the future.
Recommendations to avoid infections
To prevent your Android TV from being infected again, there are a number of good practices to follow. The first, and most obvious, is to be very cautious with the apps you install. Make sure you only download from reliable sources, such as the Google Play Store, and avoid APK files from dubious sources. Also, you should review the permissions requested by apps before installing them, as some of them may ask for unnecessary access to critical system functions.
Another important recommendation is to avoid, as far as possible, web browsing from the TVNot only is it inconvenient, but it also exposes you to pages with vulnerabilities that can be exploited by hackers to install malware on your device. Plus, it's always good to have a antivirus and antimalware app. In fact, it is an essential app on your Android TV.
Finally, try not to enter your personal data or payment information on apps or websites from the TV, unless strictly necessary. For some operations, such as signing in to streaming services, it is safer to configure them from a computer or mobile phone.
What happens to devices without Play Protect?
As we mentioned earlier, many Android TV Boxes that are not Google certified are more exposed to malware. If you have one of these devices, or are thinking of getting one, it is best to check if it has Play Protect. In case the device is not certified, it may be worth checking consider changing to a safer one that has Google certification.
Some uncertified devices use processors from manufacturers such as AllWinner or RockChip, making them more vulnerable. These devices may contain malware pre-installed from the factory, making them a significant risk from the moment you connect them to the network.
As you can see, Android TVs, although very useful, are also exposed to risks similar to those of other electronic devices. Knowing how to detect the presence of viruses on Android TV and, most importantly, how to remove them, is the key to keep your user experience smooth and secure. So, you know, if this article helps you remove malware from your Android TV, Share this article with your friends so they can detect malware on your TV and remove it.