New Unwanted Apps Appearing On Screen??

[tfman]

Suddenly without me doing anything, three new Apps are there on my home screen.


Fun Apps, New Apps and Apps. All obviously trying to get me to buy other
apps. How has this happened? Have I accidentally initiated this? Is there
A way to avoid it?

[birdastrompgman]

One of the apps you installed was malware. Do a factory data reset (settings >backup & reset >factory data reset),, &  start using an anti virus app.

[loociddreemr]

I can second that! Sometimes just removing an app that installed malware such as this will not solve your problems.  Long after the apps are removed, scripts running in the background can still be sending your data without your knowledge.  The best thing to do is a factory reset.  Be sure to have an anti-virus app installed such as AVG mobile or Lookout.  Be very careful when installing apps that are from third parties or from unknown sources.  You can enable this setting from settings>security>unknown sources. To avoid apps that are not from the Play Store from being installed, make sure that this setting in NOT checked.  If you need help with a factory reset, let us know.

[tfman]

Thanks very much for your help.

It does sound something like that. I installed Avast Mobile after three days, it must
have got in before that. Only dowloaded Apps from Google Play.

If I do factory reset will I lose the four pages of Apps I have bought from google
and all the widget layouts I have set up ??

Many Thanks.

[loociddreemr]

You will not loose the purchases, but you will have to re-download the apps that you want to have on your device.  You will not have to pay for them again.  You will have to setup your homescreens and widgets again.  This is just to be on the safe side.  It is possible to restore all of the apps and setting that you currently have with titanum backup, but you might also restore the unwated malware in the process.  It would take longer to sort throug the list of apps to be restored to make sure that the malware isn't present.  Heres a tip though, turn your tablet in landscape in the play store.  This will create two window panes that act independently while reinstalling your apps.  You can scroll through the list on the left and accept the install on the right.  This will be easier than navigating back and forth.

[tfman]

Thanks very much the advice and tips.

It will be good to start again and not make any mistakes.

Where are the Apps to download again ? I went to my google account on
laptop but could not see them.

One game I have over 100 hours of gameplay, that would come with re-downloaded
game would it? Thanks.

[S.Prime]

The easiest way to see them on your laptop is to go to Google Play and click on "My Android Apps" at the top, right side of the screen. As for saving your game play, any data that is stored on the tablet that is not backed up to an external source will be gone after a factory reset.

[loociddreemr]

I would recommend if you want to save those games that you cannot replace the data (100hrs of gameplay save) to use titanium backup and back them up to your dropbox.  Be very selctive in restoring these since you are unaware which apps have contained the malware.  I just looked at a simple business calculator app and the reviews all mentioned malware and spamware.  So be careful. Even on the Play Store, there can be malware.   I would not back up the data if you just want to save the trouble of entering your user name and password again.  In the future, keep a current nandroid backup to store on a remote location to restore if you come across this issue. 

[Tiny]

I think the easiest way to reinstall/install apps is to open Google Play on your desktop or laptop.  Click "My Android Apps" and select your device.  Then check the list and click install for any app you want on the specified device.  The next time your device is online, the apps will all be installed.

[tfman]

Wow, thanks for all this, step by step and very specialised advice.

What a learning curve.

[tfman]

Amazing turn of events. Just preparing to do the factory reset' writing lists and such like, when suddenly we think we have found the culprit.

One newly installed battery saver App is suddenly the prime suspect. There are over 30 reviews from people with the identical problems. Even more so just two days ago the author has updated the description to admit that it is a fake and, that he describes as a placebo to amuse your friends. He goes on to admit that it is funded by malware and when you look at the permissions it describes exactly what it does.This is disgraceful, how can they get away with this? As virtually all my other Apps are the ones I have used on my IPod Touch for years I am confident I have now deleted the problem with his App. I am taking on board gratefully your warnings that there can be scripts left over, but pleased not to be doing the nuclear option of a reset yet. Delighted that I now with your advice know exactly what to do. There will be a reset sometime I know, but now I can make the optimum choice of timing.
Question? I was going to post a new post warning people about this odious App. But as I am new here think I should ask the protocol first before naming them. Should I name and shame? If you search in Google play  for Battery Booster it is the one that mentions in brackets how many times.
What a learning curve, how do they get away with this?
Thanks the great advice posters.

[birdastrompgman]

I can't speak for the owners of this website, but as a user, I'd appreciate a warning message about malware. Just be sure to specify the Battery Booster app by Battery Booster, and not the one by Imoblife.

Since you've identified the problem app, it's worth a try uninstalling it, but watch it like a hawk watches its prey.

I'm sure Google has a way to report malware. Do your part to get this app removed.

[radiocycle]

Sure enough.... I see at the end of the description, the following: "Disclaimer: This app is a pure placebo. It does not actually boost your battery life. It is a prank app which you can use to trick your friends. Have fun!"  Caveat Emptor!!!

[tfman]

That is the one.
Just shows most people do not read before they download.
There is even a screen that comes up and tells you the permissions you are giving it
to invade your screens and notifications pulldowen with adware and shortcuts to wherever they want.

[tfman]

The update is that I have uninstalled and re-installed the Battery Booster (x 2).

The moment it was installed two Apps appeared on my homescreen which were shortcuts
to add sites. Then running Dr Webb as someone advised it found this wasthe only risk on my android.
Therefore it musy be the culprit/

Worryingly, running Avast did not detect it at all.

This has been an excellent crash course in Android security and good to learn a few lessons
before a major problem. Will be watching like a hawk from now on and reading those permissions.

Thanks for walking me through these issues.