My aunt messaged me about some photos her friend sent through an APK app, but my aunt doesn't have an Android phone. So, I downloaded the APK on my Android device as she asked. When I opened it, it requested permissions for SMS, calls, and contacts. I figured her friend had created this app, so I didn't think much of it. After installing, nothing happened, so I deleted both the app and the APK file. Later, my aunt told me I might be hacked after she changed her story about the whole situation. I started to panic, restarted my phone, turned off my internet, ran antivirus scans, and everything seems fine so far. What should I do next? What signs should I be looking for to ensure my phone isn't compromised? I also tried contacting her friend again, but still no response.
2 Answers
That's a really sketchy situation. First off, never install APKs from unverified sources; it can lead to all sorts of problems. You should definitely get rid of that APK and run multiple virus scans—make sure to use different antivirus apps for broader coverage. If you're still concerned, a factory reset can be a good option, although advanced malware can linger even after that. Just stay cautious and monitor your phone for any odd behavior.
Man, that's quite the tale! Definitely don't trust APKs unless you know their origin. Since you already deleted it, and with those scans coming up clean, you're probably okay, but keep an eye out for weird notifications or battery drain. Assure your aunt to double-check with her friend; it's better to be safe than sorry.
If things start getting funky with your phone, a factory reset would be the way to go.
Thanks! I’ll watch for any unusual activity. Definitely learning the hard way here, but I appreciate the heads up. Fingers crossed her friend isn’t a scammer!
Thanks for the tips! Yeah, I asked her for the app name, and she said it was x-apk-3641.apk for 'souvenir photos.' It's frustrating because her story keeps changing, and now I just have to wait to see if her friend responds.