Owning an android box is quite a great experience. But it’s equally important for you to keep your streaming box protected from the malware’s attacks. Such as windows and iphones, android boxes are also prone to get hacked.
What is Virus?
Malware is intrusive software that is designed to damage and destroy computers and computer systems. Malware is a contraction for “malicious software.” Examples of common malware includes viruses, worms, Trojan viruses, spyware, adware, and ransomware.
If your android box gets hacked. It will not be as harmful as getting a mobile phone does. Because android boxes are used for streaming purposes, barely anyone would use them for using social media, online banking, meanwhile for other sensitive activities.
Anyways, it’s still better to know how you can protect your android box from being hacked.
- USB
USB full name (universal serial bus) is a small storage device that we often plug into our android boxes. To share, copy and paste and to watch content. These small storage devices are very handy. But, do you know?
Attackers can use a USB to send viruses to a device. And it can happen to any device where you plug a malware lace USB. Android boxes are also no different to being a victim of them.
A virus driven USB can corrupt all your data, videos, photos, and even worse it can damage the entire android TV os. If this happens to an android box, it would boot.
Virus on USB? here is how to remove.
- Malware websites
The majority of websites on the internet have malwares, added by attackers in order to trap their visitors.
Many times we stream online content on android boxes on different platforms. Maily to watch premium shows and movies for free. And there, the risk of getting a virus attack goes higher. Because most of these sites are a trap for users, they give us paid-to-watch content for free but take our privacy.
If you browse on your android box it’s possible to use your favorite browser. Be aware of the malware websites that can attack by installing a virus on your device. Always be careful of websites that have too many pop-ups, ads, and redirects.
Some common types of website malware include
- credit card stealers.
- injected spam content.
- malicious redirects.
- or even website defacements.
List of malware websites, try not to visit them.
- Malware Apps
Similar to mobile phones we cannot get the most out of an Android box without using our favorite apps.
But you should be very careful about downloading an app on your Android TV box.
Because These days it is common for apps to attack your device and steal your personal information like your credit card information and do your personal details and emails and passwords.
- Always download apps from trusted online app stores, such as google playstore.
- Avoid downloading apk files from third-party websites.
- If you are downloading a new app, read reviews first and take seriosly its rating on the popular app stores before getting that app on your mobile.
When to think your android box is hacked?
- It’s working slow:
Viruses are also a cause of your android box running slow, there are types of malware that can infect apps available on your smart TV. Basically, you will notice your TV often freezing or even crashing and sometimes not rebooting.
- You are unable to load files:
If all your stored files are corrupted, this is likely because a virus has attacked the hard drive. Mostly these types of virus come from USB devices.
- You are unable to open apps:
If you are not able to open apps on your android box. Everytime you try to open an app it says “unable to open apps.” Then, there might be a virus affecting the OS. You will need to detect that and remove it to fix the issue.
- There is an abundance of pop-up ads:
If you are facing pop ups on the Home screen of your android box. Then, this might be happending due to a virus. With that being said, pop ups on websites can download malware files on your device. Just to make more ad revenue. Therefore, be careful of such apps.
- Heating problems:
VIrus can cause heating of an android to the point it’s no more usable. Works too slow, or keeps shutting off can be the causes. At this point, the only way to make your smart TV work better is to remove malware.
- Your android box has apps you don’t know about.
If there are apps you don’t know about them. Niether you have downloaded them nor are the apps officially installed. Then, uninstall them as soon as possible. Because, attackers can use apps to steal your information.
Does an Android TV box need an antivirus app?
Yes, android boxes or smart TVs need an antivirus app to scan malware. However, if you think there is no risk even if the device gets hacked, there is no fear of lossing personal and sensitive information. At that point, it’s fine to not have antivirus. But still, it’s recommended to install anti virus apps when you can. This provides an extra layer of security.
How to scan a virus on an android box?
Steps to follow on TVs running Google’s official Android TV operating system or TVs based on Android platform
- Download any good antivirus app from a trusted source, google playtstore is the best choice.
- Transfer it to the TV using a thumb drive and install it.
- Once installed, run the app and hit the scan button to initiate the process.
Best antivirus apps for android tv box
These are the best antivirus apps for android TV box or Android TV.
