Scam Prevention

What To Do If You Download A Malicious App

  • Admin
  • 21 April 2025
What To Do If You Download A Malicious App

If you’ve installed a malicious application from an unverified source, 

  1. Turn on Flight Mode on your phone

Connection to the internet enables links to malicious networks. Turn on Flight Mode to disable any connection to such networks.  

 

  1. Turn off Wi-Fi 

Under Flight Mode, connection to the internet is still possible if Wi-Fi is turned on. Ensuring that the Wi-Fi is turned off disables connections to malicious networks.  

 

  1. If possible, run an antivirus scan. 

Download anti-virus apps on your phone in advance to assist in malware scanning and malicious URL blocking. The Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (CSA) has compiled a list of recommended Security Apps to counter ever-evolving malware threats. This list has been compiled through extensive testing on the apps’ malware and phishing detection capabilities. 

Note: Download only from official app stores. Verify application developers and application permissions before using them. 

 

  1. Ensure that there are no unauthorised transactions from your bank account, Singpass, CPF, etc.

Conduct a check on all personal accounts from an uninfected mobile device. Ensure that there have been no unauthorised logins or transactions. Continue to monitor bank statements, transaction history, and SMS or email alerts for any suspicious activity. 

 

  1. Make a report to your bank or the relevant authorities if there are any unauthorised transactions. 

 

Extra Security Measures

  • Change all important passwords and consider doing a factory reset on your mobile device. 

Change all your important passwords, including your banking, email or social media passwords. Enable 2-factor Authentication (2FA) if you have not done so. Consider doing a factory reset to remove any malicious software.

 

  • Uninstall any suspicious or unauthorised downloads not from your phone’s Google Play Store or the App Store.  

Only download apps from official app stores, and not from third-party sources. Additionally, ensure that there are no unauthorized or suspicious downloads on your phone. If there are, immediately uninstall them or consider doing a factory reset on your phone.