Android Trojan Explained: Risks, Detection & Removal Guide

Last Updated: December 12, 2025

Android trojan, for the unversed, is a malware that poses a serious threat to mobile users across the globe today. For, by sneaking into devices under the garb of fake apps, it easily steals private data or worse, grants outsiders sensitive control over your gadget.

To not be fully aware of its ruthlessness would be a shame in a world where it operates with full force. This write-up is our attempt to help you gain as much information as possible on the said threat and the sundry mobile security software you can rely on to prevent yourself from its harms both today and in the times to come. Let’s get cracking then, shall we?

What Makes an Android Trojan Dangerous?

An Android Trojan hides inside apps that look harmless, like games or tools from unofficial sources. Once active, it performs secret tasks such as grabbing contacts, logging keystrokes, or sending texts without permission.

There are several ways in which these trojans attack your Android phones. Remote access trojan for Android, for instance, does so by letting hackers see screens, use cameras, or control the phone from far away. SMS trojans, on the other hand, focus on messaging, forwarding your texts, or calling premium lines to increase bills.

These programs take advantage of Android’s open nature, where users allow permissions without knowing the risks. Over time, they slow down your phone and quietly send data to attackers.

Some real-world examples of Android trojans include…

  • FakeInst: Pretends to be a legitimate app installer to trick users into granting permissions. It then harvests contacts and sends premium-rate SMS messages, causing financial loss.
  • Hook (v3): A banking trojan that overlays fake login screens on banking apps. It abuses accessibility services to automate clicks and steal credentials silently.
  • Sturnus: Streams the victim’s screen and logs keystrokes using accessibility features. It hides its activity by displaying black overlays, making detection harder.
  • TgToxic: Delivers malicious updates that enable NFC spoofing and notification hijacking. This allows attackers to steal sensitive data and perform fraudulent transactions.
  • RadzaRat: Disguises itself as a file manager app to gain trust. It uses zero-day exploits to evade detection and maintain persistent remote access.

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How Does an Android Trojan Work?

Android trojans follow a clear process to infect and stay on devices. They first enter your device via phishing links, fake app stores, or downloads with hidden elements. Users install these thinking they are useful, giving permissions like access to files, messages, or the camera.

Once running, the trojan requests sensitive privileges, such as Android Accessibility Services, which let it read screens, simulate taps, and log every keystroke. It sets up background receivers to trigger actions like scanning SMS every few minutes or tracking GPS locations silently.

For instance, an Android remote access trojan like Albiriox might stream screen pixels or UI details to a server, allowing precise remote clicks without draining much battery.

Communication happens through command-and-control servers. The trojan checks in often for orders, like showing fake login screens to steal bank details or adding fake NFC prompts during payments. SMS trojans like FakeInst grab incoming messages, take one-time passwords, then erase traces to evade notice.

To stay hidden, trojans like Hook (v3) change icons, rename processes as system files, or use packers to scramble code. They watch uninstall attempts, locking devices or resetting PINs using admin rights. Some like ERMAC even scan the phone, checking sensors, apps, and networks to dodge sandboxes or change tactics. This layered method lets one trojan on Android phones spy, steal, and spread by texting links to contacts.

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Key Risks from Android Trojans

Android trojan infections cause real-world harm that hits users in the following ways:

  • Data Theft: Malware steals emails, photos, and banking details from your phone. This information is then sold or used for fraud.
  • Financial Hits: SMS trojans send dozens of paid messages every day. Owing to this, victims end up with huge phone bills without knowing.
  • Privacy Invasion: Hackers turn on your camera or microphone secretly to keep a watch on you or listen to your conversations without any alerts.
  • Device Takeover: When criminals control your phone remotely without your consent, your phone becomes a tool for spamming or cyberattacks.
  • Spread to Contacts: Malware sends fake messages to your friends automatically. This tricks them into downloading the same trojan.

Business professionals lose client data; families face identity risks. Recent cases show trojans like RadzaRat evading scans while browsing files freely, proving no phone stays safe without checks.

Signs of a Trojan on Android Phones

You can check for a trojan on your Android phone in many ways. For instance, if you think your device’s battery is draining unusually fast even when you are not using it much, it could mean hidden apps are running in the background, consuming power. The same goes for when your phone slows down, overheats, or feels hot even when idle.

If you see a sudden rise in your mobile data usage without streaming or downloading anything, know that some malware is secretly sending or receiving information.

Apps that frequently crash, restart, or bombard you with pop-ups are another strong warning sign. Strange text messages or charges on your phone bill may also indicate SMS trojans sending premium messages without your consent.

Top Android Trojan Scanner Tools in 2025

Trojan scanners analyze apps, files, and traffic in real time. They use signature matching for known threats and heuristics for new ones. Here are some of the leading tools you can make use of to prevent yourself from these attacks…

ToolDetection RateReal-Time ProtectionExtra FeaturesBattery Impact
TotalAV100%YesVPN, App Lock, Privacy Advisor, Safe Browsing, Wi-Fi CheckLow
Norton Mobile Security100%YesApp Advisor, Anti-Phishing, Wi-Fi Security, Dark Web Monitoring, VPNMedium
Bitdefender Mobile Security100%YesWeb Protection, Account Privacy, Anti-Theft, App Lock, VPN (200MB/day)Very Low
Avast One (Mobile)99.6–99.8%YesPhoto Vault, App Lock, Wi-Fi Security, VPNMedium to High
Malwarebytes99.7%Yes (Premium only)Ad Blocking, Privacy Audit, Safe BrowsingMedium
Kaspersky for Android100%YesAnti-Theft, Call Blocker, App Lock, VPNMedium
ESET Mobile Security100%YesAnti-Ransomware, Network Inspector, Anti-Theft, Payment ProtectionLow

Step-by-Step Removal Guide for Android Trojans

Suspect a trojan on your Android phone? Act fast with these steps…

Step 1: Boot into Safe Mode

  • Hold the power button, long-press ‘Restart’, confirm Safe Mode. This stops third-party apps.

Step 2: Uninstall suspects

  • Check recent downloads or odd apps, and remove them.

Step 3: Scan thoroughly

  • Use a trojan scanner Android tool like Malwarebytes for a deep check.

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Step 4: Clear data

  • Go to Settings > Apps, select suspicious ones, and clear cache/storage.

Step 5: Update everything

  • Install OS and app patches to close doors.

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Step 6: Factory reset if needed

  • Back up clean data first, then reset via Settings > System > Reset.

Step 7: Change passwords

  • Update all from a clean device, enable 2FA.

Prevention Tips for Long-Term Safety Against Trojans

Build habits to block Android trojans…

  • Stick to Google Play Store; check reviews and developer info.
  • Review permissions before granting.
  • Enable Play Protect and auto-updates.
  • Avoid clicking SMS or email links promising freebies.
  • Use VPNs on public Wi-Fi.
  • Install one trusted cyber security software for daily watches

Conclusion

While both government and the concerned authorities are pushing cybersecurity measures as best as they can, personal responsibility matters still. Regular scans using Android trojan scanners are your best bet in this regard.

So, quickly get in touch with Techjockey and quench your security needs today itself. Remember, prevention is always better than a cure!

Published On: December 12, 2025
Yashika Aneja

Yashika Aneja is a Senior Content Writer at Techjockey, with over 5 years of experience in content creation and management. From writing about normal everyday affairs to profound fact-based stories on wide-ranging themes, including environment, technology, education, politics, social media, travel, lifestyle so on and so forth, she has, as part of her professional journey so far, shown acute proficiency in almost all sorts of genres/formats/styles of writing. With perpetual curiosity and enthusiasm to delve into the new and the uncharted, she is thusly always at the top of her lexical game, one priceless word at a time.

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