It has been reported that almost 15 percent of the Android users who were targeted with mobile adware or malware last year were left with undeletable files. It was discovered that several preinstalled adware on Android devices carrying Trojans, loaders, and other malware on top of their “legitimate” payload. Adware is a type of malware that hides itself on a device in a bid to serve undesired adverts, including scam ads, to users. Apps containing adware are usually a big nuisance for users as they can drain battery resources, steal personal details of users, and also increase network traffic.
Pre-installed adware allows apps to bypass public app store security scrutiny as well as Android developer agreements, both of which are in place to protect users and their privacy. Working with hardware manufacturers these apps have been given system privileges that prevent not only anti-malware from removing them, but also prevent the user from deleting these apps from their device. Unfortunately, some users buying adware laden phones are willing to sacrifice their privacy and personal information for a lower price. But it is likely that if many of these users were made fully aware of the risks for sharing their personal information as well as their usage behaviors, they would not agree to use these devices. Installation of mobile security on these devices would inform users of the presence of this adware, and the risks to their privacy, even if they can\’t remove the pre-installed adware.