Android Virus: Shared Google Account Risk

TL;DR

Generally, a virus won’t automatically spread between Android devices just because they are logged into the same Google account. However, there are ways it could happen, mainly through synced apps and data or if you’ve enabled certain risky features. It’s unlikely but not impossible, so taking precautions is important.

Can a Virus Spread Between Android Devices with the Same Google Account?

Let’s break down how viruses work on Android and what risks exist when multiple devices share an account.

1. How Viruses Work on Android

• Malicious Apps: Most Android viruses come disguised as legitimate apps. You usually install them unknowingly from unofficial app stores, dodgy websites, or through phishing links.
• Permissions: Once installed, a virus needs permissions to do harm (access contacts, files, etc.).
• Limited System Access: Android’s security model restricts what apps can do without your explicit permission. This makes widespread automatic infection harder.

2. Why Shared Google Accounts Don’t Automatically Spread Viruses

• Isolated Environments: Each app runs in its own ‘sandbox’. A virus on one device doesn’t automatically have access to the files and system of another.
• Google Play Protect: Google Play Protect scans apps before and after installation, helping to detect and remove malware.

3. How a Virus Could Spread (and how to prevent it)

1. Synced Apps: If you automatically install apps on new devices using your Google account, a virus could be installed on those devices too.
   • Prevention: Turn off auto-install. Go to Play Store > Settings > About > Play Protect and check the settings related to app scanning and automatic installations. Also, review which apps are automatically installed when you add a new device.
2. Synced Data (Photos, Files): A virus could potentially infect files stored in Google Drive or Photos and then sync those infected files to other devices.
   • Prevention: Be cautious about opening suspicious attachments or downloading files from unknown sources. Regularly scan your synced data with a reputable antivirus app on at least one device.
3. Backup and Restore: If you restore a backup from an infected device, the virus could be restored along with your data.
   • Prevention: Only restore backups from trusted sources. Before restoring, scan the backup file (if possible) with antivirus software.
4. Browser Cookies & Data Sync: While less common, a virus could potentially steal browser cookies and login information synced through your Google account.
   • Prevention: Use strong passwords, enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your Google account, and regularly clear your browser data.
5. ‘Find My Device’: If a virus gains control of ‘Find My Device’, it could theoretically use that to access other devices linked to the same account, but this is highly unlikely.
   • Prevention: Keep your Google account secure with a strong password and 2FA. Monitor activity in your Google account for any unusual logins or device connections.

4. What to Do If You Suspect an Infection

1. Run a Scan: Install a reputable antivirus app (like Bitdefender Mobile Security, Norton Mobile Security, or Malwarebytes) and run a full system scan on all devices linked to the account.

   adb shell pm list packages | grep -i "antivirus"

2. Change Passwords: Change your Google account password immediately.
3. Revoke Access: Review and revoke access from any suspicious apps in your Google Account security settings (https://myaccount.google.com/security).
4. Factory Reset (Last Resort): If the virus is persistent, a factory reset may be necessary. Back up important data first, but scan it thoroughly before restoring.

5. Keeping Your Android Devices Safe

• Only Install Apps from Trusted Sources: Stick to the Google Play Store whenever possible.
• Check App Permissions: Before installing an app, review the permissions it requests. Be wary of apps asking for unnecessary access.
• Keep Your Software Updated: Regularly update your Android operating system and apps.
• Use a Reputable Antivirus App: Consider using a mobile security app with real-time scanning capabilities.