Some HUAWEI and HONOR smartphones are detecting malware called Trojan SMS PA. This message is generated by the built-in security app on these phones.
And for most users, it claims that the Google app is infected with a malicious program that can send and receive SMS messages without your permission.
What is Trojan SMS PA?
Trojan SMS PA is a detection name used by the built-in antivirus tool on HUAWEI and HONOR smartphones and tablets. It’s a type of malware that sends or intercepts text messages to or from premium rate numbers without your consent.
This can result in high charges on your phone bill, as well as possible data theft or identity fraud. SMS Trojans are one of the most common types of malware on mobile phones, especially on Android devices.
How to identify Trojan SMS PA?
The most common sign of Trojan SMS PA infection is a notification from your security app, alerting you about the presence of this malware on your device. However, this notification may not always be accurate, as it could be a false positive.
A false positive is when an antivirus program mistakenly identifies a legitimate app or file as malicious. This can happen due to various reasons, such as outdated virus definitions, heuristic errors, or certificate issues.
Many HUAWEI users have reported that the Trojan SMS PA detection name often points at the Google app itself, which is unlikely to be malicious. This could be because HUAWEI devices do not come with Google apps pre-installed, and they may treat them as third-party apps.
Before you panic and delete the app that is detected as Trojan SMS PA, you should check the following:
- The name and source of the app. If it is a well-known app from a reputable developer, such as Google, Facebook, or WhatsApp, it is probably safe. However, if it is a suspicious app from an unknown source, it could be malicious.
- The permissions and activities of the app. If the app requests access to your contacts, messages, phone calls, or other sensitive data, it could be a sign of malware. You can check the permissions of an app by going to Settings > Apps > App info > Permissions. You can also monitor the activities of an app by going to Settings > Battery > App usage.
- The phone bill and SMS history. If you notice any unusual charges or messages on your phone bill or SMS history, it could indicate that your device has been infected by an SMS Trojan. You should contact your service provider and report any suspicious transactions or numbers.
- Scan your device with another antivirus program. It will scan your device for any malware threats and help you remove them.
If it’s not malware, how do I stop the warnings?
If you are sure that your device is not infected by Trojan SMS PA, and you are still getting the warning notification from your HUAWEI security app, try the method below. Several users claimed this method works. It is generally safe and easy to perform. However, we are not sure if it will work for other devices.
- Clear the cache and data of the Optimizer app. You can do this by going to Settings > Apps > App info then clear the app’s cache and data.
- Update the app and virus definitions.
How to remove Trojan SMS PA?
If you are sure that your device has been infected by Trojan SMS PA, you should take the following steps to remove it:
- Uninstall the malicious app. You can do this by going to Settings > Apps > App info > Uninstall. You may also need to revoke the permissions of the app before uninstalling it.
- Change your passwords and account settings. You should change the passwords and security settings of any online accounts that may have been compromised by the malware. You should also enable two-factor authentication and use strong passwords for better protection.
Your device may or may not be infected by a Trojan SMS PA. But to be safe, always investigate any warning notifications. Malware can cause high charges and data theft on your Android device.
