Malicious Android Applications

Most ChromeOS Devices support Android Applications and generally speaking, most Android Applications installed from the Google Play Store undergo several automated reviews to prevent malicious software from being installed on users' devices.  Unfortunately, this review process is not always perfect and there are countless examples of malicious Android Applications being listed on the Google Play Store. However, Google has been hard at work to make it more difficult to list malicious applications on the Google Play Store. 

It is possible to "sideload" Android applications on a ChromeOS Device or utilize third-party App Stores, which may not have undergone any security reviews or may intentionally introduce malware. Furthermore, there are a number of websites that offer "cracked" versions of popular paid applications that are often infected with malicious code.

Locating Potentially Malicious Android Applications

If you suspect that you have a malicious Android Application installed on your device, follow the steps below to view and remove Android Applications.

1) Open the ChromeOS Settings Application

2) Select "Apps"

3) Select "Android Settings"

4) Select "Apps" followed by "All Apps"

Once the Android Application List is open, you can select and remove any application that you wish to remove.