Android Virus warning for Sonos App

Call Sonos support, there is nothing we other users can do and the moderators might not see your post anytime soon.

I’m pretty sure it’s not the Sonos app. You most likely for lack of a better phrase “Stepped in something” that’s tagging the Sonos app as invasive. Below is an AI compilation about the issue taken off Reddit.

Android.Heuristic.Adcheat.OutAppAD.ABS.FX

 is a detection name used by antivirus software to identify adware—specifically, a type of potentially unwanted application (PUA) or malicious app that displays intrusive, fraudulent, or out-of-app advertisements on an Android device. 

Reddit +1

Key Characteristics of this Adware

• Intrusive Advertisements: It generates ads that appear outside of the app's context, such as on the lock screen, notification panel, or over other applications.
• "Adcheat" Behavior: The "Adcheat" designation often refers to ad fraud, where the app falsely simulates clicks or views to generate revenue for the developer.
• Out-of-App Ads: It is designed to function while not in active use, running in the background to spam the user.
• Performance Impact: Symptoms include rapid battery drain, increased data usage, and a generally slower, less responsive device. 

   

  Reddit +4

How to Remove It

If your device has flagged this, it is recommended to take the following steps to remove the malicious application:

1. Boot in Safe Mode: Turn off your device, then hold the power button to turn it back on. When the logo appears, hold the volume down button to enter Safe Mode, which prevents third-party apps from running.
2. Locate the App: Go to Settings > Apps or Settings > Apps & Notifications. Look for recently installed applications, suspicious apps you do not recognize, or apps with no icon/name.
3. Uninstall the App: Select the suspicious app and choose "Uninstall." If the uninstall button is grayed out, deactivate its administrator rights in Settings > Security > Device Administrators.
4. Clear Browser Cache: Clear the cache and data for your web browsers (e.g., Chrome) to remove any malicious redirection scripts.
5. Restart the Phone: Exit Safe Mode by restarting the phone normally. 

    

   Reddit +4

Prevention Tips

• Use Play Protect: Ensure Google Play Protect is enabled in the Google Play Store settings to scan for harmful apps.
• Avoid Third-Party Sources: Only install applications from official, trusted sources like the Google Play Store.
• Check App Permissions: Be cautious of apps that request excessive permissions, such as the ability to "Display over other apps". 

   

  Reddit +2

Pretty sure it is the Sonos app. It gets flagged as having "Abnormal ad activity".

When I remove it and recan, I get no issue. When I re-install it and rescan, it gets flagged again.

Sounds like a false positive. I’d follow ​@Stanley_4 ‘s suggestion, and also contact the virus protection company. 

Probably the Sonos app, I got the flag too

What did Sonos Support say, when you called in as suggested by ​@Stanley_4 ?