Trojan.Android.maxengine Detection Virus – False Positive

Trojan.Android.maxengine is a common false positive that may detect even legitimate apps.

By Marco Rizal - Editor, Journalist 5 Min Read

Security Antivirus Max Cleaner employs the detection name Trojan.Android.maxengine to detect potential threats with similar characteristics and behaviors. Android files and applications that share similar characteristics and patterns are frequently classified using threat detection names.

You might have encountered the Trojan.Android.maxengine detection while scanning your device with the mentioned app. However, you should not worry as the said threat name is a frequent false positive that can occur during file scans. It has been discovered in a variety of files, even ones that are usually seen as harmless.

Antivirus threat detection in general

Antivirus software relies on vast databases that contain signatures and patterns for different types of harmful software, including viruses, malware, ransomware, trojans, adware, and other potentially dangerous programs that are frequently encountered.

Antivirus software often makes use of these datasets. To successfully identify and remove malware from a computer. If an antivirus program detects a file or application on a user's device that matches a signature in its database, it will take action to remove the harmful file.

Similarly, an antivirus tool can safeguard a system by constantly monitoring it for potential threats using its vast database of threat signatures. The engine compares the uploaded file to all the known malware patterns in their databases.

However, there are cases where a particular pattern or signature is so common that an antivirus program might incorrectly flag a file as malware, even if it is not.

Behavior of the threat

Trojan.Android.maxengine is a commonly used term to identify files that may carry harmful malware or actually contain malware.

However, the antivirus engine's pattern or characteristics can sometimes lead to false positives, flagging legitimate files as malware, despite being deemed clean by other antivirus engines.

This is a frequent issue that often arises with downloaded files, particularly modded APKs acquired from unreliable sources.

These modified applications have been programmed to acquire cheats and boosts for the game in a straightforward manner. Consequently, antivirus engines have the potential to identify these alterations and categorize them as malicious software.

Furthermore, numerous users have reported that the antivirus application has successfully detected well-known apps like WhatsApp, Twitter, Google Drive, Instagram, and others.

In this case, it's important to note that these apps are unlikely to contain any sort of malware, making it a false positive.

More about Trojan.Android.maxengine malware

This particular threat is not inherently malicious. Instead, it often triggers false alarms and identifies certain files and apps on the device as potential threats.

If there is a piece of malware targeting popular apps on your phone or if you downloaded a modified APK that came from unreputable sources, it is possible that there is malware on your system that needs to be removed.

If you want to ensure that the detection is not a false positive, consider scanning your device with Malwarebytes. It's a well-known anti-malware program that offers a mobile version to help protect your device.

How to run a malware scan with Malwarebytes
  1. Open the Play Store app on your Android device.
  2. To find Malwarebytes Mobile Security, simply enter “Malwarebytes” in the search bar.
  3. Click on Malwarebytes and tap on the Install button.
  4. Once the installation has finished, open the application.
  5. Simply tap Get started.
  6. When you open the app for the first time, Malwarebytes will ask for security permissions on your device. Simply follow the prompts on your screen to enable the necessary permissions.
  7. When you access the Premium screen, you will find clear and straightforward subscription activation and trial options.
    • Start free trial: Begin a trial by subscribing through Google Play. The subscription fee is applied after the 7-day trial period.
    • Already have a subscription: If you already have a subscription, you can easily activate the Premium features by making a purchase from the Malwarebytes online store or restoring a previous Google Play purchase.
    • Skip: Select this option to access the free version.
  8. Once you are in the homepage, click the Scan button to begin scanning the mobile device for malware.
  9. After the scan is finished, follow the on-screen instructions to delete the unwanted objects. Restart the device if prompted.

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