Secure folder Excel file adware

[LindaMac]

Uh oh. When accessing my Secure folder couple of days ago I was distracted when answering what I thought was a system query. Now when I access excel files in the folder, I am getting ads at the top of the file. Below is a photo of one of the ad popups. 

I removed the excel file from Secure folder... No ad when I open the file. I created a new test excel file... Put it in Secure folder...an ad appears at top of that new file. How can I get rid of what I assume is Malware inside of the Secure folder? 

I assume that if I use a Norton app it won't be able to access inside the Secure folder? 

[RedDogRabbit]

Did you purchase Excel , or is it a "free" ad supported version, and where did you download it from. 

While it's possible there is malware in the app, depending on the source of Excel, it is more likely to be Ads from a "free" version.

You could try completely Uninstalling the Secure Folder & Reinstall it, then add back the Apps you want in it. 

[LindaMac]

Thk you.. Now fixed! I have office on phone as part of a group of corporate users. Didn't realize I could uninstall. Did that and reinstalled and the ads no longer pop up. Cheers!

[LindaMac]

(It was SECURE FOLDER that I uninstalled and reinstalled)

[RedDogRabbit]

Where did you download Excel from, paid or free? 

[LindaMac]

It is part of Office 365 package our company provides us.

[RedDogRabbit]

Well then, it should certainly be "Ad Free", but maybe not? 

I don't think that it's a virus (exceptionally rare in Android), it still looks like it's an Ad Supported App, for whatever reason. 

You could always Backup your device with Smart Switch & Factory Reset. 

⚠️⚠️ Do NOT include Excel in the Smart Switch Backup, Download it fresh from where your company provides it ⚠️⚠️