Verizon Samsung Galaxy S7 Flames Bloatware Hell With DT Ignite Installer
Owners of Galaxy S7 handsets on Verizon's network have been receiving a new over-the-air (OTA) update the past couple of days, one that was purported to "optimize device performance, resolve known issues, and apply the latest security updates." Those types of things are generally welcomed with open arms, though Galaxy S7 owners are getting a little more than they bargained for.
A reddit forum member discovered a "bonus" not mentioned in the change log. It's called DT Ignite and it's a service that runs in the background so carriers can more easily (and stealthily) install unwanted bloatware onto handsets. DT Ignite's shenanigans have been chronicled in the past and not only does it retrieve carrier apps on the sly, the apps have a tendency to reappear even after they're deleted.
"I am pretty sure Verizon should get in trouble for this. By nearly every technical definition, this is malware. Not just bloatware, actual malware. An app being forcibly installed that allows other apps to be installed. Verizon is literally sneaking a virus into your phone," an angry user on reddit commented.
It's no surprise that customers aren't real keen on carriers like Verizon installing apps on their phones without their permission, and it's really maddening that the apps come back after being uninstalled. Luckily there's an easy way to disable DT Ignite. Just hunt down the offending service in the App Manager and click Disable. If you don't see it, make sure to enable "Show system apps," an option that's found in the upper right menu.
A reddit forum member discovered a "bonus" not mentioned in the change log. It's called DT Ignite and it's a service that runs in the background so carriers can more easily (and stealthily) install unwanted bloatware onto handsets. DT Ignite's shenanigans have been chronicled in the past and not only does it retrieve carrier apps on the sly, the apps have a tendency to reappear even after they're deleted.
"I am pretty sure Verizon should get in trouble for this. By nearly every technical definition, this is malware. Not just bloatware, actual malware. An app being forcibly installed that allows other apps to be installed. Verizon is literally sneaking a virus into your phone," an angry user on reddit commented.
It's no surprise that customers aren't real keen on carriers like Verizon installing apps on their phones without their permission, and it's really maddening that the apps come back after being uninstalled. Luckily there's an easy way to disable DT Ignite. Just hunt down the offending service in the App Manager and click Disable. If you don't see it, make sure to enable "Show system apps," an option that's found in the upper right menu.
