The role of mobile phones continues to expand. At the current time, a little more than half of all web searches start on a mobile phone. Many of us reach for our phones or tablets for chat, reading, or watching movies and TV. We are far more likely to rely on these devices than we were in the past, even using our phones for checking banking and health records. Do you need to think about how to keep your phone safer?
Malware and Mobile Phones
In the PC world, viruses and malware get into people’s systems by attaching themselves to software, images, pdfs, and other innocent-looking files. Users accept downloads that look like they are from people who they know or trust. The virus then gets into their system and starts the task again of replicating itself and tricking others into downloading it.
On Android phones, the process is different. The official Google Play marketplace has safeguards against most types of malware. Official apps in the store are typically safe.
However, there is a risk when downloading apps from third-party marketplaces. These may not be vetted well, and could contain harmful programs.
What Types of Malware Are Found on Mobile Phones?
Malware is any app that performs actions that the user would not want. Mobile phone malware can compromise your privacy by recording phone calls, capturing text entries through keystroke logging, tracking your location, or recording your activities on the web.
A handful of miners have also been found hidden in some apps. These miners run processes in the background to mine cryptocurrency. They bog down the performance of your phone and can even lead to dangerous overheating issues. While apps that act in this way are banned from the Google Play store, they can still occasionally make their way past security.
Ways to Keep Your Phone Safer
Smart use of your mobile phone can help protect you from malware and keep your data safe.
When you are installing new apps, look at the permissions that are required. If the app wants too much access to private information, consider seeking an alternative.
Be extremely cautious of third-party apps that do not come from official markets. By default, Android phones can only download apps from the official marketplace. To download from other sources, you need to go into your settings to change the permissions.
Sometimes, people need to turn on third-party app downloads for work, or to get to a specific app that is being developed. Be sure that you always know why you are using a third-party download site. Only download apps from sources that you know and trust.
Heed warnings given by your phone’s Safe Browsing features. Your phone will let you know if you are heading into a site that is not trusted. By avoiding entering any private information into sites that are not trusted, or by avoiding them altogether, you can reduce the chances of a breach.
Keep your passwords up to date. If you have a password that has been compromised, update it as soon as possible. You should also change your passwords at least twice a year to avoid incursions.
Install updates when prompted. Vulnerabilities are discovered on a regular basis. By updating your security and your system when prompted, you can keep your device secure.
Consider adding antivirus software to your phone. This can be especially helpful if you have reasons to download apps from unapproved markets.
How Can Antivirus for Android Phones Help?
A cloud-based antivirus for phone protects users in a number of ways. First, it can scan for malware included in email and on pages that you surf to. Antivirus software for your phone can also notify you of phishing scams before you are tricked into giving away sensitive information.
Quality programs can even improve your phone’s performance through optimization functions. When paired with other security apps, it can keep your data private even when using public wifi with your phone.
Summing Up
Most mobile threats can be avoided with a few common-sense precautions. Never download apps unless you trust the issuer. Be careful where you input sensitive information. And, if you are going to engage in risky behavior on your phone, protect yourself with an antivirus program.
A bit of due diligence can significantly cut your risks when surfing on mobile. By taking the time to learn how to keep your phone safe, you can engage in the activities you need to without any unusual risk.