These days, getting a virus on your smartphone is just as easy as catching a cold. Your chances of being fooled by a malicious website are increased with the use of mobile browsers. And because online content like music, video clips, and documents can be downloaded straight to your device you can quickly harbour viruses. Sometimes, malware might even creep into your device through the apps you install. The consequences of having a virus on your phone are grave as they could jeopardize your personal security and possibly have your computer infected when transferring files. With the following precautions, you can bump up your mobile security and protect your valuable data.
Set up anti-virus software on your phone
Android users are more likely to get viruses from apps for two reasons: Google doesn’t regulate apps that are uploaded at the Play Store and users can easily download applications from third-party sources. A few months ago, Google was highly criticized when apps containing malware made it to what was then called the Android Market. It took hours before Google pulled them out and by that time, thousands of users had already downloaded these malicious apps. Meanwhile, applications from other sources are sometimes injected by spyware. Installing anti-virus applications can protect your device from these dangers.
Having more than one anti-virus app is recommended because one study shows that not all of them work. So just to be sure, have at least 3 installed on your phone. If possible, set them to automatically check for viruses when you install or update apps, or when you download a file.
Update your device software
If you have an iPhone and thought you were safe from viruses, think again. Certain versions of iOS have been found to have bugs. Online culprits exploited these bugs to their advantage and to the demise of iOS users by camouflaging malicious websites with the URL and look of a reliable site. When you log in your personal details, the data you typed in will be retrieved and used to get other personal information about you. As soon as there is an available update, check for reviews online to see if it doesn’t have bugs. Once you’ve ascertained the security of an update, you can install the new software on your phone.
Install an anti-virus program on your computer
The beauty about smartphones is that you can connect them to your computer to transfer all sorts of files. Problem is, you can also transfer viruses from your PC to phone and vice versa during the process. That is why apart from setting up anti-virus apps on your smartphone, you also need to install one on your computer. The best part is that you can use the same program to scan your device for viruses.
Download from credible sources
Being “careful” where you download apps isn’t a full-proof method of protecting your mobile security. However, it can decrease your chances of encountering malware and viruses by downloading applications and files from credible sources.
Set up anti-virus software on your phone
Android users are more likely to get viruses from apps for two reasons: Google doesn’t regulate apps that are uploaded at the Play Store and users can easily download applications from third-party sources. A few months ago, Google was highly criticized when apps containing malware made it to what was then called the Android Market. It took hours before Google pulled them out and by that time, thousands of users had already downloaded these malicious apps. Meanwhile, applications from other sources are sometimes injected by spyware. Installing anti-virus applications can protect your device from these dangers.
Having more than one anti-virus app is recommended because one study shows that not all of them work. So just to be sure, have at least 3 installed on your phone. If possible, set them to automatically check for viruses when you install or update apps, or when you download a file.
Update your device software
If you have an iPhone and thought you were safe from viruses, think again. Certain versions of iOS have been found to have bugs. Online culprits exploited these bugs to their advantage and to the demise of iOS users by camouflaging malicious websites with the URL and look of a reliable site. When you log in your personal details, the data you typed in will be retrieved and used to get other personal information about you. As soon as there is an available update, check for reviews online to see if it doesn’t have bugs. Once you’ve ascertained the security of an update, you can install the new software on your phone.
Install an anti-virus program on your computer
The beauty about smartphones is that you can connect them to your computer to transfer all sorts of files. Problem is, you can also transfer viruses from your PC to phone and vice versa during the process. That is why apart from setting up anti-virus apps on your smartphone, you also need to install one on your computer. The best part is that you can use the same program to scan your device for viruses.
Download from credible sources
Being “careful” where you download apps isn’t a full-proof method of protecting your mobile security. However, it can decrease your chances of encountering malware and viruses by downloading applications and files from credible sources.
Author biography: Kathleen Grace writes articles on technology and internet security. She is a specialist at Broadband Expert, a provider of cheap high speed internet.
