Since the introduction of modern computers, malicious software or
malware has been an omnipresent issue. Viruses, Trojans, rootkits,
spyware, keyloggers and several others of the like continue
to assault your computing devices all the time, looking for
vulnerabilities and loopholes in your defenses to get through.
Generally, users have become aware enough to deploy some form of
protection on their desktops and notebooks, and while infections
continue to plague the computing world, they’re significantly reduced in
impact.
Smartphones today are nothing short of portable computers as well, and just like that, are prone to malware attacks. Hard as it may seem to believe, developers do spend time creating Smartphone malware that would let them access your personal information, exploit personal data and otherwise do damage to your device.
Android Device is a fast growing mobile platform with apps exceeding 600,000 in the Google Play Store, and believe me when I tell you that an assessment puts over 100,000 of them as “questionable”. While most users don’t pay much attention to it, it’s imperative that you secure your Android smartphone or tablet against the growing threat of mobile malware. They say prevention is better than cure, and in this post, we’ll provide some basic pointers on how to achieve that.
Ways to Keep your Android/Tablet Device Secure
There are easy ways to reduce the risk of infection in your Android.
Most of these ways are simply common sense. Developers and specific cell
phone manufacturers do encourage their customers to use the proper
download applications and widgets.
Smartphones today are nothing short of portable computers as well, and just like that, are prone to malware attacks. Hard as it may seem to believe, developers do spend time creating Smartphone malware that would let them access your personal information, exploit personal data and otherwise do damage to your device.
Android Device is a fast growing mobile platform with apps exceeding 600,000 in the Google Play Store, and believe me when I tell you that an assessment puts over 100,000 of them as “questionable”. While most users don’t pay much attention to it, it’s imperative that you secure your Android smartphone or tablet against the growing threat of mobile malware. They say prevention is better than cure, and in this post, we’ll provide some basic pointers on how to achieve that.
Ways to Keep your Android/Tablet Device Secure
1. Download Only From Official Stores
When downloading apps, prefer the well-reputed channels, mainly Google Play Store and the Amazon App Store.
Google implements a rudimentary “bouncer” to ward off malware, and the
rest is taken care of by the very active Android user community. Hence,
these two sources are your most reliable ones.
2. Keep Installation of Apps from Unknown Sources at “Off”
Unless you’re a power user, it’s highly advisable to keep installation
of apps from Unknown Sources at “off” in the device’s settings. This
will help ensure that nothing enters the system except through official
channels.
3. Rooted Devices are More Susceptible
Most advanced users choose to root their android devices, be extra cautious about granting Superuser
access to any app. Make sure you understand the purpose of the SU
access, and trust the developer enough to grant it. This is the highest
level of access that anyone (or anything) can have on your Android
device, so be really careful with this one. 
4. Install an Antivirus/Security App on Your Android Smartphone
A lot of capable contenders are available in the Google Play Store for
that purpose, with more notable ones being Avast! Free Mobile Security,
Lookout Mobile Security, AVG Mobile Security, Kapersky and Norton Mobile
Security, just to name a few. There is a different feature-set offered
by each, so you have room to weigh your options carefully before making a
decision to go with one.
5. It is Important to Read App reviews and See ratings before downloading
Read app reviews and see ratings before you choose to download anything.
If it’s something from a renowned developer, you’re less likely to run
into trouble as opposed to an app with hardly any downloads and just 2-3
reviews. As a rule of thumb, I don’t prefer apps with a rating of less
than at least 3 stars.
6. Examine the Permissions that an App is Asking For, During Installation
Carefully examine the permissions that an app is asking for, and use
your own judgment to decide whether you want that app or not. E.g A
puzzle game asking to access your contacts and phone app is never really
a good idea, and neither is a torch app seeking internet permission.
Discard apps that seem shady – they’re usually not worth risking
personal information over.
7. Keep Your Phone Locked Always
While not strictly a malware protection measure, it’s still a good idea
to keep your phone locked for security. Someone else gaining access to
your device might be able to install undesired software before you
reclaim access, and hence, causing you to remain unaware of the whole
deal until it’s too late. Likewise, a remote wipe app should also be
there, should you ever encounter a scenario where normal access to the
device gets blocked by the malware infection.
8. Never access links embedded in mass-broadcast messages/emails on your phone.
You never know what’s hidden underneath a URL, and it’s harder to check that on a Smartphone as opposed to a traditional computer. Phishing scams thrive under unrestricted access through your web browser.
9. Beware of Fake Apps Even on Play Store
On the Play Store, there are loads of fake apps designed with the
intention of infecting your device and stealing your private
information. Some apps are designed only to push ads to your Smartphone. As a matter of fact, most popular apps often have similar ones that are actually fakes. You should be careful with these sorts of apps.
10. Avoid Pirated Apps
If you love cracks and pirated apps, your device may become infected without you even knowing it. Pirated apps most often carry Malware strands.
Besides, you’re not helping the developers who work hard trying to
create these games and apps. Saving $0.99 isn’t worth it, really.
11. Porn is the Most Efficient Source of Malware Delivery
I’m in no position to judge you or tell you what to do with your device but it has been proven that pornographic sites are the most efficient when it comes to infecting your device with malware. Well, you know what to do… be careful with sites you visit.
12. Stay Updated
Be on your toes so far as updates are concerned. This is one way in
which manufacturers and carriers ensure that you remain protected from Malware
attacks. These updates can include enhancements, bug fixes, new
features each of which are designed to keep your system in tune with the
right way to tackle the malicious attacks. Apart from updating your
apps, be sure your device operating system is also up-to-date.Conclusion
Following the above steps will help you ensure that your device remains secure, safe from malware, and most importantly, exclusively yours. Do you have a tip that we should’ve included here and missed? Drop us a comment below.
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