Mobile malware is on the rise as well as your device could be at risk . These tips could possibly help you stay safe and also keep your personal information out of the hands of cybercriminals .
The adoption rate of mobile phones continues to soar , with Android leading the way . The open-source operating-system that is led by Google is now found on over fifty percent of all smartphones . In fact , research firm Strategy Analytics discovered that 81 .3 percent , or 204 .4 million , of smartphones delivered in the third quarter of 2013 were powered by Android .
This substantial user base has caught the attention of cybercriminals , who may have begun to double down on their efforts to illegally acquire personal information from Android owners . Although most mobile malware is found in countries like Russia and China , users from Europe and the United States aren't thoroughly immune .
The analyst continued to say that "people look at phones more like mobile phones , rather than intelligent computers ," adding that many people don't understand that these types of devices are susceptible to virus similar to the strands found on PCs .
The most typical malware regardless of system is related to short message fraud and individual life invasion . Botezatu noted that "one of most important the things that can happen with Android is privacy invasion ." Mobile malware may allow cybercriminals to intercept messages , monitor calls , steal information , and even listen in with the device's microphone .
Perhaps even a lot more troubling is that cybercriminals are now identifying more complex ways to attack mobile devices , the majority of which are not protected . Botezatu pointed me to an disturbing statistic from research firm IDC , which revealed that merely 5 percent of smartphones and tablets have some sort of antivirus program installed .
While antivirus applications can help secure your gadget , there are other measures that can be taken to better safeguard yourself from encountering mobile malware .
Legitimate app stores
Whenever downloading apps it's imperative that you only do so from a legitimate app store ; that means from companies like Google , Amazon , Samsung , or another major manufacturer or carrier .
These marketplaces are checked and scanned for potentially dangerous or fraudulent programs . Occasionally , however , malicious apps sometimes slip by means of the cracks , often disguised as legitimate ones .
A bogus BBM app in recent times appeared in the Google Play store and also managed to secure more than 100 ,000 downloads before being eliminated . The app itself was nothing more than a spamming program .
Suspicious apps
The bogus BBM app is a great instance . While anybody who actually read the reviews wouldn't have downloaded it , a large number of users did . One of the best defenses against worms is to notice such things as suspicious apps with unreasonable promises , bad reviews , and sketchy app permissions .
Pirated apps
I'm not right here to lecture you on the ethics of pirating programs ( it's against the law ) , but I am here to warn you about the dangerous that can come from it . As Botezatu said , taking a legitimate Android application package ( APK ) file and binding it with a malicious program is a relatively simple process .
Most pirated or cracked applications usually contain some form of malware . You could spend a couple of bucks on that game you have an urge for , which in the long run will give you hours of entertainment and reward the developer for their hard work , or perhaps you can pirate it and put your personal information at risk . The decision shouldn't be difficult .
For those of you interested in sideloading applications , make sure to only do so with apps downloaded from a trusted developer's Website .
Settings
Google includes several settings in the Android operating system that will prevent malicious attacks . Devices functioning Android 2 .2 or higher , which basically means nearly all Android devices , have accessibility to Google's malware scanner . Prior to the installation of an application you downloaded outside of the Play store , The google will scan the app and notify you of any potential threats .
This feature is turned on by default and can be accessed in the Google Settings app in your device's app drawer . On the other hand , devices running Android 4 .2 or higher can access the characteristic by going to Settings , clicking on Security , and scrolling down to Verify apps .
Software updates
Even though this may not be an option for most users , if there is an upgrade for your device make sure you download and read and install it . Manufacturers , carriers , and Google are continuously pushing out updates with bug fixes , enhancer supplements , and new features that can make your gadget more secure .
To check for an upgrade on stock Android go to Settings , click on the "About phone" or "About tablet" option , and also select System Updates .
Antivirus apps
The The search engines Play store is also home to hundreds of antivirus applications that can offer an extra layer of protection . Finding the right one , nevertheless , can sometimes be difficult . A simple "antivirus" lookup in the store yields more than 250 results . So what one should you choose ?
Companies like Avast , AVG , BitDefender , Kaspersky , Sophos , Symantec ( Norton ) , and TrendMicro possess long and established histories as some of the most trustworthy brands in the industry .
Beginners Lookout and TrustGo have also created a name for themselves as some of the leading mobile security providers . Earlier this year , AV-Test , an independent IT safety institute that ranks antivirus apps based on security and usability , rated TrustGo and Watch out as the top two antivirus programs on the Android platform .
Each one security provider I mentioned above have scored higher than average for protection against malware , with many detecting malicious apps more than 99 percent of times . Any of these programs would be a safe and smart option for your own smartphone or tablet .
Many of these companies also provide additional features for a small month-to-month fee . These include such things as anti-theft protection , safer Internet browsing , device tracking , remote wiping , and more . It should be mentioned , however , that Google's Android Device Manager provides similar functionality for locating a missing or stolen device . The tool can be found online or through a free app on the Play store .
Regarding antivirus programs , whether you choose the basic or premium features , Botezatu noted that , at least concerning BitDefender , the basic malware security is the same .
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The adoption rate of mobile phones continues to soar , with Android leading the way . The open-source operating-system that is led by Google is now found on over fifty percent of all smartphones . In fact , research firm Strategy Analytics discovered that 81 .3 percent , or 204 .4 million , of smartphones delivered in the third quarter of 2013 were powered by Android .
This substantial user base has caught the attention of cybercriminals , who may have begun to double down on their efforts to illegally acquire personal information from Android owners . Although most mobile malware is found in countries like Russia and China , users from Europe and the United States aren't thoroughly immune .
The analyst continued to say that "people look at phones more like mobile phones , rather than intelligent computers ," adding that many people don't understand that these types of devices are susceptible to virus similar to the strands found on PCs .
The most typical malware regardless of system is related to short message fraud and individual life invasion . Botezatu noted that "one of most important the things that can happen with Android is privacy invasion ." Mobile malware may allow cybercriminals to intercept messages , monitor calls , steal information , and even listen in with the device's microphone .
Perhaps even a lot more troubling is that cybercriminals are now identifying more complex ways to attack mobile devices , the majority of which are not protected . Botezatu pointed me to an disturbing statistic from research firm IDC , which revealed that merely 5 percent of smartphones and tablets have some sort of antivirus program installed .
While antivirus applications can help secure your gadget , there are other measures that can be taken to better safeguard yourself from encountering mobile malware .
Legitimate app stores
Whenever downloading apps it's imperative that you only do so from a legitimate app store ; that means from companies like Google , Amazon , Samsung , or another major manufacturer or carrier .
These marketplaces are checked and scanned for potentially dangerous or fraudulent programs . Occasionally , however , malicious apps sometimes slip by means of the cracks , often disguised as legitimate ones .
A bogus BBM app in recent times appeared in the Google Play store and also managed to secure more than 100 ,000 downloads before being eliminated . The app itself was nothing more than a spamming program .
Suspicious apps
The bogus BBM app is a great instance . While anybody who actually read the reviews wouldn't have downloaded it , a large number of users did . One of the best defenses against worms is to notice such things as suspicious apps with unreasonable promises , bad reviews , and sketchy app permissions .
Pirated apps
I'm not right here to lecture you on the ethics of pirating programs ( it's against the law ) , but I am here to warn you about the dangerous that can come from it . As Botezatu said , taking a legitimate Android application package ( APK ) file and binding it with a malicious program is a relatively simple process .
Most pirated or cracked applications usually contain some form of malware . You could spend a couple of bucks on that game you have an urge for , which in the long run will give you hours of entertainment and reward the developer for their hard work , or perhaps you can pirate it and put your personal information at risk . The decision shouldn't be difficult .
For those of you interested in sideloading applications , make sure to only do so with apps downloaded from a trusted developer's Website .
Settings
Google includes several settings in the Android operating system that will prevent malicious attacks . Devices functioning Android 2 .2 or higher , which basically means nearly all Android devices , have accessibility to Google's malware scanner . Prior to the installation of an application you downloaded outside of the Play store , The google will scan the app and notify you of any potential threats .
This feature is turned on by default and can be accessed in the Google Settings app in your device's app drawer . On the other hand , devices running Android 4 .2 or higher can access the characteristic by going to Settings , clicking on Security , and scrolling down to Verify apps .
Software updates
Even though this may not be an option for most users , if there is an upgrade for your device make sure you download and read and install it . Manufacturers , carriers , and Google are continuously pushing out updates with bug fixes , enhancer supplements , and new features that can make your gadget more secure .
To check for an upgrade on stock Android go to Settings , click on the "About phone" or "About tablet" option , and also select System Updates .
Antivirus apps
The The search engines Play store is also home to hundreds of antivirus applications that can offer an extra layer of protection . Finding the right one , nevertheless , can sometimes be difficult . A simple "antivirus" lookup in the store yields more than 250 results . So what one should you choose ?
Companies like Avast , AVG , BitDefender , Kaspersky , Sophos , Symantec ( Norton ) , and TrendMicro possess long and established histories as some of the most trustworthy brands in the industry .
Beginners Lookout and TrustGo have also created a name for themselves as some of the leading mobile security providers . Earlier this year , AV-Test , an independent IT safety institute that ranks antivirus apps based on security and usability , rated TrustGo and Watch out as the top two antivirus programs on the Android platform .
Each one security provider I mentioned above have scored higher than average for protection against malware , with many detecting malicious apps more than 99 percent of times . Any of these programs would be a safe and smart option for your own smartphone or tablet .
Many of these companies also provide additional features for a small month-to-month fee . These include such things as anti-theft protection , safer Internet browsing , device tracking , remote wiping , and more . It should be mentioned , however , that Google's Android Device Manager provides similar functionality for locating a missing or stolen device . The tool can be found online or through a free app on the Play store .
Regarding antivirus programs , whether you choose the basic or premium features , Botezatu noted that , at least concerning BitDefender , the basic malware security is the same .
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Techvedic
is a globally recognized computer tech support company that offers technical
support services for a range of third-party hardware devices, including PC,
Mac, phone, tablet, gaming console, home theater, network server, etc. and
on-premise and cloud-hosted applications meant for home and business users.
Techvedic’s tech support services are accessible as: online, on-site and at
repair labs.
About Techvedic: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Techvedic
Get in touch with Techvedic on Social
Media:
Techvedic Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/techvedic
Techvedic Twitter : https://twitter.com/techvedic
Techvedic Google Plus Page:
https://plus.google.com/+TechvedicInc/posts
Techvedic Youtube:
https://www.youtube.com/user/Techvedic
Techvedic Linkidin Profile:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/techvedic
Visit: Techvedic - Computer Tech Support
Company |
http://www.techvedic.co.uk/
| 0800 016 3909 (UK) |
support@techvedic.com
