Being the operating system of choice for most mobile device manufacturers, Android has become a prime target for virus makers and cyber criminals. Gone are the days of viruses and malware being exclusively targeted at personal computers.Due to the increasing amount of information people store on their smartphones and tablets, these devices have attracted the attention of the worst breed of cyber crook. In the quest to keep your Android devices safe from online troublemakers, the following tips will prove very useful.
Install Security Software
With virus infection becoming more prevalent in mobile devices, security software manufacturers have taken notice and created virus-protection programs for Android. Like PC-based security programs, this software effectively guards Android devices from virus infection, information theft and data leakage. To stop viruses in their tracks, Android security software also prevents your browser from displaying potentially dangerous websites. Additionally, the convenient cloud-scanning feature found in most security software continuously protects your Android devices from unsafe connections. Smartphone owners are sure to appreciate the software’s handy “Call and Text Blocking” feature, which automatically blocks correspondences from blacklisted numbers. Parents entrusting their children with Android devices will enjoy taking advantage of the user-friendly parental controls found in many pieces of security software.
Realizing that cyber criminals are constantly on the lookout for security loopholes and vulnerabilities, many software manufacturers provide customers with unlimited updates free of charge. So whenever a crafty cyber crook finds a new way to infect Android, the company that created your software will be on top of it.
Stay Current with Google Updates
Downloading the latest tech Google updates can go a long way in keeping your Android devices safe. Like security software manufacturers, Google is always keeping an eye out for potential security risks. Furthermore, since Google created the Android operating system, any unaddressed security flaws are liable to reflect poorly on the company. Many updates are specifically created in response to new viruses or malware, so it’s important to avoid falling behind with updates. To ensure that you’re never left in the dust when new updates become available, simply turn on Android’s “Automatic Updates” feature. This way, you’ll instantly be given the latest security updates whenever you turn on your smartphone or mobile device.
Be Selective About Apps
The seemingly endless array of convenient apps available to users is one of the foremost benefits of owning Android devices. Hoping to take advantage of this, certain virus makers create apps designed to infect Android devices with malware. After finding its way onto your mobile device, malicious software can steal a bevy of personal info and dramatically affect the device’s performance. To protect your Android device from malware infection, make a point of only downloading apps from trustworthy sources. Specifically, avoid any apps on the Android Market that haven’t been white-listed by Google.
Thanks to the Android operating system, navigating mobile device interfaces and surfing the web on the go have never been easier. However, like any popular O.S., Android has attracted its share of shady characters. By using the right security software, staying on top of Google updates and exercising caution when downloading apps, you can keep your Android devices virus-free.
