Preventing Mobile Malware

Smartphones and tablets now have as much, if not more, private data on them than computers, so attempting to get malware on these devices is logical (from a criminal’s point of view). It is no wonder that online criminals have started focusing more heavily on infecting mobile devices. Potentially harmful applications include spyware, ransomware and fraudulent apps.

Most malicious software is found in third-party app stores that are popular in a few countries. These third party app stores are loaded with pirated versions of software or trojanized applications.

There are three simple steps you can take to keep malware off of your mobile devices:

1. Use the official app store for your device

The two official app stores, Google’s Play store and Apple’s App Store, regularly check all software in their stores for malicious behavior. The automatic checks aren’t perfect but they do help and the companies remove any programs found to be malicious.

1. Do not jailbreak your phone

Mobile devices come with a lot of built-in security and using a program to ‘hack’ the device to remove the carriers’ and manufacturers’ restrictions (called jailbreaking) undermines the security protecting the devices.

1. Update!

The mobile software space is always moving quickly and developers are constantly adding bug fixes, including security issues. You should update your software as frequently as possible and always look out for system updates.

~Your TeCHS

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