If Android is your platform of choice, now is the time to make sure your device is secure and that you don’t risk compromising your data and finances.
We always recommend downloading only apps from the Google Play Store, as third-party app stores are not as secure. But, sometimes, malicious apps make their way into the official app stores as well. Tap or click here for a recent list of 30 apps that have infected Android devices.
More malicious apps are available for download this year than last year, and fraudulent mobile transactions are on the rise. But what should you keep in mind, and how do you check your device for troublesome apps? Read on to learn how to protect your device and what you are protecting your device from!
Malicious Android apps and mobile scams on the rise
According to a report by Upstream, there were over 29,000 malicious Android apps in the first quarter of 2020, compared to 14,500 malicious apps identified in the same quarter last year. The first quarter of 2020 saw a massive 55% increase in fraudulent mobile transactions as compared to the same period of 2019.
This means that there are more dangerous downloads out there than ever. If you are unlucky enough to install one of these applications, your device may slow down, personal data may be compromised, and in extreme cases, even your device without your consent. Credit card and banking information can also be accessed.
Many of these dangerous apps are not just malicious behind the scenes and may attempt to deceive and/or scam less experienced users to spend money unnecessarily. In this sense, children and older family members may be especially at risk, and if they use your phone, you may be at risk too.
How to protect against malicious Android software
It’s not all doom and gloom when it comes to securing your Android device. Keeping yourself safe in the digital world on Android can be easy if you make the effort. As you go about your day and use your device normally, keep these two things in mind:
Be wary of suspicious attachments and files sent to you, especially if they are coming from someone or an email address you don’t recognize.
When downloading apps from the Google Play Store, don’t assume that they are secure. Be sure to read the reviews, and if you’re concerned about the app’s security, don’t download it. It is always better to be safe than sorry.
If you follow these best practices and make sure anyone using your Android does too, it’s likely that you’ll be able to avoid infection. But how can you be sure that your device is safe now, and what happens when you can’t tell if a file or application is safe to download?
An antivirus app on your Android device is the answer to all these concerns. Fortunately, many antivirus apps offer different types of mobile protection, and the most popular apps will get the job done and keep your device safe.
Want to make sure you’re downloading the right antivirus app for you? Tap or click here to see the top 5 Android antivirus apps.
Once you install an antivirus application from Google Play Store like the popular and free Avast Antivirus, your device is protected. Your new antivirus software will probably automatically scan your device and protect it from future intrusions.