For most of us, we know that our smartphones are a prime target for hackers and thieves. Since these mobile devices are practically the same as a computer, we have to start treating them as such by securing them. But which methods are best? How do they get inside? Let’s look at the most common entry points as well as ways of protecting your phone and family’s phone from hackers.
Virus/Malware
Whenever you surf the web, you could potentially run into a site that will download a bug onto your system. This malicious software will infect your system and try to extract data or use up your phone’s battery and memory.
The Protection: If you get Android antivirus software like AVG, then you can avoid dangerous sites and keep your device clean.
Phishing
If you’ve ever gotten an email from a contact of yours with a suspicious heading and link embedded inside, then odds are it’s a scam from a hacker who is trying to steal your information. On your phone, these hackers can also send texts or call you while pretending to be something like a bank or service, asking for personal information.
The Protection: Never click on a link that you don’t trust completely, and never give out information to someone calling you. If you have to update your data with a company, tell them that you’ll call them on their main number or do it online.
Theft
One of the best ways for someone to gain access to your phone’s contents is to steal it from you. This will enable them to look at things like your contact list (for phishing scams) and stored data like saved passwords.
The Protection: When it comes to Android security, you should keep your phone password protected (swipe or PIN), and you should get AVG, which allows you to track and shut down your device remotely before anyone can access anything.
The more time you can spend on prevention for yourself and family, the better off you’ll be in the long run. AVG antivirus can be your best defense against hackers and thieves, and it’s free to download.