Did you know that every year, the number of threats your phone encounters keeps increasing? As of March 2020, the total number of new Android malware samples amounted to 482,579 per month. According to AV-Test, Trojans were the most common type of malware affecting Android devices.
Once your phone is hacked, your other devices may be next if they are connected. That’s because your overall online security is only as strong as the weakest link in your chain of connected devices. Malware can spread from your hacked phone to your tablet or another mobile device through the network.
Here, we have highlighted some important ways by which people can prevent and defend against a mobile malware infection.
Always Turn On Security Updates
Only 20 percent of Android devices are running the newest version and only 2.3 percent are on the latest release. Everything from your operating system to your social network apps are potential gateways for hackers to compromise your mobile device. Keeping software up to date ensures the best protection against most mobile security threats.
Use A Mobile Antivirus Solution
Just like computers, your mobile devices also need internet security. Make sure to select mobile security software from a trusted provider and keep it up to date.
Install A Firewall
Most mobile phones do not come with any kind of firewall protection. Installing a firewall provides you with much stronger protection against digital threats and allows you to safeguard your online privacy.
Download Apps From Official App Stores
Both the Google Play and Apple App stores vet the apps they sell; third-party app stores don’t always. Buying from well-known app stores may not ensure you never get a bad app, but it can help reduce your risk
Backup Your Device Regularly
No matter what kinds of defenses you put in place, sometimes a crafty piece of malware makes it onto a device. Malware comes in many different forms. One of its most notorious manifestations is ransomware, a type of program that encrypts users’ data and demands that they pay a ransom in exchange for the decryption key.
Ransomware is a growing threat on personal computers and mobile devices alike. To protect against encryption-based malware, users should regularly back up their information on a regular basis. Doing so won’t protect them against an infection, but it will allow them to restore their data for free if they ever happen to cross paths with mobile ransomware.
