Over the past 12 months there has been a surge in the amount of viruses created to target the Android platform. Unless you use an Android antivirus app to protect your phone from threat, then it is vulnerable to attack.
It is highly important that you take the right steps to secure your phone due to the amount of personal data it holds about you. If you stop and think for a second it is actually quite frightening to think about what your smartphone actually holds about you. Pretty much everything from your personal emails to social network accounts. Let’s not forget the fact that your smartphone also has direct access to your bank account through your phone bill.
If you have a computer at home then it is likely you have taken extra steps to protect it through some kind of antivirus application. You need to pay the same level of care to the security of your smartphone.
Why You Should Take Smartphone Security Seriously
Since Google Android was released a few years back, it has spread like wild fire as has very quickly become the most popular and widely used mobile operating system. Google say there are now activating over 500,000 brand new Android devices every single day. Yes you read that right, half a million new Android devices spring to life for the first time every day.
One of the biggest issues though isn’t the amount of personal data our smartphones hold about us, but it is the direct access to our bank accounts they provide. It is very easy for a virus to sign you up to premium SMS services and call premium rate numbers in the background without your knowledge racking up huge bills. Naturally the virus creator takes a cut from the use of the premium services.
So when you combine the huge growing user base, the amount of personal data on our smartphones and an easy way to extract money the incentive for virus writers is pretty strong. No longer do they face the challenges of a PC based virus which would still need the victim to enter their banking details at some point. That’s just not a problem for smartphone viruses, especially when most users haven’t protected themselves with one of the best Android antivirus apps.
Recent Android Virus Examples
Although there have been quite a few significant threats to Android in 2011 (iPhone security is much better), there are 2 viruses that really stood out for me. One of them even managed to steal over a million dollars and continues to steal money from people on a daily basis.
The Geinimi Virus
Imagine if your virus had infected millions of Android devices and you had every single one of them at your complete control. Whether that’s to download all of the personal data, monitor your location, listen in to your phone anytime, view the camera or to make calls and send messages without your knowledge.
Well that is what Geinimi does, and it is one of the most advanced Android viruses that have been seen to date. Although it hasn’t been used to cause any significant damage yet, there is a virus that has.
The GGTracker Virus
While this virus is no way near as complex as Geinimi, it has done significantly more damage throughout 2011. The GGTracker virus gets disguised as a helpful application or a clone of a popular game. Once users install these rogue apps and games they become infected with the virus.
Behind the scenes GGTracker subscribes you to a list of premium rate SMS services quietly racking up huge bills. In just 2011 alone the virus managed to steal over a million dollars from its infected users and continues to steal money from people today.
These are just 2 examples of the current threats to Android devices and the best Android antivirus apps will help to protect you from them and more.
Protecting Your Android Device Is Easy
Luckily for us it is actually quite easy to protect your device from these kinds of attacks. In fact if you follow me tips, your device will be secure in just 5 minutes time!
Enable Password Protection
Although some people use screen lock pass codes and gestures, many of us don’t bother. I used to be one of those that didn’t bother until one day I lost my smartphone and slowly began to realise how serious it was. Luckily for me my phone had been handed in and no damage was done, but it could have been much worse.
Enabling password protection takes less than 30 seconds to do and I highly recommend it. Although it doesn’t protect you from viruses (more on that shortly) it does give you that extra peace of mind your device is ever lost or stolen.
To enable it just go to Settings then Security and Setup. The onscreen instructions will guide you through the set up.
Stick To The Android Market
Although the official Android market is by far the most popular source for apps and games many people use others. It is a good idea to stick to the official marketplace as you do not know what steps 3rd party’s take to try and secure their marketplace from rogue applications.
Although the official marketplace has housed a few viruses, Google have acted quickly on removing them. They have also made it clear that they will be implementing additional security checks into the marketplace specifically targeting viruses and malware.
Install An Android Antivirus Application
Installing an Android antivirus application gives you high levels of protection from threats instantly. Your PC has antivirus software, and so should your Android device. I will be discussing the best Android antivirus apps below.
The Best Android Antivirus Apps
There have been quite a few Android antivirus apps spring up recently. Out of all of them I have found these ones to be the best-
Kaspersky Mobile Security
In my opinion this is the best Android antivirus app. However I am slightly biased because I have been a long term fan of the Kaspersky antivirus products for the PC.
Features include-
- Advanced virus protection with regular updates
- Privacy protection, secure your personal data
- Locate your phone remotely if lost or stolen
- Encrypts all of your files
- Wipe all data from your phone remotely if its lost or stolen
- A range of parental control features
Kaspersky are always updating their mobile security product and I have been very happy with it so far!
Click Here To Visit The Kaspersky Mobile Website
Bullguard Mobile Security
Just like Kaspersky, the solution from Bullguard is also widely regarded as one of the best Android antivirus apps out there. It offers a similar range of features with great support.
- Virus protection with regular database updates
- A range of anti theft features including remote wipe
- Monitor your child’s location and calls with parental controls
- Regular backups of important data like contacts
- A dedicated support team 24/7
Click Here To Visit The Bullguard Mobile Site
There really isn’t that much between Bullguard and Kaspersky, you can’t go wrong with either of them!
Thankyou & Goodbye
Hopefully you now fully understand why you need to take Android viruses seriously. Please make sure you act on the tips I’ve suggested in this article, you should certainly install one of the best Android antivirus apps at the very least.
If you have any questions or concerns, then I’m more than happy to help. Just get in touch and I will do my best for you. But please whatever you do install an Android antivirus application as soon as possible.