By Blessing Afolabi
Malicious apps are quite dangerous since they can easily spy on your data and access sensitive information. Cybercriminals look for every means to steal and breach data and developing malicious apps is one way they achieve these schemes.
Kaspersky defines malicious apps as software that targets devices with malware to harm the user’s device and steal their data. It is worth of note that Android devices are more prone to malicious apps because Android users can download apps from various sources on the internet.
Also, Google’s play store has less rigid security measures in place compared to Apple’s app store, which is why Android devices are easily susceptible to malicious apps. Android malware is malicious software that specifically targets Android devices. This creates an environment for cybercriminals to access your data and for cyberattacks to occur.
According to Tom’s Guide, an online tech resource, one needs to be extremely careful when downloading new apps as it is sacrosanct to staying safe from malicious apps. Malicious apps manage to slip past Google’s security checks from time to time, which is why you should be careful when installing any new app on your device.
It is important to pay attention to certain details before downloading any app from the play store. Details such as reviews (ensure they are external reviews as some could be manipulated), app ratings, unnecessary permissions. For instance, a video editing app seeking permission to access your contacts, ads, etc. can give you a clearer picture to know if the app is safe or not.
Tips to protect your Android device from malware/malicious apps
Being conscious of your cybersecurity will help reduce your risk of falling victim to Android malware and in the real sense, cybercriminals. As outlined by Kaspersky, here are some tips to keep your device safe from malicious apps/malware.
Ensure you download apps from official stores
Avoid downloading apps from third-party stores, websites or sources because hackers plant their malware-ridden apps there. Apps from third-party stores are not subject to review by Google and can more easily sneak malicious software into your device. Reports about malicious Android apps being removed show that Google does not always catch everything before it gets on your phone but sticking to the official Google Play Store and having a direct outlet to report problems you encounter will maximise your safety.
Use Google Play Protect
Make sure you enable ‘Google Play Protect’ on your device. It helps to scan and verify the authenticity of apps to be downloaded on the play store. Downloading apps from your device’s play store is not enough because malicious apps still find their way there but with Google Play Protect, you are sure of verifying the safety of the app before it is downloaded on your device.
Tom’s Guide recommended that for additional protection, one could consider installing secure and trusted antivirus apps on one’s phone. However, for users on a tight budget, Google Play Protect comes pre-installed for free on all Android phones and can also scan both your existing apps and any new ones you download for malware.
Check app reviews
Always read app reviews to see if other users report issues or strange experiences. It is also worth reading app permissions and asking yourself whether they match the purpose of the app. Granting the wrong permissions can send your sensitive data to third parties.
Delete suspicious apps
If you have downloaded an app and it looks suspicious or you realise you never really downloaded this app but you see its pop-up notifications, the first thing to do in such a situation is to delete the app. It is quite safer to delete the app immediately to protect your device from malware. However, if you feel the app is necessary, you can download the latest version again from the play store or update the app.
Avoid using free antivirus
Free antivirus trials or any app that offers free trials could be malware in disguise that attacks your mobile device. Rather than use free antivirus trials, use affordable antivirus/Android security software. There are several antivirus software available from trusted vendors, which would effectively block malicious apps.
Install and update security software
Set your security software, internet browser, and operating system to update automatically. Keeping these elements up to date will ensure you benefit from the latest security patches. You can also install trusted and secure anti-malware software apps. With this, you can run a scan to check any new app you download. This will reveal if the app downloaded successfully and if it is free from any malicious code.
Don’t click links in emails and text messages in a hurry
Previously, we discussed how phishing attacks are done through emails and texts. Cybercriminals send phishing emails and texts that trick you into clicking on a link or opening an attachment that could download malware. Be alert, and instead of clicking on a link in an email or text message, type the URL of a trusted site directly into your browser.
In addition, avoid clicking on pop-ups or ads about your device’s performance. Scammers insert unwanted software into pop-up messages or ads that supposedly warn you about your device’s security or performance. In general, avoid clicking on these ads as much as possible.
Lock your phone
Setting up a lock screen will increase the security of your Android device. You can do this by setting a PIN, password, or pattern, which will prevent others from easily gaining physical access to your phone. This would not protect you from online threats, but it will keep your personal information safe if you lose or temporarily misplace your phone. To take your safety a step further, you can enable your phone’s encryption chip depending on the age of your device and its features. This feature is much more secure than the average lock screen feature and requires a two-step authentication password to use the device. This does not work for older operating systems because they often do not offer this feature.
Disable Bluetooth connectivity when not in use
Bluetooth allows your phone to connect wirelessly with other smart electronics and enables other people to connect to your device without your permission if it is left on and unattended. Attackers could be anywhere, so leaving your Bluetooth on puts you and your personal information at potential risk.
Credit: The Punch
