6 Tips to help mobile users keep their smartphone virus-free

With the rise in popularity of smartphones and their mobile applications it was only a matter of time before the cybercriminals got in on the act and added a few unexpected additions to their mobile application offerings. Just at the moment the android market seems to be a particular target for the fraudsters, which is probably due to its rise in popularity rather than an inherent security risk.
One well-known case of mobile malware making the news is when a mobile user downloads an app that also contains a hidden SMS Trojan. This malware then set about stealing from them by sending hidden SMS messages to a premium rate number.

Although the instances of mobile malware are still relatively low, according to the McAfee, the security specialists, cases are steadily increasing. This means that to safeguard their smartphone owners need to be just as vigilance with their mobile handset as they are with their PC or laptop. To this end, here are a few security tips to help keep smartphones virus free and mobile users happy.


1. To begin with make sure that you make use of the security mechanisms that are already on your phone, such as setting a lock PIN or password. If your smartphone’s operating system supports encryption, be sure to use it.

2. Your main concern as far as cyber-viruses are concerned will come from mobile applications that contain hidden malware. To protect your mobile phone you should check out an application’s rating, as well as its publisher, before you install it.

3. There is safety in numbers generally, so go for apps that are commonly used by other mobile users and so already tried and test.

4. You should also only download apps that come from a reputable source or application store or market. Android mobile users may want to de-select the “unknown sources” from their application setting menu. If your setting menu doesn’t offer this then your handset manufacturer has already de-selected this for you.

5. You should carefully check the list of things that you give the app permission to do, and if something doesn’t seem right DON’T install that app. For example, a game shouldn’t need access to your contact, so don’t download one that has this in its permission list.

6. You should be aware that cybercriminals may target legitimate applications. For example, the Trojan virus that sends hidden (and expensive) SMS messages was being installed when users were directed to download it after they had clicked on a malicious advertisement running on an application.

The best advice for mobile users is to be cautious and they should always take steps to protect their smartphone handset, including the mobile applications that they put on their device. You may even want to consider installing an antivirus or security application from one of the well-known providers for extra peace of mind… better to be safe than sorry!