Smartphone usage is increasing with every passing day and so are the threats. For years, there are numerous malware programs being detected on a daily basis. Malware is a file or program which could be harmful to your computer. This includes viruses, spyware, viruses, trojans, etc. Such harmful threats can bring destruction to Android devices.
Malware attacks on mobile devices can steal your confidential information. Your smartphone is prone to threats and there are various reasons for the same. One of them is Google’s Play Store, being the open platform that could provide liberty to users to deactivate some security mechanisms, in turn, inviting potential security issues. To protect your mobile phones from these Android security threats, you must be aware of the possible mobile security issues.
Google constantly rolls out updates to improve Play Protect (Google Play Store’s inbuilt malware protection) so that your Android device could stay safe. Apps available on Google Play Stores undergo rigorous testing before they appear on them.
What Are Mobile Phone Security Threats?
Phone security threats are most likely similar to viruses and spyware that affect PC. Your mobile devices are susceptible to any form of malicious attack such as application-based, web-based, network-based, and even physical threats.
Let’s check the list of examples below to find these kinds of threats:
- Application-based threats: Malware, spyware, privacy threats, and vulnerable applications that allows an attacker to access sensitive information.
- Web-based threats: Phishing scams, drive-by downloads, and browser exploits such as software launched by Flash Player, PDF Reader, etc.
- Network-based threats: Includes network exploits and Wi-Fi sniffing etc.
- Physical threats: It includes leakage of sensitive information from lost or stolen mobile devices.
Why Is Mobile Security Important?
With rapid growth of internet-savvy mobile devices, they have been one of the biggest targets for cyber-attacks. Mobile phone security comes with solutions to protect your devices against cyberattacks. Efficient mobile security is vital for all these below-stated reasons:
1. Protects Sensitive Data
Do you know the rule of thumb when it comes to protecting devices from security threats? If not, then ensure that you remember this from now onwards. Make sure that you do not ever click on any suspicious links or emails on your mobile devices. Doing so can automatically install malware, trojans, and viruses onto your devices.
2. Protects Against Malvertizers
Malverts can spam your mobile browser with many unsolicited ads. Just like infected emails on mobile devices, malvertizers are loaded with malware, viruses, and trojans. This could leave your devices vulnerable, deliberately giving hackers a reason to enter your devices.
3. Protects Against Malware, And Virus Attacks
Always install a reputed mobile security application on your smartphone to prevent any malicious attacks. As these applications protect your device in real-time.
So, how to protect your mobile phones? We will discuss this later but before that let us know the symptoms or causes that generate the need for mobile security.
Is Your Mobile Phone Secure?
In this world surrounded by Internet all over and advanced technology, the chances of your smartphone not being secure has increased. Most of us are glued to our mobile screens throughout the day. Also, we store our sensitive data including photos, credit card details, and other documents on our phones for convenience. This has made it more alluring for hackers.
How secure is your mobile phone? This is one of the most asked questions in this internet savvy era. Like any other device that can be connected to the Internet, mobile phones are at equal risk of cyberattacks. Although the rate of malware attacks on Android devices is quite low as compared to PCs, however, the fact cannot be denied that such attacks are consistently increasing at an alarming rate.
Signs Your Android Phone Is Not Secure
Mobile phones are not just devices anymore they are compact pocket computers that are exposed to both internal and external damage. The external damage to any device is clearly visible but you can’t possibly point out internal security threat at an instant. To find out, you have to examine your phone and look for possible signs to confirm that your device has security issues or not.
- Your phone running is too slow.
- Apps are taking too much time to load.
- Unnecessary data usage.
- Apps shut down suddenly.
- The battery is draining faster.
- There are countless pop-up ads.
- Unknown app installs.
If you find anything on your device happening suddenly or hampering your phone’s performance, it could be a sign of an Android security issue. If you find any of these suspicious things happening on your Android, then gear up and check the most of the preventive measures to protect your mobile phones against security threats given in the later section.
What Are The Possible Threats to Android Mobile Devices?
With each passing, rate and numbers of mobile threats are increasing. There are numerous threats that could cause severe damage to your data on your mobile devices, but we have listed the most popular ones in our knowledge:
1. Mobile Adware and Spyware
Mobile Adware is a script or program installed on phone without your consent. It collects your data to target your device for personalized ads. It comes along with spyware that collects data based on your internet usage and transmits it to a third-party. Other than this, mobile adware and spyware collect information about your location, and activities and even your contacts, making it a problem not just for you but for everyone in your contact list. Ensure that you have an efficient anti-malware app installed on your device to protect it from infectious content.
2. Virus and Trojans
Like PC, mobile devices are also attacked by viruses and trojans. They typically look-like legitimate files but can steal confidential information from your mobile device These prominent threats even send premium text messages. Keep your devices safe with the best mobile security tools and apps.
3. Rooting Malware
An unexpected form of malware that gains root access to the compromised device. After this, the hackers can have the admin rights to access user’s files and confidential information. The rooting malware is able to embed them into system folders that make it more difficult to remove them even after the factory reset.
4. SMS Malware
Mobile security threats can be in any form. Malware can even be spread through SMS or text messages with premium-rate text messages. Such infections are even left unnoticed until the user receives a hefty bill.
Google’s Android is the main target of malware and the reason is obvious i.e. Android’s dominance in the global smartphone market, numerous updates and open-source distribution of apps.
How To Prevent Your Devices From Mobile Security Threats?
Once you have examined your device and found out that your Android device has malware or other infectious content, the very first thing to do is to stop malware from causing further damage to your device.
Here are the basic steps to consider at immediate level.
1. Turn Off Your Phone
Once you are sure your device is under malware attack, hold the power button and turn the phone off. There are chances that it might stop the malware from causing damage. Stop the problem instantly by shutting off your phone from getting it worse. Doing this will give you more time to research to find out the root of the problem.
2. Uninstall Suspicious Apps
If you find any app installed accidentally on your device without your notice, uninstall or force close it. This might not completely remove the malware but can certainly help you to prevent your device from further damage. If you come to know about apps that might be infectious, uninstall them immediately.
3. Install Robust Security App
Still confused! Get one of the best hassle-free apps for the security of your Android device that can not only help you get rid of infectious apps or contents but also protect your device from malware and other security threats.
To get rid of malicious content, Systweak Anti-Malware is a great option to go ahead with. It is your first choice when it comes to protecting your Android from malware.
It is a resourceful app that secures your devices from malware and other possible online threats. It further adds a distinct layer of security to Android devices by its additional feature to restrict access to third-party apps.
Some of the key features of this app are:
- Protects against mobile threats.
- Actively scans for links, files, and .apk that make Android vulnerable.
- Offers Real-Time protection.
- Identifies apps that may be accessing sensitive information.
- Detects messages with suspicious links.
Wrapping up
We have listed one of the best security tools for Android i.e. Systweak Anti-Malware that will help you protect your device from malicious threats along with probable signs and causes of malware attacks.
What do you think are the causes and symptoms of mobile phone security? Please share your thoughts in the comments section below. Also, follow us on Social Media for more tech-related queries.
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