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However, as technology and programming become more complex and more secure, the harder hackers and virus- and Trojan-planters dig for handholds and entrances. Don't leave your Android mobile without added protection beyond the on-board anti-virus program.
• Common Sense Permissions
If it weren't for conversations and SMS or text messages, mobile phone apps would drive the industry. More people use more apps everyday than they dial phone numbers. Whether for work, play, entertainment or reference, apps are very, very convenient. Don't allow an app to gain access to illogical file systems in your mobile phone, simply because the app is polite enough to ask.
For example, if you were working on your home computer, you wouldn't let your neighbor tap into your computer files, would you? Then why would you let a gaming app or a shopping app gain access to your phone contacts list? Hello? Viral marketing – ever hear of it? “Viral” might apply in more than one facet.
• Updates
Keep your firewalls, OS and apps up to date – but only from the original vendors. Don't let some odd, unheard of “message sender” direct you to accept an update. Never click links in emails – even from friends. Email addresses, especially hotmail.com and live.com or yahoo.com addresses get hijacked every day. The email from your buddy may not actually BE from your buddy. Instead, manually enter the main domain name into your mobile browser window and check from there – not the email.
By clicking a “check this out” or “get updates now” type of link, you are granting implied permission for whatever trick, trojan or virus hidden within that link or website to load onto your mobile device. Update, absolutely. Check email, absolutely. Just check for updates from your system's options, and trust your buddy but don't trust buddy links.
• Install Additional Protection
Every major anti-virus program out there has a mobile platform version available for download. Some are free with full options; some have free trials, and some require outright purchase. Choose from the programmes compatible with your mobile phone's operating system; determine your budget constraints and the coverage level you need. Install the additional layer of protection and watch for update notifications from the correct sources!
Whilst Android viruses and Trojans are much rarer than the old Symbian or the Windows Phone versions, even Android mobile phones can become infected, so take time to scan your mobile devices regularly. The more you access the Internet, the more often you should check for anti-virus and program updates, and you should check immediately before you initiate a scan.
Keep your mobile phone in top working order without worries of viruses and Trojans, and limit the threat to your friends and family. Run a complete scan for every ten hours of Internet or streaming access. If necessary, schedule it or start it running as you go to sleep each night. By the time you wake up, the scan should have finished, and both your mobile and you are ready for a new day!
Chloe ParkerAbout the Guest Author:
Chloe Parker is the senior news editor at MobilePhones.org.uk. Check out our iPhone 5 Deals or just browse through our news section to get the most up-to-date information on the world of mobile communications.