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GOING MOBILE
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In addition to securing our regular
desktop and laptop computers against hackers and malware by
keeping their operating systems up to date and employing anti
virus protection, we need to take the same precautions for our
android and other portable digital devices smartphones,
tablets and laptop computers.
As smartphone and tablet users, we are spending more and more
time with our mobile devices every day.
If you have avoided virus symptoms, adware, or Spyware
so far
theres a VERY Strong chance you could see them soon!
Its currently estimated that there are over 1,300,000
androids, not counting iPhones, being activated every day
worldwide.
Are the hackers and cyber crooks waiting for access to your
smartphones? What do you think? |
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For You and Your Family To be SAFE using
the internet today, you Must Use protective tools like
anti-virus and anti-spyware software, and download all updates
for your smartphone Operating system, even updates for those
cool APPs.
You need them to provide virus protection, SpyWare and Adware,
Theft of your Identity, and Botnet entrapment.
Smartphones and other portable digital devices are no longer
exempt from these threats. They are computers, too.
The point and I am emphasizing this All of your digital
devices need protection, and we cant become apathetic
especially about our portable computers.
Think twice before opening up your smartphone or tablet to publc
WIFI.
Be sure to Educate your family members on the increased
potential for cyber grief or worse! Be extra cautious using WIFI
at home. It's OK if your router is secure and a password is
required to enable it on your smart phone or laptop. But, if
you are using a free, or unknown neighbors signal, you are
opening the way to malicious and unending problems.
Not only are you putting all of your data at risk, stealing
those WIFI signals is illegal.
How many new targets were added today? Are you one of them?
Its estimated that there are over 480 million Android
devices. So pick a number in the millions and thats how
many targets are in the cyber criminals sights.
And its not just Android devices. You may have been told that
iPhones and iPads do not get viruses but they can, and will
probably face more serious cyber threats in the future.
For the time being, Apples rigid app reviewing process and
relatively low demand for mobile malware (when compared to
PCs) have helped iOS (Apple operating System) avoid intense
scrutiny by cyber attackers.
Anti-Malware specialists and research scientists are at work devising ways
to insert malware into Apple devices so that counter measures
can be developed to protect us.
The Android story is entirely different.
According to the Kaspersky Security Bulletin 2012, 99% of
newly discovered mobile malicious programs target the Android
platform. The Android platform allows software installation
from un-trusted sources, and one of the best ways to guarantee
an infection is to install programs (APPS) from suspicious
websites.
So how can you tell if your smartphone has a virus?
Viruses leave tell-tale symptoms on smartphones just like they
do on computers. A big one for both types of devices is a
significant slow-down.
Smartphones get slower and slower as you add pictures, music,
and apps, but a virus will likely be a much more obvious
slow-down.
Having a virus on your Android smartphone is dangerous for a
number of reasons.
Some Viruses can cripple or completely disable the usability
of apps or the phone altogether.
Worse yet, viruses can also be designed to steal your personal
information or rack up charges on your cell phone bill,
according to an article on AARP.com.
Viruses might record keystrokes, go through your phone and
apps for personal information, or buy expensive apps or
services that you wont notice until you get your cell phone
bill.
Most viruses get into your mobile device from infected
downloads.
Fortunately, there are anti-malware programs for Android
phones and other smartphones that can scan your phone for
viruses, detect viruses in downloads, and remove viruses.
Trend Micro Company, a provider of anti-virus software,
reported that Mobile malware aimed at Android devices
increased by over 40 percent in the last few months of 2013.
Seems obvious that you must do something to protect your
Android device and yourself.
When selecting from the currently available anti-malware, here
are some guidelines for making your choice. Look for products
that provide these key features:
Antivirus Protection Offering real-time protection
Scheduled and on-demand scans, remote backups, activity
log,
Anti-Theft (Remote-Lock / Remote-Wipe / Locate)
Call Blocker: Block calls from specific or unknown
numbersMessage
Filter: Filter SMS messages and emails for undesirable
content
Safe Browsing: Protection against malicious websites
and/or phishing
Parental Control: to observe the activity of children
using the device
Backup: Personal data can be saved to SD-card or cloud
storage
Encryption: Any kind of encryption is supported
You may not find one single program that has all of these
features. Complete security isnt really possible because
hackers and cyber-criminals are relentless, smart
and sophisticated and seemingly always one step ahead of the
Good Guys creating the software to protect us.
The final key is you us.
Malware can be easily transferred through applications
downloaded to your phone, email attachments, text or other
media messages and Bluetooth connections.
We must be diligent when
Going Mobile using our portable mobile devices for
entertainment, communication and business and companionship.
*Android Image courtesy www.androidicons.com
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You are invited
to visit Family
Safety online | Internet Security especially for Children for
more articles on Family Safety. A few minutes browsing there
now might save you many hours of agony and grief later. The "Firewalls
and Virus Protection" website, BLOG, and
"Security Alert News Reporter"
help everyday Internet users navigate safely through the Cyber
Space Jungle loaded with ambushes and booby traps. Help
Richard promote his "Computer Security Awareness Campaign"
by sharing this article with your friends.
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