Tips to protect my device from viruses and malware

THE mobile devices Today they are increasingly susceptible to attacks computer virusesprograms that can put phones and the security of private data, bank accounts, passwords, etc. at risk.

Furthermore, it can affect your privacy and that of people close to you. To avoid this type of attack, It is important to pay attention to the applications, files and requests accepted.

However, leaving cell phone protection only to computer systems that can be hacked or infiltrated opens up the possibility of people making irresponsible or reckless use of the devices. The first line of defense is user behavior.

Now, malware and viruses are not exactly the same thing, although the two terms are often used interchangeably. Of course: you have to avoid both if you want to maintain a healthy device.

What is malware?

The specialized blog Interdomains explains to us that the malwarealso called “evil code” OR “malicious software”aims to enter equipment to damage it, “infiltrate and damage our smartphones or tablets”.

Malware and viruses are not exactly the same thing, although the two terms are often used interchangeably. Malware is malicious software. But viruses, even more complex, are a type of malware capable of reproducing themselves and propagate, spreading its code to other programs.

While there are already ways to protect PCs – adds the blog – with antivirus and other systems, it seems that even mobile phones do not have this solution and can also be the target of malware such as viruses, worms, trojans and spyware all types.

For his part, the GCFGlobal website It warns us about three very specific points when it comes to defending our smartphones from viruses. We see:

1. Don’t accept requests from strangers. A stranger is someone whose intentions we don’t know. Many times you receive messages on unknown social networks. You won’t know. Typically, these messages download malicious files installed on your phone and can put the information on your device at risk.
2. Be careful of QR codes. The site tells us that there are people who create fictitious contests and to participate you need to scan a QR code with your device’s camera. If you are not familiar with the brand or the organization organizing the contest, do not scan the code. A malicious file will take control of your computer and try things like steal your data and install Trojans on your phone.
3. Create backup copies of your cell phone. Your device is never safe from being infected by a virus. It is often seen that people close to you unknowingly send you links with infected files. For this reason it is a good idea to create backup copies frequently so as not to lose your information in the event of an infection.

Apps and updates

All computer virus experts point out that it is dangerous download applications outside the two department stores APP: Apple Store in the case of those who own an iPhone device; AND Google Play for those with Android devices.

The safest way to protect mobile devices from viruses is to download them from official stores, since many applications that we browse the web and find interesting try to access our contact information and damage the RAM of the cell phone.

We must take this into account An application will never send an update to e-mail through an attached document.

Also, you don’t need to click on unknown links. It happens often messaging networks that we receive links that may be viruses or computer traps.

Antivirus for mobile phones

Virus specialists, despite the fragility of mobile phones in this matter, advise download the antivirus although they do not 100% prevent the arrival of malware.

Many cybersecurity companies have antivirus for mobile phones. For example:

• Avast Mobile Security (Android)
• F-Secure mobile security (Android, Symbian and Windows Mobile 6)
• Dr.Web Mobile Security Suite (Android, Symbian and Windows Mobile 6)
• Kaspersky Mobile Security(Android, Symbian, Windows Mobile 6 and Blackberry)
• IKARUS mobile.security (Android)
• McAfee Mobile Security (Android, Symbian and Blackberry).

As known, Apple and antivirus antagonistic terms. In iOS and Windows Phone 7 There are no real antiviruses in their application stores.

To protect a smartphone there is the possibility of download applications like VirusBarrier iOSwhich works as a scanner for files downloaded and stored on devices.