This guide will introduce you to the most popular threats targeting devices that run the Android operating system (OS).
If you're like most people, you use your mobile device for a variety of activities, from checking email to catching up on the news. You may also use it to access your bank account or other important personal information. It's therefore important to be aware of the many threats posed to Android and iOS devices and take steps to safeguard your information. In this blog post, we'll discuss some of the most common threats and provide tips on how to avoid them. Stay safe!
Let’s start with infectious apps. Downloading malicious apps is the most common way for Android-based malware to infect your Android device. This is because Google allows apps to be downloaded from sources other than the official Play Store. Don’t go down this route. Instead, always stick to official Google platforms and for extra peace of mind ask yourself the following questions.
Is the app popular? If it has thousands or millions of downloads, it’s probably safe.
Does it have good reviews? Take a few minutes to read user feedback. Is it positive? Do the reviews appear genuine or could they be fake?
What other apps has the developer created? A legitimate developer often creates more than one app. Look at their other work.
Next up: scams. This category includes phishing which is malicious use of email and text to send fraudulent messages designed to trick people into giving up sensitive information or downloading malware to their devices by clicking on links or attachments. Phishing attacks on Android devices are common. To stop them from happening, consider the following:
Question everything about the sender and the content of a message you receive. Does the sender’s address look official or suspicious? Does the message seem too good to be true? Often, cybercriminals claim to be someone they’re not and use ‘fear of missing out’ techniques to trick you
Are there punctuation and grammatical errors, and is there an over-dramatic sense of urgency and emotion in the message? The use of threatening language and false claims that make you panic, fearful, hopeful or curious are common tactics
Make sure your software is always up-to-date
Install a strong antivirus. This is an essential tool for keeping your phone safe from viruses and other malicious software
Popular threats on iOS and how to avoid them
For a long time, Apple’s iOS was considered immune to malware, however recent attacks have proved this illusion of invulnerability isn’t what it used to be. iOS devices are certainly less likely to contract malware than their Android counterparts, but it can occur. In this guide, we’ll single out the most common threats that can affect iOS devices and explain what you can do to prevent them.
Unlike Android devices, app-based malware is less common on iPhones and iPads. This is because iOS users download their apps from the App Store which uses some of the most robust security measures around. iOS apps are also heavily sandboxed, which means they cannot interact with other apps or the operating system itself. However, an iOS device that’s had the limitations imposed by Apple and other third parties removed, is at much greater risk.
Despite their strong security, iOS devices are equally vulnerable to browser-based attacks such as phishing. This is a cybercrime technique carried out through electronic communications such as email or text that uses fraud, trickery or deception to trick people into disclosing sensitive personal information.
Another potential vulnerability is public Wi-Fi connections with weak security. These open networks are unencrypted, meaning anyone connected to them can see what you’re doing online and steal your data, such as credit card information.
To prevent cybercriminals from launching phishing attacks on your iOS device and snooping on your online activity, consider the following:
Question everything about the sender and the content of a message you receive. Does the sender’s address look official or suspicious? Does the message seem too good to be true? Often, cybercriminals claim to be someone they’re not and use ‘fear of missing out’ techniques to trick you
Are there punctuation and grammatical errors, and is there an over-dramatic sense of urgency and emotion in the message? The use of threatening language and false claims that make you panic, fearful, hopeful or curious are common tactics
Make sure your software is always up-to-date
Install a strong antivirus with a Virtual Private Network (VPN). These are essential tools for keeping your phone safe from phishing attacks and unsecured WiFi networks.
While we hope you never experience a mobile security threat, it’s important to be prepared. Make sure your operating system is up to date, and be aware of the signs that scammers use so you can avoid becoming a victim. Protect yourself and your data by following these simple tips, and stay safe online!
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