Smartphone antivirus just got real
Finding the best antivirus solutions for all your computing devices just got a little more important. Malware developers have finally broken into Google’s official Android Market for smartphones using code disguised as some familiar free downloadable apps.
DroidDream, as it is now known, is designed to steal user information and it was reported that 50,000 smartphone headsets were affected in this first wave of smartphone malware during March 2011.
Techjournos has been warning us that this day would come and here it is. According to a new study from the UK and Europe, smartphone users are generally indifferent when it comes to security on their smartphone. Most don’t even register the fact that these smartphones are actually mobile computer networks making phone calls.
I am sure that around 50,000 users are now well aware of the need to protect their smartphone and all the information on it. The PCMag report report stated:
The survey by security firm Kaspersky of 1,600 smartphone owners in the UK, France, Italy and Spain found that just 27 per cent were “very concerned” about the risks, with the remainder not concerned or not concerned. aware of any danger.
This was despite the fact that a third party stores sensitive data such as PIN numbers, passwords and usernames on their phones, and about the same percentage use it to access online banking. Few users bother to set a password for smartphone access.”
password protection
So yes, the first thing you need to do is to password protect your Android smartphone. On my Samsung Galaxy S, I use the drawer menu to access the “Location & security” menu. Here, I have the option of a pattern lock, I can set a credential storage password (although it’s rarely needed), and I can choose to lock my SIM card using a Personal Identification Number (PIN).
Setting a PIN for your phone is the strongest level on the first line, followed by a password, and then a pattern lock. However, I understand that pattern lock users need to carefully clean their screens to prevent hackers from detecting a trace of patterns and can breach that way.
Low screen timeout setting
Another level of protection can also be found by reducing screen timeout on your phone. Experts seem to agree that one minute or less is the safest interval to set. This will prevent someone suspicious from being able to pick up your phone and use it, as well as initiate password, PIN and/or pattern protections as soon as you are not actively using the phone.
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Guidelines
The next thing to consider is Wi-Fi connectivity and settings. The best protection against being ambushed when you inadvertently traverse the active network of someone looking to steal personal information is to completely disable Wi-Fi capability every time you leave home.
Turn off Bluetooth capabilities at all times until you need to use them for a scheduled data transfer. When your smartphone is emitting a clear Bluetooth signal, it becomes vulnerable to attack.
Protect access at the system level
Do not “root” your phone. This is the language of hackers to remove manufacturer security protocols that allow you to download and install custom apps easier and faster. However, this also means that the program trying to hack your phone also has root access and this is disastrous.
I mean, it’s a tempting level of customization and even earns bragging rights among the nerdystocracy, but if you really want to protect the highly personal identifying information on your phone, leave the root protections in place.
Antivirus scanner for smartphones and Android Market Safety
Now that you know how your smartphone can defend itself through password protection and vigilant wireless connectivity, here are some ways to recognize potentially dangerous situations within the app download market.
Get yourself an antivirus scanner: Lookout is a popular and capable free app, but there are several others that will get the job done as well. You can use something like Lookout to scan for possible downloads to make sure you don’t pick up something vile.
Until now, Google’s famous official open platform Android Market has been kept safe from destructive and criminal malware. Before DroidDream, the only advice on buying apps was to stick with downloads from the official Android Market: problem solved.
But now we know it’s vulnerable, and we must learn to recognize what a virus in disguise might look like. If that fails and you end up with a virus in the download queue, hopefully your antivirus scanner will catch it at that point and not allow access.
Permissions are perhaps the most important thing to look for and understand before downloading an app. This is a screen that most users can quickly click through before using the new app, but this is a very revealing moment before downloading. Study what access the app is requesting to your phone, and if it doesn’t make sense to you, don’t start the download.
On third-party app markets, the sure sign that an app contains something nasty is when it’s labeled “repackaged” or the name is slightly different from the app’s official name. Anytime you see a repackaged app, just move on. Download only the official version with the correct name of the application you are looking for. Android package file (.APK file types) should also be avoided.
Other best practices include doing your research before starting the download, whether it’s on the official market or not. Go online and look for app reviews. You can’t always trust app reviews on the app itself. It won’t take long to determine the veracity of the potential download this way.
All of the above must be taken into account to safeguard your digital information. Awareness goes a long way in implementing the best antivirus protections.
