It is no great secret now that Android is the targeted
platform of choice for malware authors and malicious programs that are aimed at
infecting and stealing data from smartphones. The reasons for this are manifold
– the wide utilization of millions of smartphones all over the world, the
open-source nature of the platform and the general carelessness of users to
safeguard their data while using their smartphones.
While the former points can be tackled with an effective
antivirus for Android solution like Quick Heal
Total Security, the latter issue about the negligence and carelessness of
Android users is something that needs to be rectified. Most people feel that
Android malware is nothing but a hyped up threat so as to persuade them to
purchase a mobile security app. This could not be more inaccurate, as security
solution providers only create solutions for platforms that have genuine
threats on them. With that in mind, here are 4 home truths about Android
malware that every Android owner must know.
1. Android malware does exist after all
Any device or platform that has access to the Internet, can
contract malware or security threats. This is a truth every user should know. There
is no reason to believe that Android is an exception to this, especially when
you take into consideration the millions of Android devices already in use and
the hundreds of thousands new devices being activated every single day.
2. There is built-in security available from Google
While Google has several inbuilt security features that
protect Android users and Google Play visitors, the fact is that these measures
are the bare minimum necessary. Just like a Microsoft Windows platform will not
ship out without some inherent security feature, Google cannot afford to ignore
the inclusion of such security measures. Whether these features are app
scanners, device scanners or something else is irrelevant. The fact that Google
also acknowledges the security threat should be reason enough for users to
realize that the threat exists and that greater protection in the form of an antivirus
for Android is necessary.
3. Security apps can also be fake
Riding on the crest of this security wave, certain malware
authors have created fake security tools for Android. These apps display
messages that create panic in the users’ minds and entice them into installing
the fake security app. The app then turns out to be malicious in nature and
injects further malware into the device, or opens a backdoor or leaks out
private information.
4. Self-awareness
is the perfect solution
You should also be aware that genuine security apps do exist
on Google Play. They are verified by Google and used and reviewed by hundreds
of Android owners across the world. But the best Android security can only be
achieved if you are aware of the security risks involved. That is half the
battle won. Always read app reviews before installation, always download apps
from trusted sources, always read the permissions needed carefully, always be
wary of clicking on suspicious links or ads and always keep your antivirus for Android turned ON.
Apps are the single biggest source of Android malware so
being cautious about their installation and nature will ensure smartphone
protection. With these pointers in mind, every Android user can remain
protected and avoid malware and security threats.
