4 Home Truths about Android Malware

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.