For most people, their smartphone has become the most important gateway to the internet. We use our phones to check facts on the move, plan journeys, update shopping lists and check our bank balance.

Simple-to-use apps have put information and services at our fingertips. In fact, the world now uses smartphones and tablets online more than any traditional computers and laptops.

So it’s no surprise that hackers and cybercriminals have turned their attentions to attacking your smartphone.

The Android factor

The relatively low cost of Android-powered smartphones, has helped the mobile operating system establish a significant majority of the mobile market. Android handsets outnumber iPhones by nearly 9 to 1 for instance.

This, coupled with the relative ease of crafting malware for the Android platform, has seen a massive increase in mobile attacks. In July this year, an estimated 10 million Android phones were infected with malware that spied on their owners for instance.

The problem has become steadily worse over time. In January 2013, AV-TEST database of malicious Android apps contained less than 500,000 examples. By August 2016, the total topped 16 million as the number of new malware variants released continues to grow.

The open nature of Android that allows anyone to create software and access key system resources – seen by many as one of the operating system’s strengths – makes it even easier for hackers to create malware and infect phones. This problem is compounded by the infrequency of software updates to patch these vulnerabilities, leaving Android users at risks for months.

Protecting your Android handset against malware

Just like your PC, you have the responsibility for keeping malware from being installed on your phone. There are however a few easy steps to counter the most obvious risks.

1. Always use an official app store

The Google Play app store is the largest, and most trustworthy source of apps for your phone. All of the apps available there have been checked to ensure they do not contain malware, so you should be safe installing them.

Other app stores or websites are not so stringent, so there is a much higher risk of infection when using them.

2. Treat email with caution

Email has been a particularly effective way of installing malware on PCs, so cybercriminals use many of the same techniques on your phone. Always treat email attachments with caution, and never open anything that looks suspicious.

And if you are prompted to download software unexpectedly, there’s a reasonable chance that someone is trying to trick you into installing malware.

3. Consider installing an ad blocker

Malware can sometimes be downloaded and installed without warning via infected banner ads. Installing an ad blocker app can help prevent compromised banner ads from being displayed – which also stops malware from being downloaded.

4. Install an antivirus app

Your home PC is protected by antivirus software – and your Android smartphone needs the same level of protection. Leaving your phone open to malware installation is a serious risk – and cybercriminals will take advantage eventually.

Panda Mobile Security (also available in the trusted Google Play store) offers maximum protection against malware along with a number of useful tools should your phone be stolen. You are protected against Android viruses and information theft at all times.

Get protected now

These practical steps will help to improve your device security – and stop the most common malware attacks. And because they are simple and straightforward, you can get started right now.

To learn more about protecting your Android smartphone, please check out this guide.

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