Free Android apps are an absolute hit among smart phone users who do not think twice before downloading them. Unfortunately, downloading hundreds of free Android apps including games, entertainment and wallpaper apps onto the Android device pose a serious security risk as the apps may be infected with Android malware. Yes, the ever increasing popularity of free apps has led to serious security risks. Therefore it is imperative to keep Android malware at bay.
According to a recent study by a world’s leading mobile security firm nearly fifty percent of free Android apps available in the market are malicious and such malicious apps are increasing day by day.
So when you download free apps from suspicious sources you face the risk of your phone getting infected with a virus. These viruses can result in your personal information being hacked. Thus, if you also download many free apps take care to protect your device from malicious apps. Here are few tips on how to protect your Android smart phone from malware.
Top Tips to Keep Android Malware at Bay
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Check the Source – Be careful when you download apps. Download only from authorized and trusted sources such as Android Market or Amazon Appstore. Check the other apps offered by the source. If you are not sure about the source, avoid download from that source. Avoid downloading apps sent to you via text message unless you particularly requested for it.
ALSO READ : Malwarebytes Anti-Malware App Now Available for Android Devices
Check App Permissions – Look at the permissions the app demands when you download them. Be wary of apps that ask for excessive permissions otherwise you risk harm to your phone. If the application requests for too many irrelevant permission, it is better not to download it. Read the descriptions carefully as often something that sounds too good might not be true.
Read Reviews – Read reviews to know what others who are already using the app has to say about the app. All reviews may not be true as it may be written by the developer just to promote the app. So check other users reviews on a popular website before downloading. Don’t download new apps that just entered the market.
Install an anti virus App in Your Phone – There are many good mobile security apps available in the market that can protect your device from malicious virus. Some recommendations for Android security apps – McAfee Wave Secure and Anti Virus Pro. Norton Mobile Security and Lookout mobile security are free Android security apps.
Android Package Files – Do not directly set up Android Package files (APKs). Setting up apps from a third party is known as “sideloading” or .APK file and it is highly recommended not to obtain and set up. APK information that you at randomly come across while searching for apps. Generally, you are not sure what the file may contain, may be a virus.
It’s difficult to know when your smart phone gets infected, so it’s advisable to install a mobile security app. And with many malicious Android apps affecting thousands of smart phones, protecting your smart phones has become all the more necessary.
Author Bio
Sienna Williams is a tech blogger who loves to write on smart phones, iPhones, tablets, mobile apps, mobile phone recycling and so on. If you want to know more about mobile phone recycling and how to get the best value for your old handset click here.
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