Android smartphones have been attacked by many malware in the past. The latest addition to this malware issue is “Judy,” which has reportedly affected over 36 million Android devices to date. Judy is a piece of malware found in nearly 50 apps available on the Play Store. It contains a code that redirects infected devices to targeted websites to generate clicks on fraudulent ads. At the time of this writing, Google has removed the affected apps from the Play Store. However, with the recent WannaCry ransomware attack on Windows and now Judy's attack on Android, users are paying more attention to security than ever before. Android as an operating system in itself is quite secure, however, abusing the platform's openness leads to devices being infected with malware. If we as informed users and use our devices with caution, we can reduce our chances of being attacked by malware. To make things easier, we've created a list of things you should do to protect your Android device from Malware:
1. Only install apps from trusted sources
One of the biggest reasons why Android gets hit by malware is that users, for various reasons, download apps from untrusted sources. Whatever your reason may be behind this, if you want to keep your device safe, stop it immediately. It's very easy for attackers to inject malware into an app's cracked APK file.
As a general rule, remember to only install apps from the Google Play Store. Even if there's an app you need but isn't available on the Play Store, try finding an alternative first. The Play Store has over 2.8 million verified apps, the probability of not finding a suitable alternative is pretty slim. If you must download apps outside of the Play Store, be sure to do due diligence and only download apps from verified and trusted sources.
Manage your settings
To stop accidental app installation from untrusted sources, manage the app's permissions in the settings menu. Go to the Settings menu and tap on Security. Find the option to allow installation of apps from unknown sources and disable it.
Read app descriptions and user reviews
At Google I/O 2017, Google showed that to keep the Android platform secure, it scans over a million apps a day, including those available on the Play Store and those available on the Play Store. installed on the user's device. However, some apps still manage to filter their way out of Google's screening process. The latest examples are apps containing “Judy malware”. For this reason, you need to be a little careful even if you are installing from the Play Store. Stay away from lesser known apps and apps with a lot of negative reviews. Also, if you're trying out a new app, go through the app's description to make sure it's from verified developers.
Know your app permissions
Since the launch of Android Marshmallow (6.0), Google has allowed us to view and manage the permissions requested by the apps running on our devices. Permissions include access to our device's hardware such as cameras, sensors and memory among others. While some apps require these permissions to function properly, it's not the case with all of them.
For example, a simple text editor application does not need access to your camera. When you're installing a new app, look for the permissions the app asks for and grant only those that the app actually requests. To manage permissions for installed apps, go to Settings > Apps > App Permissions to manage them.
2. Don't use pirated apps or files
Piracy is unethical and illegal. However, we are not here to discuss its legality but we would like to inform you that pirated apps and files come with their own associated risks. As mentioned earlier, it's very easy to introduce malware into an app's jailbroken APK. The same is true for any pirated files like audio, pdf, and video. If you're downloading pirated apps or files, it's only a matter of time before your device gets infected. So it's best to stay away from them.
3. Do not access private/sensitive data on public WiFi
Public WiFi networks allow us to browse the Internet and stay connected on the go without consuming our mobile data. However, while using a public WiFi connection, you should be aware that it is nowhere near as secure as your home/office WiFi. It's very easy to access your browsing data when you're on a public WiFi network. Therefore, never access your private/sensitive content on a public WiFi network. So the next time you go to Starbucks, limit your checking to there.
4. Stay away from suspicious links
This may seem like a no-brainer but many people fall for it. Don't be a faucet user friendly and open any link you can put your thumbs on. Malicious links can redirect you to websites containing malware and viruses. Only open links that originate from a verified source. Even if a friend texts you a link, ask before opening it, as some malware can automatically send messages or emails from an infected device.
5. Update your phone
Google releases monthly security patches for its Android platform, and although the update status of your device depends on the OEM you are using, make sure to install all updates and versions. The security patch you receive on your Android device as soon as it becomes available. Security patches close security holes that Google discovers over time. If you don't update right away, your device is at risk of getting a virus.
6. Install Third-Party Anti-Virus and Anti-Malware Applications
If you follow all the steps above, you don't necessarily need a third-party antivirus app. However, there is no such thing as total security, and if you want an extra pair of eyes to enhance your device's protection, you can install anti-virus or malware apps. third party. There are many good third-party antivirus apps out there, and you may need to look at their specific features to decide which is best for you.
360 Security – Antivirus Boost is one of the best software available on the Play Store. It is completely free and comes with a lot of handy features. In addition to providing real-time protection, it can also scan your device and installed apps for any malware or viruses. It also has a built-in junk cleaner and app locker, along with anti-theft features that allow you to remotely wipe your data if you ever lose your device. All in all, it's a good app and should cover most of your needs when it comes to an antivirus.
Learn how to protect your Android device from malware
You may have noticed that most of the steps involve you having to be vigilant about your usage. That's because Android is actually safe from a malware's point of view, until you leave it open. Your common sense can help you protect your device from viruses. Think before you download an app or open a link that is not from a trusted source. In any case, nothing can be completely safe, so try to keep a backup of your data.
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