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Technology Tip of the Week
May 16, 2012
Phone Malware - 5 Ways To Protect Your Phone
We all worry about viruses on our computers. But, have you ever thought about phone malware?
It's becoming an increasing problem.
In the gist of it, our phones are essentially small computers and therefore face all the same issues with security. Today we are going to cover the 3 types of mobile attacks that make you prone to phone malware as well as 5 ways to protect your phone.
Types Of Mobile Attacks
The 3 types of mobile attacks related to phone malware are fairly simple. As stated above, the difference between phones and our computers is not that far apart anymore. Therefore, the same types of attacks are being used on both platforms.
1.) E-mail: Just like on a computer, e-mail can be hiding malicious phone malware. Therefore, whenever you open an e-mail on your phone, make sure you know who it is from first. Don't download attachments on click on links if you do not know the sender.
2.) Browsing: Practice the same safe browsing habits that you do on your computer on your phone.
You can possible be infected if you a visit a site that has the malware programmed to install on your device automatically just for visiting. This can include ads as well as websites. Don't click on ads that say you are the winner for the day.
In search results, check the URL (in Google results - the address in green underneath the name of the website – www.iamasiteurl.com) and make sure the result you are clicking is going to the site you want to visit and not acting as a more well-known site.
3.) Applications: Just like programs, not all applications are safe. Be careful of which apps you download. Some may harvest phone malware that will open a backdoor on your phone and send information to another location. Others may even be able to access your files on your phone.
Ways to Protect Your Phone
With the increase of phone malware, it's important for you to know how to protect your smartphone. Here are 5 tips to keep you phone safe and secure.
1.) Treat Your Phone Like A Computer: Remember your device is just like a computer, it's open to infections in the same way. You can become infected with phone malware through e-mails, the Internet, and applications. Treat your phone just as you would your computer when you are using it. Would you open that e-mail on your computer? If not, don't do it on your phone. It’s not safer.
2.) Avoid Public Networks: Always avoid public networks whenever possible. With smartphones, you have the ability to use the cellular network to access the Internet.
If you are at home or at work, feel free to use the Wi-Fi option to save on your data plan, but if you are in public never use a public Wi-Fi. The issue arises because someone else on that network can easily access your phone and collect the information you are sending.
You never know who may be sitting around the corner from you in the coffeehouse trying to collect unsecure data. If you decide to use a public Wi-Fi, then avoid accessing any private data, such as bank accounts or customer information.
3.) Don't Use An Old Computer: Don't plug your phone into an old computer to charge or transfer files. Older computers are more likely to have a virus that will transfer to your phone when connected.
4.) Don't Download Old Apps: Don't download any apps that are outdated or obviously old. Read customer reviews to insure the safety as well as do a quick web search for the maker of the application. If anything sounds fishy, then move on to a more reliable company.
5.) Turn On Password Protection: Do not let your device automatically download applications. As well, turn on download alerts and require a password for installations.
If you follow these precautions, then your phone will more likely be safe from phone malware. As time passes, I am sure we will see anti-virus for smartphones become more common and other ways to counteract the growing problem, but for now, safe habits is the best way to protect yourself.
How do you protect your smartphone from phone malware? Do you have any tips we missed? Let us know!
As always, if you would like any assistance with completing any of the tips mentioned, contact our helpdesk directly at 415-449-8900 for a certified technician to assist.
Each week Infinitech will post a technology tip of the week to provide helpful information regarding computers, networking, mobile devices, and other technology related products and problems. Have any questions or suggestions for next week's topic? Let us know!
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Past Tips of the Week
05/07/12 - Extend Smartphone Battery Life - 5 Pointers To Save Power
April 2012
04/27/12 - How To Type Special Characters
04/19/12 - Fix App Crashes Easily
04/10/12 - Internet Explorer Freezing: 4 Simple Fixes
March 2012
03/29/12 - Fix Software Problems: 5 Common Fixes
03/23/12 - Windows 7 Calculator Little Known Features
03/15/12 - Schedule Defrag In Windows 7
03/09/12 - Windows 7 Hotspot: Share Wi-Fi With Your Laptop
03/02/12 - IE9 Compatibility Mode Corrects Hard To View Sites
February 2012
02/24/12 - Difference Between 32 And 64 Bit In 3 Points
02/15/12 - Tech Tax Deductions: 5 Tips For Your SMB
02/08/12 - Clear The Browser Cache For IE, Firefox, & Chrome
January 2012
01/31/12 - Computer Surge Protection: 3 Equipment Safeguards
01/24/12 - Benefits Of A Large Monitor: 4 Reasons To Go Big
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01/10/12 - 5 Technology Tips For Small Business
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12/26/11 - Tablet PC for Business: 5 Handy Uses
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10/24/11 - 6 Steps To Help Tech Support Help You
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September 2011
09/30/11 - Snipping Tool in Windows 7
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08/29/11 - 6 Ways To Make Your Technology Last
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July 2011
07/25/11 - Disk Cleanup Tool: Get Your Computer In Shape
07/18/11 - Disable Outlook Popups And Increase Workday Efficiency
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June 2011
06/27/11 - Increase Laptop Battery Life With 5 Easy Tips
06/20/11 - Problems With IE9: How To Uninstall
06/13/11 - Windows 7 Snap Feature Making Work Easier
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06/01/11 - How To Shut Down A Computer "The Proper Way"
May 2011
05/23/11 - Keyboard Shortcuts: 10 Ways to Speed Up Your Day
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Microsoft Security Essentials
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Malwarebytes
Malwarebytes is a free program which removes all forms of malware, including viruses, Trojans, spyware, adware, and rootkits. The perfect companion to any anti-virus software to counteract the malicious malware programs which may have entered your system.
