Viruses are almost as old as computing and continue to thrive as technology advances. Smartphones are ubiquitous and store sensitive personal information, not to mention payment data. No wonder they’re prime infection targets since viruses can provide backdoor access to such valuable information.
Luckily, you’re not at their mercy! Protection of your devices is vital in today’s world, and we’re here to help. Here are some practical tips you’ll want to start following right away to make your phone immune to one of the biggest threats.
Keep the Operating System and Apps Updated
Viruses commonly exploit gaps in smartphones’ defenses, which you can patch up by ensuring everything from the core OS through protective apps like antivirus and VPN to games run the latest version. This feature should be active by default, but it doesn’t hurt to make sure.
Check Permissions and Activity
Slowdowns and inexplicable activity like popups or unauthorized text messages can be signs of a virus infection. You can reduce the risks by paying attention to the apps you download and their permissions. For example, a simple note-taking app shouldn’t ask for access to your contacts or camera.
Get Antivirus Protection
Android phones have built-in security scanning tools, but these aren’t 100% reliable. You’ll want to install a dedicated antivirus app instead. The app will regularly conduct scans and quarantine any threats it finds.
But you may wonder, can iPhones get viruses? iOS is technically safer from threats because of the platform’s architecture, which prevents malicious code from accessing the kernel. However, not even the iPhone’s ecosystem is safe from zero-day exploits and other threats, so you should still implement our other suggestions.
Stay Away from Sketchy Apps
Unsanctioned third-party apps are tempting since they offer ways of getting around payments or have niche functions. They’re also a hotbed of spyware, viruses, and other threats.
Google Play and the Apple App Store are the only trusted sources with millions of apps to choose from. While such diversity does mean a harmful app can slip through the cracks, both platforms have high standards & meticulous testing procedures that ensure safety.
You’ll also want to check reviews to be on the safe side. For example, a free VPN might appear legitimate and not be a threat by itself but actually track and sell your data instead of protecting it. Users are quick to point out such dangers and save you the headache.
Install a Reputable VPN
A trustworthy internet connection is essential to smartphone security, and exactly what a VPN provides. The encrypted tunnel a VPN routes the connection through prevents hackers from accessing the data you transfer, even if you’re connecting through public Wi-Fi that would otherwise be highly vulnerable.
Moreover, the best VPNs come with ad blockers, and you can find them in the providers offering that in Reddit’s VPN comparison table. Not only does this make browsing infinitely better, but it also prevents ads to potentially malicious sites that could infect your phone with a virus from showing up.
Stay Informed
A big part of virus protection is being able to recognize the schemes & scams targeting careless users. Familiarize yourself with phishing, well-known unsafe websites, and the most common social media scams to avoid becoming a victim.
Conclusion
Viruses remain one of the unfortunate side effects of technological progress. They’ll become even more prevalent and complex as AI and other cutting-edge advancements develop. Follow our tips for better smartphone safety, and you’ll most likely be able to avoid viruses. Moreover, keep up with the developments and follow the newest security suggestions to stay one step ahead.
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Iskra Banović is our seasoned Editor-in-Chief at Blufashion. She has been steering the website’s content and editorial direction since 2018. With a rich background in fashion design, Iskra’s expertise spans across fashion, interior design, beauty, lifestyle, travel, and culture.
