How to protect your phone from malware and cybercriminals – Guide
Cybersecurity experts assess the ground rules for protecting your smartphone and other personal devices from malicious software. They recommend ways to keep your device safe from malware, and provide tips on how to protect yourself if you fall victim to a cyberattack.
In 1971, Bob Thomas, a programmer at BBN Technologies, created the world’s first computer virus. It was called the Creeper program. The Creeper virus was harmless, designed as an experimental security test to see if a self-replicating program could work. According to a blog on the history of computer viruses from global cybersecurity company Kaspersky, with each new hard drive infected, Creeper tried to remove itself from its previous host. It would display a simple message: “I’M THE CREEPER. CATCH ME IF YOU CAN!” ..
According to the August 2021 Global Threat Index from international cybersecurity solutions company Check Point, the FluBot, once installed on your device, can access all of your sensitive information. This malware is a type of cyber threat that has replaced viruses as the most common type of cyber threat. It spreads through a normal SMS, causing users to click on an unauthorized link that claims to have been lost. Once you click on this phishing link, malware is downloaded onto your device. ..
Malware is a type of software that can be used to harm or exploit a computer. It comes in many different forms, including computer adware, crypto-jacking malware, botnets, rootkits, and spyware. Malware has been on the rise during the pandemic because it is designed to trick users and increase its chances of success. In March 2020, Kaspersky identified more than 5,000 pandemic-related phishing sites designed to steal user credentials and other private data. This prevented more than a million users from visiting these sites. It is important to stay alert and update your phone and apps regularly in order to avoid becoming a victim of malware. ..
red flags
If your smartphone or computer has been affected by malicious software, it is more likely to have basic performance issues. Experts say this is also true for smartphones and computers. “When you notice that your smartphone or PC suddenly slows down or you witness the phone or computer battery being drastically depleted or too hot, consider that a red flag,” said Judith Bitterli, senior vice president of consumers at cybersecurity firm McAfee. ..
This is a hint that your device may be compromised and not just getting old.
Smartphones are now connected to the internet and control multiple devices in our homes, making them prime targets for cybercriminals, ransomware developers, and identity thieves. ..
Since many of us are now working from home, far from the secure technology environment of a workplace, instances of adware and ransomware attacks have disappeared up. Rahul Tyagi, co-founder of California-based cybersecurity firm Safe Security, says that “the number of hacks we’ve seen on the Android platform is much higher than on iOS.”
Another common sign of a compromised smartphone is apps that crash too often. This is because many of the programs you use on a daily basis may refuse to open. For example, you may not have substantial data, music, or images on your device, but there is still little or no storage left. These are very early and common signs.
The solutions
Keeping your device up to date is one of the most important ways to avoid malware. Regular software updates from the smartphone manufacturer can not only stop malicious software from working, but also fix any vulnerabilities in a device that is already affected by malware. ..
Be aware of the websites you visit and avoid clicking on unfamiliar links, specifically those that offer free screensavers or other extraordinarily generous offers and promotions. Your inbox is another potential source of input: Don’t click or open any emails or attachments from unverified senders. ..
Many people make the mistake of using public Wi-Fi networks without a VPN connection or virtual private network. “People often get confused between VPNs and a web proxy. A proxy only protects data in your browser, not applications outside of it. But if you install a VPN, every bit of information that enters and leaves your system is protected and encrypted,” says Tyagi. ..
Two-factor authentication and stronger passwords are two of the most common methods of protecting smartphones from theft and cybercrime. However, users should also avoid public charging stations, as hackers are known to install malware on them.
Apps are essential for keeping your smartphone running smoothly. Make sure to use the official app stores while downloading newer ones, as apps from any third-party store, other than the Play Store or App Store, may not go through a review process and may allow malicious software to access your device.
It’s important to regularly review smartphone apps and permissions. For example, why does a simple smartphone game or food delivery app require permission to view your contacts, messages and photo gallery? “There are at least 60 apps on the smartphone of an average Indian,” says Chopra. “What are these apps doing on the back end? A user needs to track this. Technically, the computer virus is dead. All focus shifted to malware.”
Final note
This guide is designed to help you protect your phone from malware and cybercriminals. If you have any query about this article, please ask us. Additionally, please share your love by sharing this article with your friends.
