12 Ways To Protect Android/ Tablet Devices From Malware Infection

Ways to Keep your Android/Tablet Device Secure
There are easy ways to reduce the risk of infection in
your Android. Most of these ways are simply common
sense. Developers and specific cell phone manufacturers
do encourage their customers to use the proper
download applications and widgets.
1. Download Only From Official Stores
When downloading apps, prefer the well-reputed
channels, mainly Google Play Store and the Amazon App
Store. Google implements a rudimentary “bouncer” to
ward off malware, and the rest is taken care of by the
very active Android user community. Hence, these two
sources are your most reliable ones.
2. Keep Installation of Apps from Unknown Sources at
“Off”
Unless you’re a power user, it’s highly advisable to keep
installation of apps from Unknown Sources at “off” in
the device’s settings. This will help ensure that nothing
enters the system except through official channels.
3. Rooted Devices are More Susceptible
Most advanced users choose to root their android
devices, be extra cautious about granting Superuser
access to any app. Make sure you understand the
purpose of the SU access, and trust the developer
enough to grant it. This is the highest level of access
that anyone (or anything) can have on your Android
device, so be really careful with this one.
4. Install an Antivirus/Security App on Your Android
Smartphone
A lot of capable contenders are available in the Google
Play Store for that purpose, with more notable ones
being Avast! Free Mobile Security, Lookout Mobile
Security, AVG Mobile Security, Kapersky and Norton
Mobile Security, just to name a few. There is a different
feature-set offered by each, so you have room to weigh
your options carefully before making a decision to go
with one.
5. It is Important to Read App reviews and See ratings
before downloading
Read app reviews and see ratings before you choose to
download anything. If it’s something from a renowned
developer, you’re less likely to run into trouble as
opposed to an app with hardly any downloads and just
2-3 reviews. As a rule of thumb, I don’t prefer apps with
a rating of less than at least 3 stars.
6. Examine the Permissions that an App is Asking For,
During Installation
Carefully examine the permissions that an app is asking
for, and use your own judgment to decide whether you
want that app or not. E.g A puzzle game asking to
access your contacts and phone app is never really a
good idea, and neither is a torch app seeking internet
permission. Discard apps that seem shady – they’re
usually not worth risking personal information over.
7. Keep Your Phone Locked Always
While not strictly a malware protection measure, it’s still
a good idea to keep your phone locked for security.
Someone else gaining access to your device might be
able to install undesired software before you reclaim
access, and hence, causing you to remain unaware of
the whole deal until it’s too late. Likewise, a remote
wipe app should also be there, should you ever
encounter a scenario where normal access to the device
gets blocked by the malware infection.
8. Never access links embedded in mass-broadcast
messages/emails on your phone.
You never know what’s hidden underneath a URL, and
it’s harder to check that on a Smartphone as opposed
to a traditional computer. Phishing scams thrive under
unrestricted access through your web browser.
9. Beware of Fake Apps Even on Play Store
On the Play Store, there are loads of fake apps designed
with the intention of infecting your device and stealing
your private information. Some apps are designed only
to push ads to your Smartphone. As a matter of fact,
most popular apps often have similar ones that are
actually fakes. You should be careful with these sorts of
apps.
10. Avoid Pirated Apps
If you love cracks and pirated apps, your device may
become infected without you even knowing it. Pirated
apps most often carry Malware strands. Besides, you’re
not helping the developers who work hard trying to
create these games and apps. Saving $0.99 isn’t worth
it, really.
11. Porn is the Most Efficient Source of Malware
Delivery
I’m in no position to judge you or tell you what to do
with your device but it has been proven that
pornographic sites are the most efficient when it comes
to infecting your device with malware. Well, you know
what to do… be careful with sites you visit.
12. Stay Updated
Be on your toes so far as updates are concerned. This
is one way in which manufacturers and carriers ensure
that you remain protected from Malware attacks. These
updates can include enhancements, bug fixes, new
features each of which are designed to keep your
system in tune with the right way to tackle the
malicious attacks. Apart from updating your apps, be
sure your device operating system is also up-to-date.