Does My Android Phone Need an Antivirus? Everything To Know About Securing Your Android
Earlier a mobile phone was intended for making calls or sending text messages. Today we have shifted many of our computing tasks to our mobile phones or smartphones. This includes emails, shopping, online banking activities and social media accounts. But do we consider the security of these devices that handle our critical information? More than likely we do not. We are all aware of the antivirus software installed on our computers, which are essential to avoid malware. But these kinds of vulnerabilities can occur on your smartphones too. So we need security apps on our smartphones to detect these vulnerabilities and protect our devices. Android and Apple devices are the most widely used mobile devices. Since Android runs on open source code it is generally considered less secure than iOS devices. Android sources apps from developers, which also makes its security system fragile and vulnerable to malware.
How does virus enter your device?
Although the Google Play Store has introduced advanced features, such as Play Protect to improve the overall security, on occasion malware slips through these security measures. Ransomware is a malicious threat for Android users. Credential data theft and malvertising are the major issues facing Android devices. Android is the biggest mobile malware target. A majority of the known Android malware and viruses are usually installed behind suspicious applications. Additionally, Android does not allow installing apps from unknown sources by default. However, in case you happen to download any dubious application via Play Store or through an external source, rely on an Android antivirus to secure your device.
How can you secure your Android?
Prevention is better than cure. Having an antivirus installed on your Android definitely secures it against malwares. But there are ways by which you can ensure safety against such malicious attacks.
- Software and OS updates: Ensure that your phone’s operating system and software are updated with its new version. An outdated OS will weaken your phone’s defense mechanism and risk you from malware attacks.
- Download apps from authentic sources: Always be cautious about the source from where you download the Android apps.
- Turn on Google Play Protect: Google’s Play Protect feature keeps your phone secure. It scans the apps you download from the Play Store. Access Play Protect from the Security feature under Settings and turn it on to ensure the safety of the apps you download.
- Keep an eye on your app permissions: While downloading an app, be vigilant about its permissions and grant permission only to those which you feel are relevant. Never give permission to apps that grant permission.
- Avoid connecting your phone to hotspots: Never connect your phone to unknown networks or Wi-Fi hotspots. A hacker can easily set up his own hotspot that appears to be legitimate. When connected to your Android, the hacker can view your browsing activities.
- Use a VPN: Keep your phone connected to a Virtual Private Network (VPN) while using a public Wi-Fi. It establishes a secure encrypted tunnel through which your information passes. This masks your IP address and prevents outsiders from snooping.
- Safe browsing: Never click on any URLs that take you to dubious websites. You can turn on the safe browsing mode in-built on Android devices.
- Avoid rooting your phone: Although rooting your Android gives you freedom to do what you want to with your laptop. However, this increases the risk of threat to your Android. If you have rooted your phone, then an antivirus scan is essential.
It is not essential that you should use antivirus on your Android. It primarily depends on how you use your device, the data you use and the level of security you need on your device. You can find a number of antivirus out in the market. Select the best one that meets your requirements.