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    How to Protect Your Android Phones From Viruses

    Protect your Android

    Viruses on phones aren’t as common as viruses on PCs. Regardless, it’s important to keep in mind that your phone is still vulnerable to viruses, malware, adware, and more. Cybercriminals can steal your data and credentials by exploiting the vulnerabilities on your phone’s OS, browsers, security patches, and networks.

    The following procedures and security products can help keep your online data safe. Most importantly, know your privacy rights and remember to regularly update your software’s security. 

    Update Your Android Version

    The world's highest-selling mobile system, Google Android, is an open OS. This permits the smartphone manufacturer to change the source code. Consequently, it is more susceptible to malware and other threats. The good news is that protecting your mobile device is straightforward. Here’s how:

    • Ensure your device is connected to the internet
    • Open settings within the device and choose the about phone option
    • Check for updates 
    • Install new software and restart the phone

    Security and privacy are the two essential updates that are rolled out consistently. They restrict APIs that enable third-party apps to access your device and data. Additionally, these updates provide users with advanced functionality.

    Be Careful About What Apps You Download

    All necessary applications should be downloaded from the Play Store itself. Google validates and runs frequent security checks on all the apps hosted in their store. It’s very easy to synchronize and manage your apps from the Play Store. Therefore, the apps are clean from any malware. By comparison, apps downloaded from third-party websites have higher chances of being injected with malware.

    Read More: Best antivirus android apps

    Understand Your Privacy Rights In The App's T&Cs

    Despite the nuisance, it is very important to read an app’s T&C’s before installing it. Privacy policies disclose what information is collected from the user by the app and the reasons for collecting the data. 

    It’ll also tell you if you’re allowed to request the deletion of data or a change in personal information. Furthermore, you’ll be able to learn about data privacy and the permissions that the app will need from your device to operate properly.

    Use An Antivirus

    Antivirus software helps ensure individuals can browse the internet safely while keeping devices up-to-date. It’s main purpose is to detect or eradicate malware from the device including camouflaged files that are built to access a device without the user’s knowledge. 

    In order to protect your device, start looking into the various free and paid antivirus solutions available.

    In our opinion, the three best Antivirus software for security include Bitdefender, Norton, and Avast Mobile Security.

    • Multi-layered malware protection
    • Fast system scans
    • Secure web browsing
    • Enhanced security suite and advanced features
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    • Real-time malware protection
    • Around-the-clock support
    • Strong privacy protection
    • Safe web browsing
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    • Real-time malware protection
    • Advanced security features
    • Cross-platform compatibility
    • Value for money
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    Bitdefender Mobile Security

    Bitdefender protects phones completely from malware by defending against ransomware and spyware. You can easily launch the app and press scan to ensure the device is virus-free. All new apps will be detected through the scan. If you desire more advanced features, Bitdefender's premium “Mobile Security for Android” can be selected. Some of its features include: 

    • Best Android and smartphone protection
    • Account privacy detects whether your email has been breached or not
    • Your mobile device can be remotely located, locked, and wiped in case of theft or loss
    • Minimal impact on battery life
    • Provides an anonymous, fast, and safe experience
    • Free VPN for up to 200 MB/day
    • Multi-layer ransomware protection

    Norton Mobile Security

    This award-winning anti-malware protection product provides privacy protection, Wi-Fi detection, critical web protection, and many more valuable features. This solution ranks as the world's most advanced security system for Android devices. Users can track their personal data with a privacy report, which provides an in-depth privacy scan. Below are the other valuable advantages and features:

    • Parent-protected app scanning technology
    • Wi-Fi security provides alerts for when you join an unknown or dangerous network
    • Web protection delivers navigation and protection from fraudulent websites
    • Identifies and avoids malicious websites from obtaining your browser, app, SMS, MMS, social networking sites, and email data
    • Device security enables protection against any cybercriminal who may try stealing your personal information
    • Safe and secure VPN
    • Smart firewall, device cleanup, and multiple scanning modes
    • 50GB cloud backup

    Avast Mobile Security

    Designed to help keep Intruders away from personal devices, Avast Mobile Security not only protects your online data, but also your photos and apps. This protection is accomplished with the help of pin codes, patterns, and fingerprint passwords. Moreover, it provides an option to conceal your online activity using geo-restricted VPNs. Highlighted below are additional advantages that accompany Avast’s mobile security solution:

    • Blocks all viruses and malware with the help of regular scans, which detect and prevent threats 
    • Verifies the security of your Wi-Fi connection
    • Data can be secured remotely with tracking locations
    • Enables automatic registration after your SIM change on the device
    • Enhances Android performance by periodically cleaning junk files
    • Helps with power consumption setup modes to extend a device’s battery life
    • Additional features such as RAM boost, device cooler, cache cleaner, and more

    Bottom Line

    Android phones are globally popular, which has led to an increase in the threats against these devices. Accordingly, it’s a good idea to deploy an antivirus security product for added protection. Most importantly, follow the best defensive practices whenever possible. 

    Don’t install apps from third-party websites, refrain from connecting to unverified networks, and don’t click links or attachments from unknown sources. Finally, basic knowledge about these apps and their privacy policies will help you to stay alert and secure.