Everything you need to know about viruses for mobile phones

How dangerous is malware for modern smartphones?

In terms of functionality, modern phones and tablets have come close to full-fledged computers. This has both pros and cons, as malware can be installed on Android devices. In this article we will tell you what viruses can do to your smartphone and how to avoid infection.

How does malware get into the phone?

• Installing applications from third-party sites. Keep in mind, sometimes they disguise themselves as antivirus software.
• Surfing the Internet without antivirus. They are especially common on sites for adults and those where you can watch movies for free.
• Connect to free Wi-Fi sourcessuch as cafes and restaurants. They are often hacked by intruders.
• Clicking on unverified linksreceived via SMS or email.

What can a malware do?

• Send ads to your phone, including banners that take up the entire screen.
• Request to transfer the amount to scammersin order to regain access to the phone. Do not send anything to anyone. After a while they will demand more.
• Waste internet traffic, withdraw money from your account or even from a credit card connected to your phone. The last point is possible if you have a mobile bank or a corresponding application installed.
• Install new programs.
• Drain the battery quickly.
• Send spam or links with malware to your friends.
• Call unknown numbers.
• Disable antivirus.

What if you catch a virus?

1. Remove the SIM card.
2. Boot your phone in safe mode.
3. Disable administrator rights for all applications.
4. Remove unfamiliar programs.
5. Restart your phone.
6. Download antivirus via PlayMarket and run a scan.
7. Remove the antivirus, download another one and check the phone again.

If it doesn’t help (or you’re stuck at one of the points), try resetting the data. In extreme cases, you will have to contact the service center.

How to protect your smartphone from virus infection?

• Update the device in atimely manner .
• Install apps only from Google Play.
• Disable Bluetooth.
• Don’t click on suspicious links, even if someone you know sent it. It may have been hacked.
• Use antiviruswhile browsing the Internet.
• Disable automatic receipt of MMS messages