Avoid android malware

Android malware is the buzz term these days. However Android malware could be avoided with couple of commonsensical tips. The fact has to be reiterated that Antiviruses is not bound to enter Android as in case of Windows. User can execute proper security practices like not installing and downloading the suspicious programs.

Be careful when Side loading Apps

Android permits users to install apps from outside Google Play. While Google might remove apps from Google Play one has the option of getting them from elsewhere. Installing apps outside the device’s app store is considered as sideloading. This can be disabled by default for safety reasons. Activating it is equal to enabling Unknown sources check box in the Settings screen. In order to use the Amazon App Store or install Android games purchased from Humble Bundle, or install those which are not available in Google Play, sideloading needs to be enabled.

If illegal APK files are installed then it would be a major security risk. It is equal to downloading pirated applications which can be on Windows. Malware usually comes from pirated apps which are downloaded from suspicious websites or infamous third-party app stores. You can trust only installed apps from trusted sources. Official apps from Humble Bundle, Amazon and XBMC should not be an issue but a pirated game app from third-party website can be stuffed with malware. In case of Android 4.2 or the latest edition of, Android would ask to scan sideloaded apps for malware.

To avoid malware in android system you could contact with a Spyware removalsupport service.

Avoid notorious Third-Party App Stores

Malware comes from third-party app stores whose owners do not check the apps in their store for malware or even do not pay heed that malicious software is being pushed through their store. Studies have found that some third-party Android markets in countries like China host some types of malware not found elsewhere. Lookout Security found that third-party markets in China contained a Trojan named Gemini, which runs in the background, collecting a phone’s location information and other unique identifiers and sending it to remote servers.

To be infected with this Trojan, you’d have to be using a third-party market from China or install an app that came from there.

Watch the Apps You Install From Google Play

While installing apps from Google play be cautious. Avoid installing suspicious-looking apps with or those which require too much permission. If app requires permission like the “Send SMS messages” permission ensure that the reason is legitimate for requesting that. Most of the malware comes outside Google Play.

Phishing

Social-engineering techniques include phishing through SMS messages, email or web browsers can be endeavored against Android users. If you get a suspicious email that claims to be from your bank, open a link from it and enter online banking credentials into phony website irrespective of using Windows or Android, you have provided sensitive details.   

Update Phone or Tablet

One occasionally finds security problems in Android operating system and devices using it. Updating Android operating system does fix some issues and device manufacturers that can liberate patches to fix their device issues.

However device manufacturers are responsible and drag feet. In general tablet or Android phone no updates take place in general. Nexus devices are directly updated but security updates for other devices take months to filter down worldwide.