How to Steer clear of Personal information Theft on Android
Believe mobile phones are immune to viruses and cyber threats? Think again. Lately, Android users saw that extremely scenario with suspicious looking apps within the Android Marketplace. So what does an Android user need to know? Study about how you can steer clear of identity theft on Android right here.
Introduction
If you’re an Android user, you’ve heard the most recent news on suspicious apps in the Android Market. Cyber crime has obviously been a big factor for users of the Internet, but many people think that particular platforms and devices are immune. The incident brings to light that these things can occur and might leave you wondering — is it secure to buy apps on the Android Market?
The issues with the apps and programs in the Android Marketplace bring up an interesting question – how does an user avoid identity theft on Android cell phones? There are obviously ways to maintain your identity and your phone secure from threats.
What is Identity Theft?
Firstly, what exactly is identity theft? Basically it is the act of utilizing somebody else’s name along with other info to be able to obtain issues for your self. It’s the theft of someone’s identity. This is usually carried out when somebody steals an additional person’s wallet, which could include an ID card or driver’s license, money, and obviously credit cards. The thief then goes about pretending to be this person, utilizing their cash and credit card for illegal purchases, all of which gets charged to the original individual whose wallet was stolen within the first place.
Identity Theft and also the Android Marketplace
Android users are currently aware how expansive the Android Marketplace is, allowing for users to download programs and apps in order to make their smartphones truly distinctive and individual. Whilst you will find paid applications, many apps are totally free, which obviously is among the main reasons that individuals will most likely download them.
In recent months, however, Android has had to remove at least 21 of those free apps due to the fact that they contained malware that, once on an user’s telephone, could literally take more than – sending user information and even obtaining hold of the underlying root control with the phone itself.
How to Avoid Identity Theft on Android
Knowing how to avoid identity theft on Android phones is really a comparable procedure to avoiding it in your pc. Becoming aware of programs and apps that are downloaded, as well as taking care of your info is paramount to avoiding getting your info used for nefarious purposes.
Be Wary of Free Programs – just like on the internet, you should be wary of free apps that are listed in the Android Market. Hackers and thieves use the premise of totally free applications so that individuals will download them, particularly when it’s on a reputable website sponsored by a reputable company. When interested in a brand new app, verify out the comments section and for even better study, do a search of the app on the internet.
Install Anti Virus/Anti Spyware – if you think installing an anti-virus plan for your phone appears silly, you would be incorrect. Sometimes people forget that, with the improve of technologies, cell phones are becoming more like hand held computers. You definitely wouldn’t use your pc without an anti-virus program would you? (Hopefully you have stated no). You will find a few Android security applications, but the most popular is Lookout Security, which scans all programs that are installed or updated on your phone. It will even send you weekly alerts via the e-mail address that you have signed up with. The free versions comes with a two week trial of the premium version and users are free to upgrade to the paid verison at any time.
Check Permissions – whenever you download an app from the market, it’ll inform you the types of permissions that it needs to be able to work. Some apps do require certain permissions, like access to GPS or your information, in order to give you the most from the app. Google Maps or CardioTrainer for instance do require access towards the GPS, whilst your calendar would require access to say the web. Some apps, nevertheless, shouldn’t need this info. Why would a video game need access to your contact info? Simple answer – it wouldn’t.
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