Remember the sneaky trick played by software makers? Download a free program and somehow it would automatically install an unwanted “search toolbarâ€� on your computer’s Internet browser.
That annoying ploy hasn’t disappeared on mobile phones. At least 50 million Android smartphones have downloaded a free application from the Google Play store called Brightest Flashlight Free that installs an unnecessary search feature on phones.
The app activates a phone’s camera light when opened — helpful. But it also has by default permission to display ads, track the phone’s location and take photographs and video. That means the makers of the app could see what users are doing and where they are.
Besides not falling for the download-the-free-app trick, what other protections should you consider for your mobile device?
First, turn on the “screen lockâ€� function on your device. It’s in the phone’s “settingsâ€� menu. It’s annoying to constantly unlock a phone, but smartphone makers say they are working on making it more of a natural process.
Next, turn off GPS and Wi-Fi when you don’t need them because they could be used by location-tracking apps to figure out where you are. The switches to turn them on and off are in the settings menu.
Now, the big question: Is there a need for anti-virus programs for mobile devices?
With iPhones and iPads, users have to entrust their privacy and protection solely to Apple Inc.
But with the Google Inc.-developed Android operating system, Google’s policy of “opennessâ€� means not everything goes through the company. Security and anti-virus apps can bring Android smartphone and tablet owners some extra peace of mind.
Many apps are ahead of the curve compared with Google in providing usable information about how apps affect your mobile device, what data they collect and what happens to that information.
Google says it’s not aware of any security holes in Android-powered devices that result in a need for outside help. But some customers may wantanother layer of protection or the user’s employer might require it, said Adrian Ludwig, Android’s lead security engineer.
Because Android users in the United States are familiar with Google and use it for most of their activities, including downloading apps, few run into issues. Foreign users are more likely to download phone viruses or malicious software that’s typically designed to steal money from users.
Still, it’s a smart move for everyone to go to the device’s security settings screen and check the box next to “Verify apps.â€� This will turn on Google’s anti-virus protection.
Google says the most common threat is apps that secretly bill a user’s credit card by sending a “premiumâ€� text message to a hacker. The charge appears on cellphone bills but is often overlooked. The latest version of Android warns users that an app could be sending such text messages.
*http://triblive.com/business/headlines/4609379-74/google-android-apps
source : http://techie.id1945.com/2013/09/safeguard-your-smartphone-from-pesky-downloads/
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