How to prevent malware on your Android phone

If your Android phone gets hit by malware it can put your personal data at risk. Malware seems to find a way to seep into almost any device. Computers, smartphones, and even smartwatches are all at risk, even if they’re just used as a door for malware to enter a different device on the same network.

There are some steps you can take, though, to prevent malware on your Android device. Here are some top tips on how to your android phone from being attacked.

How to prevent malware on your Android phone

Use a secure browser

One of the best ways to prevent malware, overall, is to use a mobile browser that blocks it. It’s rare for apps downloaded from official sources to onboard malware on your device. Browsing the web, however, is an entirely different story. You should pick from our list of the best privacy-focused smartphone browsers. Some options include Brave, Firefox, and Onion. While these aren’t mainly oriented toward protecting against malware, their privacy policies and other configurations are conducive to a safer browsing experience.

Clear your browser cookies

Clearing your mobile browser cookies might not sound like an essential step in preventing malware. However, there are many ways that cookies can put you at risk. It mostly depends on how you use your phone and what websites you visit, though.

Bad actors can collect information from your stored cookies and put your device at risk. To stay safe, you should clear your cookies from time to time.

Keep your phone updated

Most Android phones now stay updated automatically. However, you should double-check to be sure. Keeping your phone updated doesn’t just ensure you have the latest Android features. It also provides some critical security updates that help keep you safe.

You can check for updates on most Android devices by heading to Settings > System updates > Check for updates. If there are any available updates, your Android device will start downloading them and prepare them for installation. Once the update is ready, tap Install on the notification.

Only Install apps from official sources

You’re much better off installing apps from official sources, like the Play Store or the Galaxy Store. Not only are these apps vetted and checked frequently, but if something goes wrong, you can pinpoint exactly where the problem came from.

You can also often hold an official source responsible, to some degree, which might offer an opportunity for finding a solution to any problems caused. There’s no guarantee that apps downloaded from unofficial app stores have not been tampered with in some way.

Don’t click on unknown links

You might get a text message here and there with a link. You should think twice if it’s from a number you don’t recognize, but if it’s from a friend, you’re more likely to tap it. Before doing so, reply to your contact to ask if it’s safe.

Links in text messages can take you anywhere. They’re an opportunity for bad actors to inject malware, collect personal information, and more.

Source: MUO