…and Malicious codes ruining my mobile shopping spree!
Back in March of this year I posted a blog entitled The Google Kill Switch and Smartphone tips. At the time there were 21 apps on Google Marketplace that were infected with Malware that Google yanked from the market faster than I could blog the warning call.
McAfee has seen mobile apps designed to steal information from smartphones, apps that send out expensive text messages without a user’s consent and last year 4.6 million Android smartphone users downloaded a suspicious wallpaper app that collected and transmitted user data to a site in China.
These dangerous apps are usually offered for free, and masquerade as fun applications, such as games. Here are a few tips to keep your phone from spoiling your jolly holiday!
1. Read reviews of the app before you download. People are very vocal with criticism; here is where it comes in handy! This is where you will find out if the app doesn’t work on your particular phone, doesn’t do what it promises, or if it is great and users love it.
2. Read the permissions before you download. Is it requesting permission to access your call history, send sms texts or track gps location? If it shouldn’t need that information to work (such as ringtones or wallpaper) – Think twice before you install.
3. Download only from a trusted source. Stick to apps from well known developers with good reviews.
4. Take advantage of additional security software. Use McAfee Mobile Security or if you have McAfee All-Access, your phone is already covered!
Stay safe out there!
By: Tracy Mooney
