How to Protect Your Smartphone from Viruses

Apple is cleaning up its iOS App Store to remove some malicious iPhone and iPad programs identified in the first large-scale attack on the popular mobile software outlet. Similarly, the virus named Ghost Push is reportedly infecting 600,000 Android users per day recently. It seems that our smartphones are not as safe as we thought, and once they’ve been infected by viruses, all of our private information maybe leaked and in worse cases our phone maybe destroyed. Now the question is what can we do to protect them from being attacked by viruses.

How to protect against viruses?

1. Download apps from trustworthy sources like Google Play or Apple Store.

Downloading apps from third-party websites may put your phone at risk as they may contain viruses.

2. Try not to connect to free Wi-Fi if you’re not in urgent need of net.

Your private data may leak and be collected by phishing through free networks.

3. Some sellers may lure you to scan their QR Codes, however, be careful, as you never know whether it’s safe or not.

4. Think before giving newly installed apps authorization.

Some apps may change your settings or collect your information if you give them unlimited authorization.

5. Stay away from free stuff when you're searching the internet.

Your personal information may be collected and sold.

6. Install a safe guard app and clean your phone occasionally.

This is a simple but useful way to protect your device from potential viruses.

7. Do not rashly click links in messages sent from strange numbers or even from an acquaintance.

8. Do not leave your Bluetooth on if its necessary being used.

Bluetooth-enabled phones and connections become the superhighways for airborne viruses.

How to detect if it is infected by viruses?

If your smartphone is experiencing one or some of the following symptoms, there is a possibility that it’s infected.

1. Battery life is unusually shorter than ever before.

Some malicious software will drain your battery in the background, causing your battery to drain faster.

2. Frequent interruptions during a call.

If your phone frequently drops calls or pauses repeatedly when you’re taking a call even though in an area with good signal, possibly someone is listening into your calls.

3. Incongruous phone bills.

If you found your phone bills is extremely high compared with past bills, check with your phone carrier. The unexpected fees may be caused by malicious software.

4. Frequent pop-up ads for products or game promotions.

5. Occasional auto reboots or auto shut down, system lags etc. are also some symptoms of being infected by viruses.

6. Scan to check with an anti-virus software.

How to remove the viruses?

1. Install an anti-virus software from a trusted source, scan and remove the viruses.

2. Check your app list and remove any suspicious apps. Or open your settings to view your downloaded tab, uninstall anything dodgy-looking or that you know you haven't installed or shouldn't be running on your device.

3. Factory reset. Remember to back up necessary information like contacts, photos before factory reset.

4. Root to remove the viruses. Some malicious software will give itself administration status you’ll have to root to remove these viruses.

5. Consult your phone center or a repair shop for help.

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