How to Protect your Smartphone from a Spyware Infestation!

Your cell phone is an important part of your everyday life. We basically need our phones for everything from work and play to storing personal info and data. This is why smartphones have become a central target for spyware!

Spyware is a type of virus that steals information about you or what you do on your phone without you realising it. The easiest way that cybercriminals trick you into installing spyware is to convince you to visit a corrupted site or to install a program/app that contains spyware.

But how can spyware harm you?

Once spyware is installed on your phone, it will track all your movements as well as your internet use so it can target you with the appropriate advertisements.  It is frightening to think that this could happen to you, but luckily this spyware rarely affects you or your information too seriously.

However, there are other, more dangerous types of spyware that you should worry about! These programs are created to gather your personal information to use for identity theft or even spy on you directly by gaining access to your smartphone camera or microphone. Because we use our mobile phones for just about everything these days, spyware is and will still become more widespread in the future.

Here’s how to protect your smartphone from a spyware infestation:

      -          Do not install any third-party software on your phone. The only apps you should be downloading are ones from official channels such as the App Store or Google Play. Even then, Android users beware – only install apps developed by trusted developers with positive reviews. Third-party apps are full of malware, including spyware, however even some apps that make it onto the stores can have spyware.

      -          ALWAYS check app permissions before you install an app. An app that is used for navigation will obviously need access to your location, but should a game app ask for permissions and it seems a bit odd; do not download it all together!

      -          Be cautious of attachments, links and open Wi-Fi connections. Just like when you use your computer hackers can use all these to install spyware on your phone. Never connect to an open Wi-Fi connection; never open an email attachment as well as a link if you do not know where it was sent from.

      -          Be prepared and protect your phone. All these rules won’t mean much if you do not have the proper protection. Always install antivirus software on your device as well as install all the latest mobile operating system updates that are available.

The problem is of spyware is not going away anytime soon. Take the time to protect your mobile device properly, this way you can effectively protect your identity, personal information and finances.

Are your the victim of spyware? Do not hesitate to call The Computer Guyz on 087 001 0511/2 or email helpdesk@thecomputerguyz.co.za and we will assist you in anyway possible.