From malicious apps to dangers while surfing, the dangers to our security on Android, as well as on the home computer, are manifold
On the home computer almost everyone has installed an antivirus. On Android smartphones, however, very few people have security software installed. Yet hackers have now targeted Google’s mobile operating system.
The big question is: should we install an antivirus on our cell phones too? The problem is that there is no final answer. First of all, we have to specify that the mobile world is very different from the desktop one. When we browse on a computer we have more chances to end up in the trap of a cyber criminal. But that doesn’t mean that while using an Android smartphone we don’t face risks. Most of the dangers to the phone come from apps. If we install a malicious app that contains malware then our device will be infected and a hacker could steal all our information or spy on us using camera and microphone.
App analysis
It should be mentioned that Google uses smart algorithms to scan all the apps in the Play Store with the aim of detecting malicious ones and eliminating them. Does this mean we won’t have to do much to defend ourselves? Wrong. Despite Google’s efforts, some apps that contain malware are always present in the Store. That’s why we should avoid installing apps made by untrustworthy developers. Before downloading a game or service we always check the description and reviews and maybe search the Net for news about that specific app.
App antivirus
So you don’t need to install an antivirus app, just be careful while downloading an app from the Play Store? The answer is: it depends. It depends on how we use our mobile device. The main dangers come from the Store and apps, but they’re not the only ones on Android. Even while surfing the web we can run into a virus. If, for example, we surf on untrusted websites, portals with adult content or illegally download music and movies from the Internet, it’s likely that malware can infect our smartphone.