Time was when the mobile phone in your hand could make phone calls, send text messages and precious little else. So why are the latest Android phones and tablets a target? Most smartphones are loaded with private data and this is a very attractive target for hackers. Not only that, the value of the data is higher than the expense of gaining access to it. See also Group test: what's the best Android phone.
AVG Antivirus for Android
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What cybercriminals want the most are your bank credentials. As more and more people use mobile banking, this will only make the devices more attractive to criminals.
When deciding which smartphones to attack, hackers choose the path of least resistance. With Apple’s iOS software, which powers the iPhones, iPod and iPad, this is effectively a closed system. If a hacker wanted to put a rogue app on the App Store, he would first have to sign up for a developer’s account and provide real information on their identity.
After that, Apple employees vet all app code that is submitted to the store. Even, if an app managed to get past that hurdle, any reviews that flagged up a suspicious app would make Apple remove the app from the store in a very short space of time.
According to security researchers, Android is easier to crack. Google charges $25 for registration and the process involves filling out an online form, with little or no background checks. This means that hackers are more likely to look for exploits in Android than they would on iOS. Recently, Google introduced 'Bouncer' its servers with the aim of rooting out malware, but a multi-pronged defence is needed.
So how can you make sure your Android device remains malware free? As with Windows computers, anti-virus software is one solution. Here, we'll show you step-by-step how to download, install and configure AVG Antivirus Free.
How to install and use AVG Antivirus Free
1. Android phones have a variety of user interfaces. We're using an HTC Flyer tablet, but the process should be largely the same on smartphones. On the top row, tap on applications icon (other phones may have this elsewhere) and look for either Android Market or Google Play (Google has recently renamed its app store) and launch it.
2. At the top is a magnifying glass: the search function. Tap on it and type in AVG Antivirus Free. It will then trawl through its database of apps and bring up a set of results, the application we want should be right at the top of the results. Tap on this to select it and then tap on the download button.
3. Another screen will ask you to accept the download. It is important to be aware what the app will do on your phone, such as reading contact data, reading your browser history or finding your GPS location. If you are happy with this tap on Accept & download and then tap on Open to install it.
4. When the app is first launched you can review AVG’s terms of service and tap on Accept. Next you can configure the app by tapping on the menu button and then settings. In the settings you can update the virus database to keep it current and set the app to scan text messages, protect yourself from suspicious websites as well as change the file scanning speed.
NEXT PAGE: Run a scan and adopt other ways to protect your phone
Comments
Derry Manley said: This is not antivirus please fix and explain the difference between virus and malware
Manov rao said: Keep yoursmartphonesafe and secure by using Comodo mobile security products
Maccyroo said: The reason that many Androidsecurityapps have a lengthy list of permissisons including system root access is nothing to do with the fact they are free The paid for commercial securityapps alsohave the same permissions This is because many Lookout for example include remote lock and wipe functions that require low level sysetm accessIf you are worriedabout your personal details then a droid is probably not the right devicefor you With Google recently updating its privacy policy it means that there is little that Google doesnt know about droid owners who obviously have a Gmail account toPicking on Android security apps that provide great features for security if your device is lost or stolen isnt very fair All security software including that madefor PCs needs to hook itself deep into the system to be effective
L Hurtado said: Have you read the terms amp conditions for the free anti-virus apps You give them complete access to your device to know and do whatever they want This is why the apps are free Can I get anti-virus protection without providing all my personal details