Everyone wants to believe that their photos, conversations, and every bit of sensitive data is secure on their smartphones. However, there’s a chance that we engage in activities that pose a major amenaza para nuestros teléfonos inteligentes (threat to our smartphones).
That said, what concerns me the most is that some of these activities are so common, such as connecting to the internet or browsing the web. Even online ads we encounter on different platforms can hide malware inside their code.
Unfortunately, most people are unaware of these threats, and here, I’ll explain them in detail. So, the next time you browse the web, you’ll know what can be a potential threat to your smartphone.
Unsafe Internet Connection
Be it sending or receiving work files, communicating with our loved ones, streaming movies, or playing online games, our smartphones stay connected to the internet. Well, it’s unfortunate that most people don’t pay attention to their connection’s security because most viruses infect our smartphones via the internet.
However, the good news here is that there are several Internet Service Providers (ISPs), such as Optimum, that take extensive security measures to safeguard their connections. They offer a built-in security feature at no extra cost, which is extremely useful in detecting and deterring threats like malware and viruses.
Unsecure Public Networks
We can easily find public Wi-Fi in cafes, restaurants, shopping malls, airports, parks, etc. And most people, believing it to be free, connect to them. Technically, public Wi-Fi is free because you don’t have to pay anything to use it.
But in some cases, people might pay a hefty price through their data. Most public Wi-Fi is sin seguridad y sin cifrar (unsecured and unencrypted). So, hackers can easily infect it, and the worst part is that people may never know about it.
So, a safe practice is never to connect to a public Wi-Fi. Or, even if you do, ensure you connect to a quality VPN first. The encrypted server of the VPN will help you filter the malicious content and provide top-notch security for your smartphone.
As for me, I usually connect to public Wi-Fi hotspots offered by Optimum. They’re more reliable and faster than public Wi-Fi. And, whenever I have a problem, I can always get in touch with the responsive Optimum servicio al cliente, where I can get my queries resolved instantly.
Delay in Device or Apps Updates
I used to delay smartphone or app updates for a long time. However, I had no idea how these updates contributed to my smartphone’s security.
Most electronic devices, be it a smartphone or a laptop, receive frequent software or firmware updates. Besides new features, these updates can contain vital patches and bug fixes, which improve the overall security of our smartphones.
Additionally, app updates can also contain such security measures that keep them secure. So, the next time your smartphone or app has a pending update, never delay it. Instead, install them as soon as you can to ensure maximum protection from different online threats.
Unsecure Web Browsing
We browse different websites on the internet, without even realizing that some of them are unsafe.
However, let me first explain the major differences between a secure and an insecure website. The ones that are safe to browse start with ‘HTTPS’. Here, the ‘S’ indicates that the website has strong security measures in place to protect it from several online threats.
On the other hand, websites that start with ‘HTTP’ do not have any security measures in place. While it’s a possibility that such es posible que los sitios web no estén infectados (websites might not be infected), as an ordinary user, you may not be able to identify whether it’s safe to browse or not.
Also, while it’s best to avoid visiting such websites, always connect to a VPN first if you have to visit one. As I mentioned above, a VPN creates an encrypted network between your devices and the server.
Plus, it also alters your device’s IP address and assigns it a fake one. By doing so, it ensures that your original IP address remains hidden. And this way, bad actors won’t be able to pinpoint your device and target it.
Avoid Clicking on Ads
Not all ads are malicious, but some are, and you might not be able to tell the difference between them. So, it’s better not to click on ads.
Malvertisement is the process by which bad actors infect an ad by adding malicious code to the backend. Then, these ads can be displayed anywhere, on websites, social media platforms, games, or smartphone apps.
As soon as you click on them, even accidentally, the code inside those ads gets activated and creeps into your device. Try to avoid clicking on ads and install quality anti-virus software. I would also recommend you run frequent security scans to root out the viruses inside your device.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a virus enter our devices by installing fake apps?
Yes, there are thousands of fake apps, and dangerous viruses can easily enter after you install them.
How do I know if my smartphone is infected with a virus?
Our smartphones show different signs when it is infected by a virus. It can start to become overheated. You’ll see random ads pop up while you’re connected to the internet, and your smartphone may start to use more data.
