One of the many reasons you love your phone is because it’s really much more than that … it’s a small computer that fits in your pocket and gives you unlimited access to information, communication, and entertainment. So what are you doing to take care of the device that keeps you connected to everything and everyone?
Most people are aware that they should have antivirus software on their computers, but many people don’t even consider it as an option when it comes to their mobile devices. They assume that phones have enough built in protection to keep them safe from viruses or other malware.
The truth of the matter is that although your mobile device does run the risk of being attacked, it is significantly more likely that you would experience such an attack on a regular computer. Despite the odds, it’s worth noting that all mobile devices are a potential targets for hackers.
Considering how much personal information is stored in your phone, including banking and credit card information, it’s important to recognize your mobile devices vulnerability.
To better protect your sensitive information, take extra caution with:
- Text messages that instruct you to call a particular number because of suspicious account activity.
- Text messages that come from unknown numbers containing suspicious links.
- General phishing attacks.
As of now it seems unlikely that antivirus software will be a necessity in the immediate future, but recent attacks like Stagefright leave many asking whether the need for antivirus software for mobile devices in unavoidable.
As of this time, certain operating systems like Android are more vulnerable than others (the Apple iOS is much less likely to be infiltrated), and there are free antivirus apps available for download which could give you the extra protection you want, along with the peace of mind you need. Conversely, many of these apps have a negative impact on your phone’s battery life and performance, which may be a deterrent for many users.
So the questions remains … do you need antivirus software on your mobile device? Only you can weigh the benefits against the drawbacks to decide whether mobile antivirus software is right for you.