Understanding the Risks of Using an Android Device | McAfee Blog

In today’s digital era, smartphones and tablets are quickly becoming essentials for everybody. However, despite their increasing popularity, many people fail to take adequate security precautions with their mobile devices. Statistics show that roughly 75% of Americans do not use mobile security software. Moreover, approximately 36% of users do not have a basic PIN to secure their mobile devices. Therefore, it becomes imperative to understand the risks and take necessary precautions, particularly for Android users.

Android has, over time, become a popular target for hackers. Recently, McAfee Labs™ found that all new forms of malicious mobile software were solely designed to exploit vulnerabilities in the Android operating system. Multiple factors contribute to this increase in mobile malware. One of the major reasons is the exponential growth of the Android platform, which currently holds the largest share of the mobile marketplace. Naturally, cybercriminals are drawn to the size and potential for exploitation in the Android space.

Mobile Malware: Explained

Malicious mobile activity, particularly on Android devices, is generally driven by bad apps. These rogue applications come with a myriad of risks. They can access your contacts, sending them unwanted emails. They can track and record everything you do on your mobile device, leading to severe consequences such as data theft, keylogging, and unauthorized access to sensitive information like banking credentials. They may even hijack your device or distribute personal content without consent, posing emotional and reputational damage. 

In addition to individual risks, mobile malware can serve broader purposes, including espionage and geopolitical motives, often orchestrated by nation-states or hacktivist groups. These advanced persistent threats (APTs) may target specific individuals, organizations, or regions, posing significant damage potential. To protect against these advanced threats and prevent the proliferation of mobile malware, proactive cybersecurity measures, awareness, and safe online practices are indispensable.

→ Dig Deeper: 4 Mobile Malware Threats You Can’t Even See

Steps That Can Protect Your Android Device

While the extent of smartphone malware is currently less severe compared to desktop or laptop PCs, awareness of its existence can go a long way toward ensuring your data’s security. There are a few simple steps you can take to protect yourself and your data:

Begin by using a PIN to lock your device. Just as you would be cautious with your computer, always think twice before clicking on links, especially from unfamiliar sources. Ensure that you have web protection software installed which can help keep you from visiting malicious sites. When looking to download apps, remember to do your research. Reading the ratings and reviews can give you a good idea about the app’s credibility. Only download apps from well-known, reputable app stores to minimize the possibility of downloading a malicious app.

→ Dig Deeper: How Safe Is Your Android PIN Code?

During the app installation process, ensure you review what permissions the app is requesting on your device. Consider using an app protection feature that alerts you if an app is accessing data it does not require. Lastly, consider installing a comprehensive mobile security solution like McAfee Mobile Security. This type of software generally includes anti-malware, web protection, anti-theft, and app protection features.

Understand Your App’s Permissions

App permissions play a crucial role in this process. Android developers have the liberty to choose from over 150 different permissions that an app can access on your mobile device. Examples include turning on your camera to record images or videos, accessing all your contacts, and even accessing your IMEI code (a unique identifier for your mobile device). Therefore, it’s crucial to understand why an app needs to access specific information to prevent it from sending your personal information to potentially malicious entities.

With each download, apps request permission to access certain functionalities on your device. Unfortunately, these permissions can sometimes be used to compromise your personal data. For instance, an app might ask for access to your device’s camera, microphone, or location. While these permissions might seem harmless at face value, they can be exploited. Cybercriminals can potentially use these permissions to steal sensitive information or even engage in surveillance activities. That’s why it’s critical to cross-verify each permission an app requests and deny any that seem unnecessary.

For those unsure, consider asking the following questions: Why does this app need access to my contacts, SMS, or location? Is this access necessary for the functionality of the app? If you’re unsure, look up the app on online forums or ask for advice from trusted sources. Remember, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.

McAfee Pro Tip: Be careful when downloading third-party apps. Developers of third-party apps are not under the control of the OS owners and official application stores like App Store and Google Play, so they can have lower security levels. This enables advertisers and hackers to insert malicious codes within the app. Know more about third-party apps and how to check app authenticity.

Keep Your Android Device Updated

Another crucial measure to protect your Android device is to keep it updated. Software updates not only introduce new features but also fix potential security flaws. Hackers often exploit these security flaws to infiltrate your device, making updates a crucial part of your security toolkit. Regularly check for updates and install them as soon as they are available.

Google frequently releases monthly security patches for Android. These patches address various security vulnerabilities that have been discovered in the Android operating system. However, the responsibility for pushing these updates to individual devices lies with the device manufacturers and carriers. Ensure that you are aware of your device’s update cycle and prioritize installing these updates.

→ Dig Deeper: Why Software Updates Are So Important

Final Thoughts

Your Android device serves as a repository for a wealth of personal and sensitive information. As we continue to incorporate these devices into our daily lives, the need for stringent security measures has never been more urgent. While the world of mobile security might seem daunting, the right knowledge and a few preventive measures can help you avoid the majority of potential threats.

Start by locking your device with a PIN, be cautious about the links you click on, verify app permissions, ensure you download apps from a trusted source, and keep your device updated. Remember, your digital security is in your hands. Equip yourself with the necessary tools and awareness to navigate the online world safely. Lastly, consider investing in a comprehensive mobile security solution like McAfee Mobile Security to fortify your defenses against potential cyber threats.