These days, devices are at a greater risk with the rising number of hacking incidents. And by devices, we do not mean just your laptop. We are talking about smartphone too.
While it is handy to have an antivirus software, there are some practical steps you can take as well to keep your smartphone safe without having to need one.
Here are some examples of how to keep your smartphone safe from viruses without having to use an antivirus app:
Avoid Clicking Strange Links
This is rather self-explanatory and pretty simple to do, but it is also one of the things people do by accident or without really thinking about it.
Reader's Digest reminds that "Viruses can also get on your phone when you click on strange links or open up an email that contains a virus." To avoid the risk of unintentionally adding a virus to your smartphone, simply avoid clicking links that you are not 100% sure of.
Check Your Browser Settings
Yes, your smartphone does have setting for its browser and those settings are key to keeping your device safe. Samsung, in particular, provides options in its Samsung Internet app to keep pop-ups away.
What you have to do is to open Samsung Internet and then tap Menu. Once you have done that, select Ad Blockers. You will then be given a list of options for ad blockers for your browser. Select one and install.
Should you prefer to use a different browser app, always remember to adjust the security settings for it.
Do Not Download Apps Outside of Legitimate App Stores
One of the surefire ways you can end up having virus in your smartphone is by downloading an infected app. Reader's Digest recommends looking out for free apps that would typically cost some money as they may potentially have viruses in them.
Furthermore, it is highly recommended that you do not download apps outside the legitimate app store of your smartphone. For iPhones, it is the Apple App Store. For Android devices, it is the Google Play Store or Galaxy Apps.
Keep the Software Up to Date
It may be a pain to constantly update your device, but it does a lot in keeping your phone safe from viruses. How so?
Business Insider says in its article that "Not only does it often bring new features to your device, but it ensures that you're running on the most secure version of Apple's iOS or Google's Android operating system."
Keep in mind that software updates may include fixes for vulnerabilities as well as other security updates that are handy for your smartphone to have. It should be noted that hackers and other malicious third parties can exploit vulnerabilities should they remain unfixed.
Limit App Access
It is also wise to limit the access your apps have not just to your smartphone but your personal information as well. Both iOS and Android give you the ability to choose which aspects of your device an app has access to. This can be done via the setting menu.
Likewise, it is also best to delete apps that you no longer use.
