Security On Your Mobile Phone and Tablet PC

Security on you mobile phone, tablet and the risks to Android phones and tablets from software written with malicious intent, known as Malware, are very real. All is not lost however, as there are ways to minimise the risks from malware and other security risks. Read on and discover how you can protect yourself.

First things first, tablet PCs are compact touch screen computers such as the Apple iPad, Samsung Galaxy Tab, Motorola Xoom, Google Nexus 7, Asus Transformer Pad just to name a few. These tablets provide a quick and easy way to access media files such as movies, music, email and web browsing.

Internet banking even is more and more being done via these tablets and mobile phones with banks such as NAB, Commonwealth Bank, ANZ, Westpac and other banks having official apps that work on Android or iOS devices. Contact your bank as soon as you notice anything strange or if you have any concerns.

Security problems on mobile devices seem to be in the news with greater frequency and with Google’s Android operating system being so popular and available on a wide range of mobile devices it is now essential to have additional security options installed on your mobile devices.

Safety and internet security becomes a consideration when you’re doing your banking on your mobile phone or tablet. Below are some key points to remember when performing internet banking or even logging into any of your email or social media accounts such as Facebook.

• Don’t use unsecured wireless networks for internet access. You could end up broadcasting your Google account details to anyone with packet-sniffing software and if this happens you might as well spray paint your account details on the most public wall you can find.
• Don’t have Bluetooth enabled when you don’t need it
• Do use internet security. There are many options for Android phones as well as tablets. Read through the list below. The sheer number of security apps available means covering all options here is not possible, however below list will provide you a number of options to protect your Android device and the data that you keep store on it.
• Do delete and ignore emails with links to your online banking. No bank will send you emails asking you to click on a link, ensure you delete any emails like these.
• Do remember to always log out of internet banking sessions. If you are logged in and your device is lost or stolen, so could your money could also disappear.
• Don’t store your banking passwords on your device. If you lose your device you can be misplacing your device as well as your money.
• Do contact your bank as soon as you notice anything out of the ordinary. If you see transactions that you did not make, call your bank on your way in to the closest branch.
  • Do utilise basic security precautions and features already on your device such as password protecting your device.
  • Do set your device to auto-lock after a short period of time. These features can be accessed within Settings > Location & Security. Nearly all Android devices have the option of a variety of unlock options, including a numeric PIN, a password or a graphical pattern.
  • Do use anti-virus apps that provide internet security and enhanced password protection and please note that it is worth investigation more advanced options.
  • Do say ‘No’ when your mobile browser asks to remember your passwords.
  • Do keep your device updated with the latest firmware updates.

Protect your Android device against malicious apps, mobile malware, and theft with the following security solutions:

AVG Antivirus

AVG Antivirus Free, the AVG Antivirus Pro is $9.99/year. AVG Antivirus scans all apps, files, and media in real time on your devgice and guards against phishing attacks. It also blocks access to malicious Web sites and enhances productivity by killing tasks that slow down or your device. AVG will let users locate a stolen phone or misplaced device via Google Maps and you can lock the device remotely, display a custom lock screen message, and make the phone ring even if it’s on silent mode. The AVG Antivirus Pro version comes with the following additions: battery and storage optimization, the ability to prevent apps from being accessed by others using your phone, also you will have the ability to back up all apps to the user’s SD card.

App Protector Pro

App Protector Pro locks individual apps with either a password or a pattern. App Protector Pro has automatic and manual locking modes. Apps to be protected can be selected by checkboxes on a
list of apps on the phone. Password recovery feature is built into the app. Cost $1.50

avast! Mobile Security

avast! Mobile Security provides a wide range of functionality, including a Virus Scanner, Privacy Advisor, Aplication Manager, Web Shield and Firewall. The Virus Scanner provides scans of all apps installed on the device and SD card. The Privacy Advisor displays the access rights of installed apps which can be used to identify privacy risks. The Application Manager displays a list of apps that are active, their size, CPU load, memory usage, and lets you stop or uninstall any app as needed. Web Shield checks every URL loaded and will warn the if a malware site is being accessed. The SMS and Call Filter filters calls and messages from the contact lists. Anti-Theft features are handy if a device is lost or stolen, as you can remotely sound a siren, lock the device and display a custom message. You can also be locate the device on a map, remotely wipe your device.

Kaspersky Mobile Security

Kaspersky Mobile Security provides virus scanning that can be scheduled or on demand. You will also have  the ability to locate you lost or stolen phone/device, You are able to lock and wipe a stolen phone even if the SIM card has been replaced. You can block unwanted calls and texts with the privacy mode that hides specific contacts, calls, and texts. $19.95/year currently $9.95 /year.

Trend Micro Mobile Security

Trend Micro Mobile Security. Trend Micro Mobile Security scans all files and apps for malware. It will block unwanted calls and texts, blocks phishing Web sites. Also parental control enabled allows you to block inappropriate Web content and websites, calls and texts. You can locate a lost or stolen device and lock and or wipes the device should it become lost or stolen. The app can also automatically lock the device if the SIM card is removed. Cost $29.95/year