6 Ways to Keep Your Android Device Malware Free

Android devices are targeted for mass malware attacks and the following tips will help you stay protected on the move.

Android devices are selling out like hot cakes and hackers and malware creators are using this opportunity to inject new malicious content to as many devices as possible to make quick bucks.

Android Malware Free

Recently smartphones devices are under attack from malicious apps and malware that creep inside the system compromising personal data and other sensitive information from users.

To keep the smartphone malware free and from online attacks, there are certain precautions you can take to protect your device.

1. Do not Sideload Apps from Fishy Websites:

In Android, applications are packaged in apk format and users can save the apk file separately and install it without relying on Google Play store. Users can also download apk files from websites, and use it conveniently.

Although this helps in many cases, this feature can be dangerous if a user unknowingly downloads a trusted application embedded with malicious content from an untrustworthy source.

The term; Sideloading means, installing any application outside of the official app store.

It is advisable not to sideload application from websites you don't trust and it's safer to install applications directly from the Play Store.


2. Uncheck Installing of Apps from Unknown Sources:

When sideloading applications, Google will prompt once about installing from "Unknown sources" and wants the sideloaded app verified with the Google server to make sure the incoming file is safe.

Unknown Sources

It is safer to scan the apk file with "verifying app" and then sideload it. Verifying with Google server will make sure the application is free from any embedded content that may spread malware inside the system.

Android Verify Apps

It is also recommended to tick off "Unknown Sources" after sideloading the apps.

3. Look out for Malvertising Campaigns:

Malware embedded with advertisements to make revenue are now widely circulated online and this malware may hack into the system from many sources and display adds without interruption to the infected smartphone.

Once it gets into the system, this malware is hard to remove and stay installed forever making the device obsolete.

Using of security applications, like Malwarebytes are recommended for protection from Malware that gets into the Android system through various mediums.

4. Don't get panic by Scareware:

Scareware is a malware that scares the user by informing that a potential virus is found in the system and tricks the user to install an app so as to remove it.

Scareware Android

If a user installs the app out of fear, the malicious content will get inside the device and may compromise the entire functionality of the device and take away all the information inside the smartphone.

5. Turn on Safe browse for Chrome:

To have a safer online browsing experience, Google has enabled safe browser feature to warn about websites that have malicious content while browsing the internet.

Chrome Safe Browse

The user can enable this feature by navigating to, Settings > Privacy, and make sure the "Safe Browsing" option is checked.

6. Keep the Software Updated:

The Android operating system will get regular security patches and updates. It is important that users must have an updated software to keep the system protected from any bugs or loopholes the attackers may use to deploy an attack over the devices.

While the above steps may keep you protected, the smartphone users must also be aware when storing sensitive contents like credit card information, bank account details and other private contents inside the smartphone.

Written by .
Last updated on 13-06-2017. Published on 13-06-2017.
Published by Mobiles4Sale in category Tips
Latest Comments. Share Your Opinion
Thanks. I never was aware of these things. But what happens if my phone get malware. How to remove it ?
By Arjun Chand on 23-06-2017
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Safety Tips for Buyers
  • Never pay the Seller before receiving and verifying the device.
  • Never scan any QR code or share OTP.
  • Ask for bill, box, accessories etc to make sure its not a stolen device.
  • Meet the Seller in a safe place preferably in daytime.
Safety Tips for Sellers
  • Never handover the phone before receiving the full amount.
  • Avoid Buyers from foreign countries.
  • Beware of Buyers from other cities.
  • Never share sensitive data of your bank account or credit card.
  • Never scan any QR code or share OTP.
  • Meet the Buyer in a safe place preferably in daytime.
  • Make sure to delete all personal data from the phone before selling.
  • Format the device or Reset to factory settings before selling.