What you need to know about Android malware
Smartphones are like palm-sized computers, so you should protect them the way you do your laptop and desktop. While you don’t need to install bulky security software to protect against cyberthreats, there are some effective steps to keep cybercriminals at bay: Mobile malware MO Mobile malware can be just as harmful to a business’s network as infected desktops and laptops are. Potential problems include overcharges on phone bills, stolen data, intercepted messages, phishing attacks, and fake notifications to one’s contact list. Most examples of malware come from applications downloaded from third-party app stores. These give hackers access to passwords, user account information, and other sensitive personal data. Since many business users link their Android devices to each other, malware could transfer across multiple devices with ease. Who is responsible? The burden doesn’t fall solely on smartphone users. App stores are responsible, too. In one instance, malware-ridden banking and weather apps became available in the Google Play Store. Victims were urged to update their phones with the latest security patches in response to the issue. How to avoid mobile malware The Google Play Store isn’t 100% secure, but downloading from established app stores — and not from little-known and less secure ones — reduces the probability of downloading malicious apps. In cases when an infected app makes its way to the store and starts getting lots of downloads, Google will be quick to remove it and make everyone aware of the risks of using that app. Despite app stores’ best efforts, however, it’s nearly impossible to prevent mobile malware from getting through. That’s why it pays to read user reviews where infected users post detailed warnings. Also, regularly updating your mobile device’s operating system and security software helps prevent infection, as the latest versions are patched against the latest known cyberthreats. Malware doesn’t discriminate, so it will find a way to infect your device if your software isn’t up to date. To find out whether your business devices are safe and fully protected, consult our cybersecurity experts today. Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.
Safeguarding your Android device
You don’t need advanced technological know-how to protect your Android phone or tablet. Our guide shows how to safeguard your device from digital and physical threats. All it takes is a simple tweak to your device settings and downloading the right protection software. Protecting your Android device from digital risks and theft should be a priority as most hackers continue to exploit Android’s vulnerability. However, you don’t need to purchase expensive software to safeguard your device. Most of the best protection against common Android threats is available for free. Here are ways to secure your Android devices. Buy devices from vendors who release Android patches quickly Beware of handset makers who don’t immediately release Android updates. By delaying the patches, these vendors allow your device to be vulnerable for the time being. Always keep your software updated Google releases security patches fairly regularly, and most newer phones automatically inform you of updates. Update your device and apps as soon as security patches are released. Make sure to lock your screen You can lock and unlock your Android device’s screen in multiple ways. These provide an extra layer of protection as they require you to unlock a device with either a unique code, pattern, or face recognition. The simplest way is to use a personal identification number (PIN); however, make sure you don’t use 1-2-3-4-5 or some easy-to-guess combination. For newer Android devices, you can set up a fingerprint unlock. Downloads apps only on Google Play Store Google Play is the safest place to download apps for your device. Third-party sites may offer an interesting lineup of apps, but these can be malicious and certainly not worth the risk. Sometimes bogus apps make it into the Google Play Store, so always read reviews before downloading apps. These will usually tell you if an app is legitimate. Use Google Play Protect Google has a built-in malware scanner that monitors apps in the Play Store and in your device. Make sure it’s on by going to Settings > Google > Security > Play Protect. Use on-device encryption This feature encrypts all your device’s sensitive data, rendering them unreadable until you enter your PIN or passcode. Activate it by going to Settings > Security > Encrypt Device. Use a virtual private network (VPN) When connected to public Wi-Fi, there’s always a possibility that someone connected to the same network is intercepting your connection. Using a VPN encrypts your information, so even if someone steals it, it’s protected. There are numerous VPNs on the Google Play Store that are free and simple to use. Compare their rankings and reviews before picking one. Use two-factor authentication (2FA) Aside from protecting your Android device, you must also protect your Google account. Add another layer of protection to your account by enabling 2FA. Just go to My Account > 2-Step Verification, then follow the prompts. You can choose to get verification codes on your phone via SMS or voice. Keep an eye on your device as you would your valuable items Thieves are always on the lookout for potential victims. Treat your device as you would your cash, jewelry, and other valuables. Avoid using your device in crime-prone areas so as not to attract attention and get robbed. Exercise vigilance in opening emails and avoid shady websites, as hackers may be phishing for your personal data such as login information or credit card details. Keep these tips in mind to safeguard your phone or tablet from physical and digital risks. You don’t want your device and the sensitive data in it to end up in the wrong hands. If you have any comments, suggestions or questions about your Android device, call us now. We are here to help. Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.
Delete these adware apps from your Android device now
Sophos recently reported that there are 15 adware apps in Google Play, and more than 1.3 million Android users worldwide have downloaded at least one of them. These apps display unwanted advertisements on your device and collect marketing-type data about you, generating revenue for their operators in the process. Read on to learn how to find and delete adware apps from your device. The adware apps that Sophos identified are disguised as system or utility apps. They include image editors, QR code readers, and even an app for erasing confidential data from your device. Their names even resemble those of legitimate system apps, chosen for the express purpose of tricking Android users into installing them onto their devices. These apps are: Flash On Calls & Messages Read QR Code Image Magic Generate Elves Savexpense QR Artifact Find Your Phone Scavenger — speed guard Auto Cut Out Pro Background Cut Out Pro Photo Background Editor 2019 ImageProcessing for Android Background Cut Out New Auto Cut Out Auto Cut Out 2019 These apps are also hard to detect because they display two different sets of names and icons — one on your device’s Settings app and another when they’re actually running. This makes it more difficult to identify and uninstall the adware apps on your device, which is exactly what the developers want. If you install one of these apps, it will appear on your app tray, but launching it triggers a message that the app is incompatible with your device. You will then be redirected to the Google Maps page on Google Play. When you return to your app tray, you’ll find that the app’s icon has disappeared. If there’s no icon then, how can you uninstall the app? Andrew Brandt, a researcher at Sophos, says deleting adware apps will require a little bit of digging on your part, as there’s no icon that you can click and drag to the top of the screen and into the trash. First, identify the adware apps. Go to Settings > Apps & Notifications. This will direct you to a page that displays the most recently opened apps on your device. Next, check if any of those apps have the generic greenish-blue Android icon and/or have generic-sounding names such as Back Up, Update, etc. If they do, they’re likely adware. Finally, tap the icon and then tap Force Stop > Uninstall. Note that a legit system or utility app will have a “Disable” instead of an “Uninstall” option. Sophos warns that there may be similar apps that are yet to be identified and more are likely to be made available on Google Play in the future. The key takeaway here is to be mindful of what you download, even if it’s from Google Play or other official platforms. Check out the reviews — the reported adware apps got poor reviews from users who complained about getting a lot of pop-up ads. Remember that malware can be hiding in even the most innocuous apps, and downloading them gives bad actors the chance to access any confidential information on your device. For advice on how to keep your Android devices safe from adware and other malicious malware, give us a call today. Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.
Verifying Android apps
Android tablets are among the most popular devices on the market today. With a wide variety of sizes and designs, users are spoiled for choice. Not only that, there are a lot of apps available on Google Play Store. Unfortunately, cybercriminals also create fake apps with malicious code — and these apps can be hard to spot. So, how can people protect themselves and make sure that their tablet is running only safe applications? Downloading from a trusted source Downloading an app from well-known and legitimate sources like Google Play Store, Samsung, or Amazon used to be a good security measure since these sites are routinely monitored and scanned for fraudulent apps. But reports of fake apps plaguing these sites have led users to reevaluate their downloading habits. Recently, Android fans were warned about six malware-filled apps on Google Play Store that have been downloaded 90 million times. One of those apps is “Followkade,” a fake Instagram likes-and-followers-boosting app, which had over 50,000 installs and a 4.0 rating from almost 7,000 reviewers. Taking more vigilant measures There are several effective ways you can take to make sure your tablet is not vulnerable to fake applications: Before downloading from a trusted source, read the small print and reviews about the application. This will help protect yourself from security risks. Enable or disable the security settings of your tablet as you see fit. The Android operating system (OS) comes with built-in features that will help detect or prevent any threats. If activated or configured properly, the OS will alert users when there is abnormal behavior from the apps installed on the device. Update your software. Some users may find this an inconvenience and forego updates when they come in. But patches from these updates can fix bugs or vulnerabilities, which can thwart cyberattacks. Use third-party antivirus software Because the market for tablets is growing, more and more companies are offering antivirus solutions. Although there are free but effective legitimate antivirus software programs, the better option is to purchase from well-established companies to get maximum protection. Third-party antivirus software may come with monthly or yearly subscriptions, as well as different premium rates for different types of security measures. But do consider the benefits versus the cost before you make any purchase. If you are looking to learn more about protecting your Android tablet, contact us today to see how we can help. Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.
Android tablets do’s and don’ts
Going mobile is a standard strategy for businesses today. With the heavy adoption of devices like Android tablets, business owners are able to connect with the office from nearly anywhere. This is great news and one of the mains reasons why so many businesses are thinking about integrating Android tablets at work. For those who are, here is a brief guide on some do’s and don’ts for Android in the office. Do: Use separate profiles – Recent versions of Android allow you to set up multiple accounts on one device. This means you can have a personal account and a work account on the same device without the two crossing over. Each account can be protected with a unique password and has its own apps and layout, an ideal setup for staff who use their personal devices for work. Pick responsibly – Android tablets come in all shapes and sizes, and with different versions of the operating system. That’s why it’s a good idea to do some research before you buy one for your business. Take the time to try and identify what you will be using the device for, what features you would like, and most importantly, if the device is compatible with your existing systems. We strongly recommend going with one of the big-name brands like Google, Samsung, or Asus. Develop a usage and management plan – Before you integrate the device into your system, plan ahead for how the device will be used and managed. Will each employee be in charge of managing their own device, or will your IT partner manage the devices for you? Develop a list of approved apps for work, including important ones like email and messaging. Then, make sure employees are trained to use these business apps properly and securely. Look into accessories – One common factor many businesses forget to look into when implementing Android devices is the numerous accessories available for tablets. In order to extend the life of the devices, it is a good idea to get protective cases and screen covers. Also, look and see whether or not the device you have chosen has a removable battery or SD card. If it does, you may want to invest in extra batteries and cards. Don’t: Skimp on security – As Android tablets become more popular, they become more attractive targets for cybercriminals. You must mandate security measures on all devices. This includes an antivirus scanner and daily check for app updates. Also, educate staff on how to spot fake apps, how to enable secure browsing on the web, and why they should avoid unsecured public Wi-Fi networks. Allow third-party app stores – Android is an open-source operating system, meaning you can install apps from almost any location. This has resulted in many third-party app stores (stores not run by Google) popping up. Some of these stores host a wide array of apps, including ones that may contain malware. To keep your business safe, prevent employees from installing apps from third-party stores, and only allow apps that have been thoroughly vetted on Google Play. Worry about fragmentation – Yes, Android is very fragmented — devices are running different versions of Android. While this may seem like a big deal, it doesn’t have to be. We recommend limiting your tablet purchase to those with the most recent version of Android. Once you get used to the tablet, the issue of fragmentation will usually disappear, especially if everyone in the office is on the same version. If you are looking for help in selecting and managing an Android device for your office, contact us today. We have a team of Android experts who can support you at any time. Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.
How to deal with Android bloatware
When you buy an Android mobile phone, the mobile carrier often installs certain apps onto the device. These apps, commonly referred to as bloatware, are usually tied into a service that the carrier offers. A majority of users, however, don’t want these apps. Here’s how you can deal with Android bloatware. What is bloatware? Bloatware is software that is preinstalled on the device by mobile carriers. These are “value-added” apps, which require you to pay extra to use them. An example of such apps is a music streaming service run by the carrier. These apps are preinstalled because many carriers have contracts with manufacturers to install them. In other words, you don’t get a choice as to whether or not it is installed on your device. Is bloatware bad? Mobile bloatware often gets a bad rap even though they’re not necessarily bad or malicious. Some users even use some of the device’s preinstalled apps. That said, many take issue with the fact that they weren’t given a choice as to whether they want these apps installed on their devices. Can I get rid of bloatware? Unfortunately, no. Some bloatware can be uninstalled, but some can’t be deleted. But don’t fret. There are two options you can consider: 1. Disable bloatware on your device If your phone runs on Android 4.X and newer, you can disable bloatware by following these steps. Open your device’s Settings panel by sliding down from the top of the screen and selecting the person icon with five squares, followed by Settings. Tap on Apps and swipe right to highlight All at the top. Scroll to the app you would like to disable and tap on it. Press Disable. Tap Ok in the warning that opens. Once you do this, the app will be removed from the home screen and will no longer run in the background. 2. Purchase devices without bloatware If you are buying a device or are looking to upgrade your current phone, make sure to purchase a device without bloatware. Most phones purchased separately from a carrier won’t have carrier-specific apps. Consider buying at big-box stores or retailers instead of mobile carriers. If you are unsure as to whether the device you plan to buy has bloatware, ask the salesperson or read online reviews. When you purchase a device from a mobile carrier, there’s usually a stipulation agreement indicating that you permit them to install certain apps. Signing this contract means giving your consent. One of the downsides to this is that you have to pay full price for the device. For some, this is acceptable, while others are fine with the odd bit of bloatware if they get to pay less for their device. Looking to learn more about Android devices? Contact us today — our IT experts can help! Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.
4 easy ways to wipe data from your phone
The smartphone has become an important part of our lives and is one gadget that many of us carry most of the time. We not only use it to communicate with others, but to store personal information like email, photos, and contacts, as well. So if you plan to sell your phone or give it to someone else, make sure you erase everything that’s stored there. 1. Encrypt your Android phone Ensure that strangers don’t have access to your private data by encrypting it to make it unreadable. Newer phones usually encrypt data by default. But if you’re unsure about yours, double-check to avoid regrets later. Go to Settings in your phone and search for Encryption. Where you’ll find that depends on the phone you’re using, but it should be easy to locate. Once there, you’ll see whether your device is encrypted or not. If it’s the latter, start the encryption process. This normally takes an hour or more, and you can’t use your device during that time. 2. Remove the SIM and storage cards Now that your data is encrypted, remove your SIM card and external memory card. Both are linked to your identity and contain sensitive information so don’t let them out of your sight. 3. Perform a factory reset You can now start the actual data wiping process. Under Settings, look for Backup & Reset and go to Factory Data Reset. This is where you can remove data and accounts from your phone. You will be asked to verify your fingerprint, or input your password, pattern, or PIN before starting the process. 4. Sever ties to specific websites The final step is to manually remove your old device from Google and other websites it is associated with. Go to the concerned sites, choose your device, and remove it from the list of Trusted Devices. Don’t forget your password manager and multi-device authentication apps; sign in to those and close any connections there as well. As long as you follow these four easy steps, you can safely get rid of your old mobile phone. For those who are still worried about their data, give us a call. We’ll protect your files from prying eyes and give you valuable tips to secure your Android device. Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.
The essential guide to Android backups
Your Android phone is your life. It contains business documents, calendar reminders, and contacts you can’t afford to lose, but one unforeseen case of the butterfingers can wipe them out instantly. It’s wise to back up your data. Check out this guide to learn how to go about it. Take advantage of cloud services The best way to ensure your data is safe is to back it up in the cloud. When you power up your Android device for the first time, make sure to sign up for a Google account. This will give you access to 15 GB of free Google Drive storage, with optional additional space for a monthly fee. Any Google Docs or Sheets file you create on your phone will automatically be saved to your Drive, so if you ever lose your phone, you can retrieve your files by simply signing in to your Google account from a different device. If you’re not a fan of Google services, you can always opt for other cloud storage services like Dropbox or Office 365. Backup your device settings Another great thing about Android devices is you can back up their settings and preferences via Google Drive. These include screen lock passcodes, display preferences, language options, and approved Wi-Fi networks. To confirm all these settings are saved to your Google account, go to the Backup section in system settings and enable “Back up to Google Drive.” This way, if you ever switch to a new phone or tablet, you can quickly restore all your device settings and preferences by signing in to your Google account. Save your app data If you have apps that contain important information, you can sync the data of those apps to your Drive. Simply go to the Backup section, look for App data, then enable the Automatic restore function. Keep your contacts Most contacts are saved on SIM cards or on the phone itself. To back them up, check if there’s a cloud syncing option in your Contacts app. If your phone doesn’t have it, install third-party services like Contact Backup, which can be found on the Google Play Store. What if you don’t save your data in the cloud? Although we highly recommend cloud services for data retrieval, your phone’s SD card does retain some information after it’s been deleted. You can restore deleted files by connecting your SD card to a desktop computer and using specialized recovery software. But this can be a complicated process unless you team up with Android experts like us. For more services regarding data backup and mobile device management, call us today. We offer a wide array of solutions for Android phones. Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.
What Google Assistant can do for you
Before there was Google Assistant, there was Google Now. In 2016, it replaced Google Now as the virtual assistant (VA) in the Google app for Android and iOS. The updated VA offers plenty of functionalities to Google device users. Here are a few that you should take advantage of. Locate the best route to any location Google Assistant works seamlessly with Google Maps, which makes it a great tool for finding the best route to any location. For instance, if you’re trying to find the best route home, just turn on the app and say, “Get me home.” It will then work with Google Maps to let you know the ideal route based on your current location. You can also check for traffic updates with Google Assistant, and get the latest information on road closures and traffic diversions. This feature is perfect for people who are often on the move. Make a shopping list with your voice Google Assistant can also help you make shopping lists with ease — just “talk” to the app. To do this, open the app and say, “Add [item] to my shopping list.” Google Assistant will then collate all the items on your shopping list and read it back to you for good measure. Stay updated with the latest news Too busy to browse the day’s news? Why not have Google Assistant read them for you? If you say “Play the news,” Google Assistant will begin reading the stories from news sources you have saved in your RSS feeds, social media accounts, etc. You can make Google Assistant play, pause, and stop reading at any time, as well as request it to read articles from a particular source or media site. Take control of your smart home If you’re enhancing your living space with smart devices like ovens, light bulbs, or thermostats that operate automatically, Google Assistant can help you easily control them. For example, you can say, “Okay. Google, turn off lights in the living room.” To activate Google Assistant, tap on the menu icon at the upper-right section of the screen and choose Settings. You can then add the smart devices in your house that are compatible with your app. Measurement and currency conversions and language translation You can also use Google Assistant to convert measurements, currencies, and other data. You can even ask it to get exchange rates between the US dollar and a foreign currency. Just say, “What is 12 US dollars in euros?” The trusty assistant also has a nifty language translation feature. Check the email inbox and appointments calendar If you’re using Google Assistant, chances are you’re using other services like Gmail or Google Calendar, so why not use your voice-activated helper to connect to these apps? You can ask Google Assistant to skim through your Gmail inboxes for target keywords, or pull up a recently added appointment in your Calendar app. Google Assistant can also work with your Google Keep app, which is handy for taking down notes. These are just a few of the things Google Assistant can do for you. If you have questions about this tool, get in touch with our experts who are ready to help you. Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.
Protect your Android device from viruses
Your smartphone and/or tablet are essential to your day-to-day tasks. Should they get infected by viruses, would you know what steps to take? If you’re using an Android device, you’re in luck. This guide can help you remove viruses on your Android phone or tablet. The lowdown on Android viruses A virus infection on Android devices is actually incredibly rare. Seeing pop-up ads prompting you to buy a virus removal app doesn’t automatically mean your device is infected. In fact, buying one of these apps could get your device infected by a virus! That’s because all Android viruses are contracted via apps you install on the device. To avoid getting infected, install only apps from the Google Play app store. If you must buy one from third-party stores, do some research first. If you suspect that your device has been infected, here’s what you can do: Use antivirus apps from Google Play or Google Play Protect – A lot of these are free and will detect and remove malicious apps, but some have a tendency to report apps as infected when they’re actually completely fine. Perform a factory reset – If a virus has infected your phone, this is a surefire way to remove it. However, in doing so you return your phone to its original factory settings. That means you’ll lose all data that you haven’t backed up. If your device has been infected, here are ways to remove the virus. Turn safe mode on. To do this, access the power-off options by pressing the power button, then press and hold Power Off. This gives you the option to restart in safe mode. However, this doesn’t work with all Android phones or tablets. If it doesn’t work with your device, a quick Google search will pull up model-specific instructions. Turning on safe mode prevents any malware from running. Search for the infected app. Do this by opening Settings and then Apps. Check the Download tab (since the virus can only be something you’ve downloaded), and then start searching for the suspected app. If you don’t know the virus’s name, it’s likely something that looks suspicious. Uninstall the app. Yes, it’s really that simple. Just click on the suspected app and uninstall it. Then you’re done. But if the name of the app is grayed out and can’t be tapped, it means the virus has given itself Device Administration Status. In this case, follow the next three steps below. Remove Administrator status: Do this by tapping on Settings and Security, then Device Administrators. Simply uncheck the infected app and hit Deactivate on the next screen. Uninstall the app. When you return to the Apps menu, the infected app will no longer be grayed out. Simply uninstall it. Restart your device. This takes it out of safe mode. Now your phone will be protected from viruses. Want more ideas for Android and IT security? Don’t hesitate to give us a call today. Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.