Asked By
Ryan Banks
10 points
N/A
Posted on - 04/05/2012
Is it possible for viruses to be transferred to and android mobile device?
What are they and how can I avoid them?
Virus on android mobile device
It is possible to transfer viruses to an android mobile device, Android OS for being open-source, many developers and other people has access to change and learn the system of android.
Therefore, intruders, made a way to spread malware and other viruses to some android devices. There are a lot of possibilities that may infect an android device, such as downloading and installing applications from non-Google play sources and surprisingly, even some apps on Google Play may be hiding viruses and malware on some popular downloads thru updates.
Even though Google is doing some measures to lessen and help customers to avoid these cases. There are some precautions that you may do to avoid your android device from being infected. Before downloading and installing an app read the ratings and reviews of the app this will give you an idea if the app is safe or not. If you're unsure about the app your downloading try to search the app on the internet for the app for example "[insert app name here] virus/malware?" to be sure that it is safe to install check the permissions on the application's page.
Checking the permissions would let you know what the application would do or have an access to once you've installed it on your device. You may also try to download and install antivirus/security apps like Lookout on your device for added security it automatically scans every application you install, and it has many features for free. Manufacturers may also provide updates that contains fixes for vulnerability issues on your device so grab it and update your device's firmware.
Virus on android mobile device
It is really possible but before an Android mobile phone gets infected by a virus, the host file or the program that carries the virus needs to be launched from the handset and that’s the only time the virus will start its activities. The usual files you transfer to your phone are pictures, videos, and applications.
Pictures and videos have never been the source of a virus infection unless the picture is using “.exe” extension then it is really not a picture. In Android Smartphones, a virus infection usually starts when you install an app that carries the virus code or maybe installing an app that is not really an app, but a program that will steal your personal information stored on the handset.
The only thing you can do to make your mobile phone safe from getting infected is to download applications from known sources like Google play. If the file was only sent to you by somebody you really don’t know then just discard the file.
Avoid receiving any file from other persons especially if you don’t know the person.
