Mobile phone and tablet software should be evaluated by approval teams to ensure their quality and security. These procedures are routine on official app stores but cannot be assured with third-party sources. Consequently, stay clear of unofficial storefronts or sideloaded apps from websites.

Some users may download something like a QR code scanner or camera app without realizing their smartphone has these apps and features pre-installed. While some of these other apps may be safe, a lot of them can be a front for malicious software. Installing them may lead to your data being stolen or a loss […]

Mobile apps often ask for numerous permissions, including access to your camera, contacts list and geolocation. Think hard before permitting them, since some applications only want these abilities for data harvesting purposes. For example, it’s not usually vital to give Facebook access to your location, or to let Instagram listen in on your microphone.

Outdated applications and Operating Systems (OS) are a breeding ground for malware since they often have known vulnerabilities that can only be fixed by upgrading. If you see a new version is available, install it right away. Many platforms, such as Apple iOS, even allow you to automatically schedule security updates so you don’t miss […]

After installing and opening a smartphone app, oftentimes your phone will ask if you’d like to give the app access to certain functionalities of your phone, such as your camera or microphone. You should be especially careful if it asks permission to access your data, such as your contacts. Even though there are security measures […]

If you use an Android device, you’ll learn that not every app is available on the Google Play Store. That means you’ll have to sideload the app, meaning you’ll have to download and install it manually. When you attempt to do this, Google will give you several warnings and you may even have to change […]