Android smartphones affected by new malware

ALCATEL ONETOUCH has released information from Trend Micro, a computing security company, that in the first quarter of 2015, 14 million malware threats were blocked from trying to attack smartphones worldwide.

The vast majority of malware identified is noted as unwanted applications that are installed on your phone without authorisation via actions such as opening an email, clicking on a link or even downloading an image or an application that you just shared.

These viruses pose a risk to stored information, such as passwords, images, contacts and videos.

"Millions of users store important information on

their mobile devices and use them to surf the Internet, read emails and conduct financial transactions," said Jesus Hung, regional director for the Caribbean and Central America for ALCATEL ONETOUCH.

"We want our users to always be protected, so one of the priorities for ALCATEL ONETOUCH is to keep consumers aware of industry trends, and what is [needed] to keep their information safe."

integrated antivirus

"Security is a commitment. ALCATEL ONETOUCH

develops the best equipment and provides them with the best security options. However, it is important that users opt for safe navigation practices to avoid compromising information. It's like in real life: the more you expose one to compromising situations, the more risk we run," said Hung.

In an effort to protect their devices against increasing security threats, ALCATEL ONETOUCH integrated the latest version of antivirus Dr Safety by Trend Micro, designed specifically for smartphones and tablets.

Among other security features, Dr Safety performs silent monitoring (users do not realise that your computer is being analysed) against security threats, secure Internet browsing and privacy in social networks.

Besides this, Dr Safety

provides for the ability to screen calls and unwanted text

messages.

ALCATEL ONETOUCH advises that irrespective of the brand of device:

n Use passwords containing at least one number and one capital letter to access a computer, phone and applications.

n When finding information on the Internet, popular search engines should be used.

n When making purchases online, use known sites, which state in its terms that transactions are secure, and always use those with the web address 'https://'

n Download applications and files only from reputable sites, such as Google Play, ensuring applications are certified by the developer, whether free or paid.

n Accept file transfers from

reputable sources and distrust rare files with names or

extensions.

n Think before you click: Do you really want or need to open that page? Hackers place unnecessary links and we click without realising what we are viewing.

n With smartphone usage, an increasing part of our personal and corporate lives, the onus is now on the consumer to be aware of their activities in cyberspace and, like our day-to-day lives, implement safety measures to limit exposure to risks.