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Mobile Security Tools

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PCQ Bureau
New Update


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Today malware is not limited to desktops and laptops. With the increase usage of smartphones and tablets, viruses and malware have found a new home. The problems with virus and malware are not limited to deletion or theft of data. It can drain your device's battery really fast, make the applications non-functional, can upload your information like images, videos on internet without your prior information and can also force you to format your device. Worst part is if you will back up the data and restore it there would be a very high possibility that you will restore the infected data. This isn't limited to this only. It can spread to other devices also. If you are sending file to other devices through Bluetooth, there is a possibility that you might end up sending the infected file and this case the other device will also get infected. Another aspect is that if you connect your device to your laptop or desktop PC then the virus or malware may get transferred, infecting your computer.

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What about the scenario where your device gets stolen? In this case your private information will be compromised and now you have no way to get that device or information back and in no way you can erase that information remotely.



In the scenarios that we have stated the devices could be saved if they have proper security applications installed in them. Why not secure your device when it acts as a storage for your vital information? Anti-virus, mobile tracker or application lockers can save files in times of infection or when it is stolen.



What to look for

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Now there are different security software available in the market with different features. At times it is difficult to select one out of many. But there are certain features that you should not give a miss.



Security features



Apart from an anti-virus or firewall, a security software should have features like remote wipe, mobile tracker, and SIM lock. Remote wipe will help you delete your data remotely by sending an SMS, a mobile tracker will track your phone location and can send you the number that is currently using the mobile phone and SIM lock will lock your device in case someone replaces the SIM card in your phone. These features are helpful when your device gets stolen or you misplace it. Though these features can be found in different applications, but it good to have a security app with all these features incorporated in a single application.

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How effective they are



Regardless of what features an application is offering, it should work properly and protect in real time. Some antivirus software also scan applications just after you install them. Though most of the mobile security applications are installed in phone memory, but you should always install them on phone memory or internal memory. This is because in case someone removes the SD card, the device would not be protected anymore. It should not also put strain on CPU usage and battery life.



Ease of use



A security software should be straight forward and easy to use, otherwise you might not be able to use certain features. It should also have a password protection feature so that you can make changes in the protection by entering the password. Otherwise anyone can change your security preferences or even delete them.





Updates



This is an important part of a security application. Since everyday viruses and security threats are released, every security application should have updates available-automatically or manually. This would actually save your device from new attacks. You should also check the frequency of updates. Do not install a security application that does not get updates because it will be obsolete after a while.



Technical support is another feature that you should look for. If you are stuck somewhere then developer of the application should be there to provide you support via, email, chat or phone. You can also provide your feedback of the application. You should go through the reviews of the applications like in Google Play or Apple app store, where you can get the pros and cons of the application.



Now we have listed few applications that you can use to protect your device.



Smart App Protector



This app lets you protect your applications installed in your Android device using a password or a gesture. You can lock your images, messages, email client etc. so that no one can access them behind you. You can set the password using numbers, characters, patterns and gestures. Other features are: preventing the screen from turning off and auto rotate. You can also backup and restore your applications. It can be downloaded from http://ld2.in/44d



Antivirus



Lookout Mobile Security is one such antivirus that will help you protect your mobile phone. It is available as free and as a premium version. Free version includes an antivirus, find my phone and backup & restore feature. Find My Phone actually locates your stolen phone on Google Maps. You just have to login into www.mylookout.com and from there you can track it. Backup and restore will let you backup your pictures, call logs and contacts to www.Mylookout.com. Another feature is scream. You can remotely initiate this from mylookout.com and your mobile will sound alarm on your device, no matter your phone is on mute. The premium version includes features like safe browsing, remote lock and wipe and privacy advisor. Privacy advisor lets you choose which application can access your personal information like contacts and messages. It can be downloaded from: http://ld2.in/44e



Other applications



Kaspersky Mobile Security- http://ld2.in/44f. Kaspersky also lets you blacklist phone numbers, so that you won't get unwanted calls and messages.



Norton Antivirus and Security- http://ld2.in/44g. It protects you from fraudulent and phishing websites.



Apart from these security applications iOS and Android have in-built features to password protect a device. It is recommended to use this feature because it helps you in preventing someone accessing your mobile phone.

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