Google Play Store is the online shop where you can get apps for your Android smartphone, the App Store is the equivalent for iPhone. The latter has been actively protected by Apple for years, and viruses and faulty apps are kept out. Unlike iOS, Android is a lot more open to developers and users. This openness does come with a risk. It is possible to find apps with malicious intentions. Think for example of apps to scam people or to steal data using a virus.
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1. Critically consider an app's title Some apps contain viruses. These are apps that are usually free and may have titles like ‘Free Sexy Wallpapers’. Viruses can send expensive or annoying text messages to your contacts or strangers without you noticing. In many cases, you can tell from the title whether it is an official or safe app. Always choose apps that have been downloaded thousands of times and get good feedback from users. That way, you know it is low risk. |
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2. Read the terms and conditions In an app's installation window, you can see what permissions and rights an app needs. That way, you know exactly where you stand. |
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3. Only download from the official Play Store Only apps from the Play Store can be checked by Google. Apps from outside are not checked at all and often have viruses or malware. Be wary of apps offered through a link in an email. |
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4. Turn Bluetooth off when not in use If Bluetooth is on and remains visible to other users, they can pick up your phone's signal and give you a virus that way. So, don't accept messages from unknown users via Bluetooth. These are often viruses. |
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5. Reset your phone If your phone is not (no longer) working quite as you would expect, we recommend resetting your smartphone to factory settings. This will delete all your personal files, apps, and settings. So, make a backup of the most important files beforehand. However, a full backup is not recommended. This is because you will then also make a backup of the possible virus. |
