Mobile security expert advises 2 checks when downloading apps

Daily Mirror

3 days ago

He shared several tips to keep your phone safe and to avoid it being infected with malware
Mobile phone users have been urged to be cautious when downloading apps onto their devices. Lee Elliott, chief product officer at Compare and Recycle, has shared some advice on how to keep your mobile safe from malware.
He pointed to two essential checks before hitting download on new software: "Before installing an app from the App Store or Google Play, always ensure it is a verified app and pay attention to its reviews." However, he does advocate for keeping apps up-to-date and promptly applying security patches as they become available.
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He warned about the perils of malware infection, which can grant intruders access to your personal data and banking apps, and exposes you to identity theft. Telltale signs that your device may be compromised include unexpected texts or calls, random pop-ups, your device overheating, or your battery draining faster then usual.
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Other red flags signalling your device may have been compromised are sluggish page loading, disruptions during online browsing, or unexplained surges in your data usage. Mr Elliott said: "If you suspect your device has been infected, the first port of call is to turn off your mobile data or Wi-Fi, and uninstall any suspicious apps you can identify.
"You could also perform a factory reset. On Android phones you can run a built-in scan to search for malware and resolve the issue, but due to the OS architecture out of the box, iPhones are well protected and are not generally susceptible to security breaches, so if you're experiencing any strange pop-ups as an Apple user try clearing your browsing history and cache first, and it'll likely solve the problem."
To avoid being targeted, Mr Elliott advises against connecting to public Wi-Fi networks and turning down any suspicious Bluetooth pairing requests when out in public. The Met Police recently urged the public to take precautions following a string of brazen phone thefts, with thieves stealing phones straight from people's hands.
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Mr Elliott shared a tip on how to limit the damage if your device is stolen. He said: "While staying aware of your surroundings is the least you can do to stop your phone being snatched in the first place, there are simple steps you can take to protect yourself and prevent the worst from happening. A lesser-known trick for iPhone users is to disable Control Centre access from the lock screen – this prevents thieves from quickly switching off Wi-Fi or turning on Airplane Mode if they grab your phone while it's locked, helping you retain the ability to track the device via Find My iPhone and making them more likely to let go of the device.
"Simply navigate to 'Face ID & Passcode' in settings and toggle off the option for accessing your control centre when the phone is locked." He urged iPhone users to switch on Stolen Device Protection, which makes it harder for thieves to change your account security settings.
For an additional layer of security, you may want to use an eSIM, as a physical SIM can be easily taken out of your device, taking it offline. However, having an eSIM keeps it connected, allowing you to still track the device.