Seven Ways to Prevent SoftwareViruses from Infecting your PersonalData
Computer viruses are manifested through software
programs that replicate and infect other
computers. Normally these are spread through
emails and data transfer devices such as flash
disks. Other than infecting your computer or laptop,
viruses can be transferred to your cell phone, e-
reader or tablet. So long as these gadgets can get
into contact with the internet, they are always at
risk. A viral attack can lead to a malfunction or
expose your personal data such as the passwords
you use. If an intruder gets hold of your password
he/she can hack into your phone or emails.
There are three basic ways to steer clear of
viruses:
Avoid opening email
attachments from people you
don’t know
Always use sites that are
trusted when downloading files
Scan suspect documents or
devices that you use
programs that replicate and infect other
computers. Normally these are spread through
emails and data transfer devices such as flash
disks. Other than infecting your computer or laptop,
viruses can be transferred to your cell phone, e-
reader or tablet. So long as these gadgets can get
into contact with the internet, they are always at
risk. A viral attack can lead to a malfunction or
expose your personal data such as the passwords
you use. If an intruder gets hold of your password
he/she can hack into your phone or emails.
There are three basic ways to steer clear of
viruses:
Avoid opening email
attachments from people you
don’t know
Always use sites that are
trusted when downloading files
Scan suspect documents or
devices that you use
Below are some measures you can take to
prevent viruses from getting into your
personal data:
prevent viruses from getting into your
personal data:
1. Exercise caution when opening email
attachments either from your phone or tablet.
The same way you treat suspect attachments
with caution when working from your
computer should be replicated in other
gadgets. If you get an email from someone who
is not in your mailing list, don’t open it. Do the
same in case the message title or sender’s name
looks suspicious.
2. Be on the lookout for links that look
questionable. These are normally sent through
text or email messages. The people who send
them are spammers or hackers. Some do this
on purpose with the intention of establishing
whether that email address has a user. Once
you open it, some trigger is raised on their end
and they get an opportunity to either spam
your mail box or send viruses. Others may not
be aware that their phones are infected. You
can try sending a text to the sender to inquire
whether he/she sent the link. If the person is
genuine and honest you will get a response and
an apology. Otherwise, delete such messages
instantly.
3. With respect to applications, download only
those that are legitimate. You can tell whether
a store is legit by reading online reviews about
it. Since there are many people looking for
mobile phone applications, some malicious
people have taken advantage by spreading
viruses in form of fake games, social
networking applications and financial tracking
apps.
4. While using Bluetooth, apply undiscoverable
settings. There are viruses that pass through
Bluetooth connections. This is a tricky attack.
If you walk near a device and your connection
is in discoverable mode, the virus in the
infected device can easily be transferred to
your tablet or smartphone. Currently, there are
some malicious viruses that disable your phone
and steal your contact details.
5. In order to protect your smartphones,
iPhones, e-readers and tablets download anti-
virus applications. These can be obtained from
trusted providers. Make sure the company you
source the app from is well known. Examples
include Lookout Mobile Security app and
SmrtGuard Solutions’ Snap Secure app. These
help protect iPhones as well as provide data
backup. The applications are available from
Lookout Inc. There are a host of many others.
6. For Android phones, you should be able to
get reliable anti-virus such as Kaspersky
Mobile Security app. This incorporates spam
and virus protection. Other examples are
Norton Mobile Security and Bullguard Mobile
Security. These protect data during an attack,
theft or loss of your phone. You can download
them online.
7. Look for anti-virus applications that help
secure your personal information from falling
into the wrong hands. Some can help keep
track of your phone while others rid your
phone’s memory from a remote location. This
works well when someone steals your phone.
attachments either from your phone or tablet.
The same way you treat suspect attachments
with caution when working from your
computer should be replicated in other
gadgets. If you get an email from someone who
is not in your mailing list, don’t open it. Do the
same in case the message title or sender’s name
looks suspicious.
2. Be on the lookout for links that look
questionable. These are normally sent through
text or email messages. The people who send
them are spammers or hackers. Some do this
on purpose with the intention of establishing
whether that email address has a user. Once
you open it, some trigger is raised on their end
and they get an opportunity to either spam
your mail box or send viruses. Others may not
be aware that their phones are infected. You
can try sending a text to the sender to inquire
whether he/she sent the link. If the person is
genuine and honest you will get a response and
an apology. Otherwise, delete such messages
instantly.
3. With respect to applications, download only
those that are legitimate. You can tell whether
a store is legit by reading online reviews about
it. Since there are many people looking for
mobile phone applications, some malicious
people have taken advantage by spreading
viruses in form of fake games, social
networking applications and financial tracking
apps.
4. While using Bluetooth, apply undiscoverable
settings. There are viruses that pass through
Bluetooth connections. This is a tricky attack.
If you walk near a device and your connection
is in discoverable mode, the virus in the
infected device can easily be transferred to
your tablet or smartphone. Currently, there are
some malicious viruses that disable your phone
and steal your contact details.
5. In order to protect your smartphones,
iPhones, e-readers and tablets download anti-
virus applications. These can be obtained from
trusted providers. Make sure the company you
source the app from is well known. Examples
include Lookout Mobile Security app and
SmrtGuard Solutions’ Snap Secure app. These
help protect iPhones as well as provide data
backup. The applications are available from
Lookout Inc. There are a host of many others.
6. For Android phones, you should be able to
get reliable anti-virus such as Kaspersky
Mobile Security app. This incorporates spam
and virus protection. Other examples are
Norton Mobile Security and Bullguard Mobile
Security. These protect data during an attack,
theft or loss of your phone. You can download
them online.
7. Look for anti-virus applications that help
secure your personal information from falling
into the wrong hands. Some can help keep
track of your phone while others rid your
phone’s memory from a remote location. This
works well when someone steals your phone.
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