Just like you can protect your computer with antivirus software, you can protect your Android with an antivirus app (and by other good security habits, as we list at the bottom of this page). They sneak their way onto your device, often in the form of a shady download, then burrow themselves in the system in order to steal information, spy on you, or take control of the device. This makes Android a big target for malware. The problem is compounded by the fact that many users don't protect their devices by installing security software and installing updates when they become available.Ĭyberthreats for Android are much like cyberthreats for PCs. desktop threatsĪndroid is the world's most popular mobile operating system, with over 3 billion active devices. “Smartphones are essentially handheld computers, with many of the same weaknesses.” Mobile vs. As such, these devices are susceptible to the same kind of malware strands found on PCs. We use them to store all kinds of valuable private information, financial data, and other targets that attract cyber thieves.

Smartphones are essentially handheld computers, with many of the same weaknesses. 'Virus' has become a catch-all phrase for cyberthreats in general, and yes, Android devices are susceptible to cyberthreats.Ĭheck out this video to recognize three main signs of malware or viruses on Android phones:

A computer virus is a program that can replicate itself by piggybacking onto another program, and early hackers used them to spread all kinds of malicious software, or malware, onto computers. Phishing, ransomware, Trojans, spyware, dangerous apps-there's a plethora of threats that can infect Android devices. If you use your Android this often, doesn't it need protection too? Can Android devices get viruses?Īndroid devices are susceptible to all kinds of malware. Think about how often you use your Android device: Messaging, posting selfies, ordering food, trading stocks, gaming, shopping, starting your car, managing the smart devices in your home-there's almost nothing you can't do on mobile.

Bitdefender for android phones