NEW YORK – April 19, 2017 – Smartphones and tablets are vulnerable to malware, which allows hackers to compromise your email, online banking information and apps.
Many people, however, don’t even know their mobile device has a virus. And many think only Android devices face a risk, but Apple products are also at risk, despite common misperceptions to the contrary.
So how can you tell if your phone or tablet has been infected?
- Data loss: Rapid depletion of your mobile plan’s data can be one telltale sign. If a virus is running in the background and communicating with the internet on your device, it’s going to be hogging data. For people without an unlimited data plan, they may find that they’re forced to pay for extra data even though their monthly usage hasn’t changed.
- Malfunctioning apps: If apps start to crash more frequently, a device may be infected. “Most viruses tamper with your regular operations, and it’s common for your favorite apps to crash without explanation,” reports USA Today’s consumer tech columnist, Kim Komando. “Make sure you update all of your apps to prevent viral interference.”
- Battery drain: Viruses eat up not only data but also a battery’s life. A battery may run out of juice quicker and require more frequent charging.
- Questionable apps appear: If an app appears legitimate and somewhat familiar but you don’t remember downloading it, be skeptical. Remove questionable apps.
To make devices safer, keep software updated, use phone locating apps (which help track a phone if it’s lost), turn off app notifications from settings, and set up a VPN (or virtual private network) when using public Wi-Fi.
Source: “How to Tell if Your Phone or Tablet Has a Virus,” USA Today (April 14, 2017)