How to Protect your Android Phone from a Ransomware Attack

Modern Malware threats are evolving all the time but taking the following steps will make it much harder for hackers to gain control of your data. Most of the time cyber criminals are looking to take advantage of silly mistakes that people are make every day. Stay vigilant and 99% of the time you’ll stay safe.

Protect your Android Phone from a Ransomware Attack

1. App source

Only download apps from trustworthy sources like the Google Play Store. Be wary of any site that allows you to download paid apps for free.

2. App permissions

Even when downloading from the Google Play Store you need to be careful. Check the permissions the app asks for. Often, apps that include malware will ask for a lot of permissions so that they can quickly gain control of all of your phone’s data.

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3. User ratings and reviews

As well as checking permissions, before downloading, you should pay close attention to the app’s user rating and any reviews it might have.

– You should do this even if you’re downloading well known apps to keep yourself protected against downloading fake or dummy apps.

4. Google Play protect

Make sure Google Play Protect is activated on your phone. To do so:

– Open your Android device’s Google Play Store app Google Play.

– Tap Menu Menu and then Play Protect.

– Turn Scan device for security threats on.

5. Back up you data

Keep your device backed up. You can do this:

– On your computer.

– Using a cloud based back up service like Google Drive.

– On a portable hard disk like a USB pen drive.

If you can, back up using 2 of the methods outlined above.

6. Stay up to date

Make sure your Android Security Patches are completely up to date. To do this:

– Go to Settings

– Click About Phone

– Check Android Security Patch Level

If you keep all of these things in mind you’ll keep yourself protected from most of the types of ransomware that are targeting Android mobile phones.

Follow me on Twitter: @PatrickDevaney_

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