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How Do I Choose the Best Free Mobile Antivirus Software?
Mobile phones, especially those with Internet connections, are just as susceptible to viruses as desktop and laptop computers, so getting free mobile antivirus software can help users keep their phones safe. If free mobile antivirus software is the goal, then the user should check for and confirm a price — or the lack thereof — because some programs are free for life while others are just free trials. When a virus infects a mobile phone, it enters as a file or attaches to a file, so the program should be able to scan documents for viruses. Most viruses will come in through the Internet, and an antivirus program that will block and warn users of harmful websites may be useful. Unlike desktops and laptops, where program integration is usually not an issue, the user may find it difficult to get a mobile antivirus program for his or her particular phone.
There are many free programs online, including free mobile antivirus software. The problem is that many of these programs are only free for a limited time, such as a week or a month. To ensure that the desired antivirus program truly is free, the user should check the program’s website for information on the program's free trials and any time limits.
After a virus gets into the mobile phone, it will either attach to an existing document or manifest as a new document. Regardless of what the virus does when it enters the phone, free mobile antivirus software should come with a document scanner. This will reveal any files that are infected or potentially infected. The scan should be performed both manually and automatically; manual scanning allows the user to scan whenever he or she wants, and automatic scanning will ensure the phone is scanned regularly.
Most viruses infect a mobile device via the Internet, so the best free mobile antivirus software should come with an Internet blocker. This will display a message whenever the user wants to enter a potentially harmful website, telling the user that a virus may get into the computer. Some websites may be fine, but this will still inform the user of potentially harmful activities.
Many different mobile operating systems (OSs) exist, so it may be difficult for the user to find the right free mobile antivirus software. Before choosing an antivirus system, he or she should check the program’s compatibility with the phone. Programs that are not compatible with the mobile OS will not work.
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![Any antivirus software package for mobile devices should offer a virus protection program.]()
By: hurricaneAny antivirus software package for mobile devices should offer a virus protection program.
Discussion Comments
@nony - Yeah, I’ve heard that there is a big increase in viruses specifically targeting smart phones. The hackers who create these viruses know that smart phones contain a lot of valuable credit card and pin information.
That makes mobile devices a treasure trove of information for hackers. In my opinion, viruses for smart phones are a bigger security threat than viruses for desktop computers.
I would go with a solution based off an established brand. Find a well known virus scanner for desktop computers, and see if they have a free, mobile version. That way you can stay up to date on your virus signatures.
The established brands do a pretty good job of updating virus signatures. Of course, like the article says, they may only be free trials. But you can try them as stop gap measures until you find a truly free, good quality antivirus program for your mobile phone.
Most mobile users don’t do any heavy downloading of software. They just download documents. As such, they may naively think they are safe from viruses. After all, how can a document infect a virus?
It’s quite simple, really. All it has to do is create a mini program in the document, like a macro or something like that, which will execute as soon as the document opens. You can program many documents like Excel for example so in principle it’s simple to append a virus to the document.
So take the time to download free mobile antivirus software. You might be able to find software that is specifically made for your brand of phone. But if not, even the most basic free antivirus software for mobile phones would be better than nothing.
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