Just when you've finally learned safeguard your computer from viruses, hackers have found something else to target: your cell phone. Most cell phones are called "smart phones" since they come with downloading and multimedia messaging. Therefore, like computers, hackers can send downloads of fraudulent ringtones, games and spyware. Take the steps below to protect your cell phone and your identity.
Instructions
1. Know the signs. Your cell phone may be infected by a virus if it gets a lot of spam messages or if it is performing slowly. Fraudulent downloads may come in the form of a free ringtone or another free offer. Such downloads can crash your phone service or erase all of your contact and any personal information you've stored. Phishing is also possible, which can cause unauthorized charges to your phone bill.
2. Use a mobile antivirus program, such as Symantec. You can buy the download or the installation CD from the Symantec store, then synchronize it with your cell phone. Like a computer antivirus program, this is designed to scan and remove virus threats, block unauthorized access and update your phone with the latest security features.
3. Lock your phone according to the instructions provided by your manufacturer. Create a password so that only you can access your contacts, emails or calendar.
4. Set your Bluetooth headset to "hidden" mode if you use one with your cell phone. This will prevent other phones or devices from detecting your phone's wireless signal, which is another way that hackers can transmit viruses. It's best to keep the Bluetooth off when you're not using it.
5. Accept emails or downloads only if you know it's from a trusted source. If you are not expecting any emails or downloads from friends and you don't recognize the message, then delete it as it may be spam.
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