Is That Free App Worth It?

This week AVAST, a very reliable and trusted internet and mobile device security company, issued a warning that a recently released night vision app for your mobile devices contains spyware coding. This app called Cámara Visión Nocturna retrieves and stores phone numbers and charges you for a premium messaging service.

There are a lot of great apps out there for your cell phones and other mobile devices that are safe. There are also a lot of apps out there that are designed solely to rob you of your info and possibly your money. How can you make sure you are safe when you down load that latest app? Well, here a few tips to help you keep yourself safe and clean up a mess if you do get hit.

First, the best bit of advice that we here at Posse Social Media can give: Only download apps from reputable and well known sources. If you are not familiar with the company you should first do a little research before you buy. If you see an app that has the same name offered by different companies go with the Goggle, EA sports, and Rovio, in other words name brands, before you go off brand even if the alternative is free. While this is not a sure fire way of protecting yourself it will go a long way – not because you are paying for a name brand but because these companies are well known and have to maintain their products on the up and up or risk lawsuits.

Next, once you have downloaded an app how do you know if you are being spied on? There are some very telling signs that your device has spyware or some other type of malware on it. One of these is a sudden shutdown and reboot of your devices. This could be a sign of information being transferred or files being installed without your permission.

Another sign is unusual battery drain that you have not experienced before. This could be a sign of an outside party accessing your phone and once again running programs that you have not set permissions for. Strange SMS texts that you may receive may clue you in to a spyware app as well.

While these are good indicators of infection the only true way to find and illuminate spy and malware is to use a good malware detector. Some phones and devices such as iPhones and iPads as well as some Windows products come with built in spyware that are great for your protection. If they do not you can easily download an app to find and remove malware. There are even free apps that can do this but of course do your homework before you download!

Your mobile device is a lifeline and investment so do your homework and protect yourself and your devices. Choose wisely and remember to come back often to see us here at Posse Social Media to catch up on the latest and greatest in all things social media and much, much more.