Most people who have a home computer install an antivirus to protect themselves from malicious programs and to surf the Internet safely. However, the same does not happen when it comes to a telephone smart, be Android O iPhone.
Like a PC, a smartphone It can connect to the internet and allows us to download (and install) all kinds of applications, especially Android ones. The question is obvious: Is it necessary to have an antivirus in our cell phone or can we do without it?
The Republic spoke with Jorge Zeballos, ESET General Manager Peru and with Percy Rojas, support engineer from the same computer security company, who gave us some tips to defend ourselves against cybercriminals.
According to Zevallos, using a cell phone that does not have a protection program is very risky, especially for people who use their devices to do Bank transactions O online purchases.
“We use them [los teléfonos inteligentes] More than a computer, it is a device that is usually permanently connected to the internet. The risks start from the moment we connect ”, said the expert.
Rojas, for his part, affirmed that cell phone antivirus analyzes all the actions that the user does. In this way, it prevents you from entering impersonation pages (phishing) that are usually transmitted through text messages, WhatsApp Or email.
What happens if our cell phone got infected?
The manager of ESET Peru commented that malicious content has been accidentally downloaded to our smartphone It can bring us great problems, since the cybercriminal can have free access to the computer.
According to the cybersecurity expert, the cybercriminal could know our location, install a keyboard or screen copier, you can even use the phone to mine cryptocurrencies.
“Once it takes control of your cell phone, it will find a way to monetize you. You will see that your computer begins to slow down, what happens is that it is working all the time, but not for you, but for someone who uses it to encrypt currencies “, he assured.
Jorge Zeballos, general manager of ESET Peru. Photo: Courtesy
False protection programs
For this reason, the expert highlighted the importance of antivirus for mobile devices; However, he specified that we must be very careful with some that are in Play Store (the Android app store).
Zevallos mentioned that, a few years ago, there were a large number of free antivirus programs that were malicious programs that overheated computers and consumed the entire battery, because they worked permanently in the background.
“There are five reputable (antivirus) brands in the world. We have a free version for mobile phones that is not intrusive, does not track and does not use your personal data ”, said the representative of ESET Peru.
Have an updated operating system
Many users of Android they usually avoid updating the operating system of their computers, because they think that once they have the new version, their device will slow down.
For Zeballos it is a serious mistake. He explained that every new update to an operating system usually includes a security patch that fixes potential vulnerabilities that cybercriminals can exploit.
The ESET Peru support engineer, for his part, stressed the importance of not using smartphones with old operating systems, because these teams are not supported, that is, they do not have the latest security measures.
“If we have an Android 4 or 5, it is best not to use these devices to carry out important actions such as banking transactions, since they do not have the latest security measures,” he said.
Percy Rojas, support engineer at ESET Peru. Photo: Courtesy
Are iPhones safer than Android?
As detailed by the general manager of ESET Peru, iPhones are more secure than Android, because its application store (App Store) is stricter than Play Store; however, it is also due to a matter of scale.
“Criminals attack where there is volume. Currently, there are more Android what iPhone. That is not to say that phones with iOS are infallible or impenetrable, “said the specialist.
Finally, both spokespersons provided other recommendations for users, including putting passwords on their cell phones and Applications important (banking or e-commerce) and use modern equipment with fingerprint sensors.
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