While you’re at it: Lock down your device security. If you’re still browsing, shopping and working online without antivirus software, you’re making a mistake. My trusted pick is $19 for the first year.
True or false: You need antivirus protection for your phone
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I wrote about tech myths recently and missed a big one: “Phones can’t get viruses.”
Of course they can! Your phone is basically a mini-computer and a prime target for hackers. Let’s break down how these threats work and where they come from.
Red flags your phone is infected
The signs vary depending on what your device is infected with, of course. But these symptoms spell trouble:
- Data spike? Malware could be eating up your bandwidth.
- Sluggish phone, crashing apps? Not a good sign.
- Random pop-ups? That’s classic malware behavior.
- Battery draining fast? Something shady could be running in the background.
- Phone overheating? Malware might be overworking it.
- Weird charges on your bill? You may be signed up for something you never agreed to.
- New apps you didn’t install? Hackers may have added them.
- Homepage or search engine changed? That’s a red flag.
- Friends getting odd messages from you? Your phone could be compromised.
- Random restarts or shutdowns? Malware loves to mess with your system.
OK, how’d that happen?
Malware, adware, spyware and all the other types of malicious software generally come from a few places.
🔗 You clicked on a malicious link that arrived through a phishing email, text, messaging or social media app, or spoofed website. Security 101: Never click on links or open attachments in unsolicited messages.
📲 You downloaded a bad app. Scammers are good at creating fraudulent apps that look like the real thing. While these can end up in the Google Play Store or Apple App Store, they’re most often distributed through third-party app sites. Only download apps from official app stores, please and thank you!
📶 You connected to public Wi-Fi. Cybercriminals can use public Wi-Fi to spy on unsuspecting users. They could steal your bank password, credit card details or Social Security number and infect your device with malware.
So, do you need antivirus software?
The answer is clear: Yes! While your phone has some built-in safeguards to protect you, the more help you can get, the better.
Unsecure page error: 5 things to try if you get this warning
There are countless threats on the internet, from scams to malware-infested websites. Then there are unsecured websites, which your browser warns you about. If you get a message that says, “Your connection is not private,” you might jolt in alarm.
🚨 Hackers can disable Windows Defender: A sneaky tool called Defendnot tricks your system by pretending to be another antivirus. Since Windows doesn’t allow two at once, it shuts Defender off automatically. Crazy, right? Just another reason to always use strong antivirus with real-time protection. TotalAV is my go-to!
🚨 A sneaky virus could be lurking. It’s better to be safe than sorry, which is why I trust TotalAV. For just $19 for the first year, you get rock-solid antivirus protection on up to five devices. It’s smart, simple and keeps your tech safe without breaking the bank.
🛡️ Your devices deserve top-tier protection: TotalAV delivers powerful antivirus that won’t slow you down. It blocks threats, cleans junk and keeps your browsing safe. Even I use it! Get TotalAV today for $19 for the first year with my special link!
🚨 A sneaky virus could be to blame. I always say it’s better to be safe than sorry, which is why I trust TotalAV. For just $19 for the first year, you get rock-solid antivirus protection on up to five devices. It’s smart, simple and keeps your tech safe without breaking the bank.
Lock down your device security: If you’re still browsing, shopping and working online without antivirus software, you’re making a mistake. My trusted pick is $19 for the first year.
🛡️ 1 smart move for 1 billion malware threats: Don’t wait for a virus to wreck your files or freeze your screen. A good antivirus zaps ransomware, spyware and other digital creeps before they can do harm. Lock down five devices for just $19. Yep, cheaper than your last late-night Uber Eats run.
Lock down your device security: If you’re still browsing, shopping and working online without antivirus software, you’re making a mistake. My trusted pick is $19 for the first year.
🛡️ 1 billion malware programs, 1 easy fix: Antivirus software scans your system for viruses, ransomware and other threats and removes them before they cause damage. Protect five devices for only $19 — cheaper than your last impulse DoorDash.
There are over 1 billion malware programs: Antivirus software scans your system for viruses, ransomware and other threats and removes them before they cause damage. Protect five devices for only $19.
🚨 Chrome warning: Watch out for websites offering free file conversions, like .doc to .pdf. Hackers are booby-trapping them with malware that can steal your SSN, banking info and passwords. FYI: These sites are hard to spot, so make sure you’ve got real-time antivirus protection. This is the one I use.
⚠️ Your browser is a big honkin’ target: Reading this on Chrome? Hackers are sending phishing links via email that infect your system with malware as soon as you click. A fix is coming soon, so restart your browser when you see the update icon near the URL bar. Sigh, just one more reason you need solid antivirus protection.
Lock down your device security: If you’re still browsing, shopping and working online without antivirus software, you’re making a mistake. My trusted pick is $19 for the first year.
There are over 1 billion malware programs: Antivirus software scans your system for viruses, ransomware and other threats and removes them before they cause damage. Protect five devices for only $19.
🚨 Check your Chrome extensions: Click to the Puzzle icon at the top right and Manage extensions. Adblock for Chrome, Super Dark Mode, Blipshot, Page Refresh and 12 others (full list here) were found injecting data-stealing malware. If you have any installed, delete them ASAP and run an antivirus check. I use TotalAV.
💸 Avast sold your data: If you bought the antivirus software between Aug. 2014 and Jan. 2020, you might be entitled to a cut of a $16.5 million settlement. Watch your inbox for a claim ID, then fill out the settlement claim form by June 5. I use this antivirus.
While you’re at it: Antivirus isn’t just for your computer. Protect your phone and keep it running at its best with my pick, which is only $19 for the first year.
🇷🇺 Did this happen to you? The U.S. government banned Kaspersky because of its ties to the Kremlin. Without warning, the Russian company deleted its software from its subscribers’ computers and replaced it with something called UltraAV. If you were using Kaspersky for antivirus protection, try my antivirus pick instead.