Sometimes people forget, but antiviruses, despite being universally used on computers, have versions for mobile phones. Or rather, they don’t: the correct name is “anti-malware”. See more below.

There is no such thing as a cell phone virus (or antivirus)

It never existed, as far as we know, cell phone virus. A virus, in the strict sense, is a type of software that replicates itself – like a biological virus. Its main target is internal corporate networks, universities, hospitals, and scientific centers, with which cell phones do not have direct and constant contact, such as the institution's computers. But there are other types of malware (i.e., malicious software) that infect cell phones, such as those that attempt to steal identity, transfer money, or push unwanted advertisements.

In this environment, Android and iOS are quite distinct from each other. While Android offers a range of anti-malware options (which is the correct name), Android phones Apple have almost no options, precisely because of the way security works Apple.

iOS system: cell phones Apple Do they need “antivirus” or not?

A Apple understands that it has built the system in a powerful way and, therefore, it is not necessary to install an antivirus. Furthermore, the company does not allow the user to download any application outside of the AppStore, which in theory makes it almost impossible for a malicious app to install viruses. Therefore, in the case of the iPhone, an anti-malware is dispensable except in very specific situations. Which does not mean clicking on any link out there, because malicious sites, even without installing anything (and often promising anti-malware), can be used to steal identity and banking data.

Android system: many “antiviruses” for your cell phone

Although the Play Store offers several anti-malware options for your phone, the system is also quite secure and can identify threats on its own. You can even install them (do some research beforehand), but it is probably redundant, if not problematic (see below). If you are a prime target for attacks (say, if you work with classified information) and really need special protection, you have probably been instructed on this and know this.

How to prevent your device from being affected by malware?

In place of an anti-malware application, some basic tips are probably more than enough. Here they are.

1. Download apps only from official stores, such as AppStore or Play Store: apps downloaded outside of official stores may contain malware;
2. Update your phone immediately, whenever available. Even – especially – for “tedious” updates, only for security purposes, with no new features;
3. Do not use your device on suspicious Wi-Fi networks. Everything that passes through Wi-Fi can be intercepted;
4. Use communication applications with secure encryption and make sure that the pages you access have an SSL certificate: SSL encrypts payment information, which is useful for those who often make purchases via cell phone;
5. Use secure locks, such as fingerprints and complex designs, and do not leave your cell phone alone in situations where someone with malicious intent might want to access it;
6. Be careful when clicking on links sent by email: some malware is hidden in links or attachments sent by email. Therefore, it is worth paying extra attention when clicking on links sent by unknown contacts.
7. Be careful with “mobile antiviruses.” Some of them display unwanted ads or give false positives to require you to upgrade to a premium version. On websites, an ad for a mobile (or desktop) antivirus can be malware in itself.