(Newswire.net — April 16, 2017) — Yes, every digital device is subject to a potential virus or malware software threat, especially smart devices.
These days, almost every free-to-download app for your smartphone or tablet will ask you for permission to access your personal data such as photos, location, and contacts.
This doesn’t necessarily mean that you will automatically pick up a virus which is going to mess up your device. In most cases, these apps allow companies that make them to understand your digital footprint and use it to sell some third party products. They just need to gain access to consumers in order to calculate the odds of making a profit.
In some cases, however, the app requires access to your private data to gain insight into your credit card information or for identity theft. In other cases, viruses are used to hijack and lock your personal data and then ask for ransom. That means that if you need your data badly, you have to pay for the password to unlock your own device.
There are some viruses that are not marketing or criminal based, but are made just to mess up your device’s memory. However, in most of the unwanted scenarios, there is a more or less efficient digital remedy.
First rule of the thumb is to always pay attention to the permissions the desired app is asking for. Don’t just click “I agree” as you are eager to use the app. Make sure that you check the publisher before doing anything else. If it comes from a trusted source, go ahead hoping for the best. There are many fake apps out there that have the same icon as the one that you desire to install.
If luck ran out on you, there are some symptoms that can give you a hint that there are some hidden unwanted processes running ‘behind your back’.
Data usage is one of the symptoms that your device is infected, as you will encounter a sudden lack of memory to complete simple tasks. This is due to the malware software running multiple tasks in the background, draining your device’s RAM.
If you experience a sudden loss of memory in your storage device which continues even after you delete certain items, it is also a sign that your smart device is infected with a virus that is taking up your storage memory, and it will continue doing so for as long as there is any space left.
If you otherwise notice apps start crashing frequently, it may also be a sign that some unwanted processes are meddling with your RAM memory.
If the battery on your smartphone or tablet starts getting drained faster than usual, that could either mean that it is time to change it, or that your device is infected with viruses that are draining your battery. If your smartphone heats up while not in use, this means that there is something actually happening in its background.
How to react if your device is infected?
Well, no need to rush to immediately install some virus killer. Try simply deleting all apps that you find to be suspicious, as well as those that you don’t really use. If the problem persists, try to delete the latest installed app after which the problem had occurred.
If you don’t know what to do, you can always look for solutions online or ask professionals for help.