The open source nature of the Android platform has led to some amazing applications and a deeply personalized experienced unmatched by any other mobile OS. This open nature can also be a double-edged sword, since anyone can develop software and even malware and due to Google’s relatively lax screening process some of these malware applications have found their way into the Android Market. Here are three tips to keep your phone safe from malware.

Android-No-Malware

1. If You’re Not Sure What An App Does Don’t Download It

The Android Market has well over ten thousand apps, so it’s easy to feel like your in over your head when browsing the Market. Many of us have even installed an app almost at random in order to see what it did on the phone knowing it can easily be uninstalled later. While it’s tempting to try as many things out as possible it’s also very dangerous. Be sure to read the description the app and if it doesn’t sound legitiment or if it gives you a bad feeling then do not download it. Most of the malware on the market is easily avoided if you look for clues in the app description.

2. Do Your Homework

If you have never heard of an app before and the descriptions sounds alright it may also be helpful to run a quick Google search. Every market entry is required to provide the name of the company that sub mitted the app. Take note of the company name and Google it later. If even a single report is found against them or if their websites looks a little shady then don’t download. In cases like that it isn’t worth the risk.

3. Use The Comment Section

Every app in the Android Market has a section where you can read and post comments. This comment section can be used as a terrific screening tool. If it’s known to be malware then several of the comments may say so but there are also more subtle hints to look out for. As an example, it’s customary to to end your comment with the phone you used when you installed the app. If you notice a trend where a large number of different devices are claiming the app doesn’t work it’s possible the app isn’t doing whatit advertised and may actually be malware. On the opposite end of the spectrum if you noticed the comments that do say the app is working are overly short such as “Works great!” and doesn’t feature the device tag those may be generated by a bot.

This guest article is written by Maria Rainier. If you wish to write for us, kindly check this.

About the author

wrote one article on this blog.

Bio: Maria Rainier is a freelance writer and blogger for First in Education where she’s recently written on postsecondary education administration careers along with a piece on library science technology programs. In her spare time, she enjoys yoga, playing piano, and working with origami.