Signs that your phone has a virus and how to prevent it

Often we forget that the small device in our pocket is no longer a device used for communication but rather a portable computer. There is no such concept of 'well protected in the digital age in the digital age. Whether computers or mobiles, our devices are vulnerable to viruses and malicious malware all the time. Even though thinking about viruses, hackers only target two kinds of groups; those that contain essential high-end data or those that are highly vulnerable. And the public WiFi hotspots downloading from websites have made almost every device vulnerable.

Since mobile users have vastly outnumbered computer users, hackers have also changed their targeted devices. A virus on a computer slows down the system, pop-up ads, etc. But a virus on mobile is scary, as it contains all your personal information. A measure you can take to avoid this threat is using Turbo VPN, which will create a channel for your traffic and is essential, especially when using public networks.

Signs That Your Phone Has a Virus 

Your phone can get damaged both externally and internally. While the external damage is easy to spot, it's the internal damage that is difficult to detect and handle. However, there are certain signs that you should not ignore when it comes to mobile phones. Below are the signs of how a typical phone infected with a virus acts.

Phone Slows Down

Like a computer, a mobile also contains a processor for performing computational tasks. If your phone is affected, the malware might be overworking the components, slowing down even simple functions. If your apps start taking longer to load or frequently crash, a virus might be the case.

Battery Drains Faster

With time the phone's battery life decreases. But if you spot this rapid drainage in your new mobile or you are using your phone like normal, but still, your phone runs out of juice rapidly, it can be that a virus exists. When malware is present in the phone, it drains the battery by performing background tasks.

When malware performs tasks in the background, it overworks the phone, causing it to overheat and crash frequently. 

Apps You Never Downloaded Appear

One of the most alarming signs is the appearance of apps you never downloaded. Sometimes, you might download more than just an app when you download apps, especially from a third-party source. This is the easiest way to get malware to affect your mobile. To confirm this, check your app lists and see if there are apps you don't remember downloading. If you find such apps, there is a great chance your phone has malware.

An Abundance of Pop-Up Ads

If you see a lot of pop-up ads while browsing, using apps, or even when all the apps are closed, your phone might be infected with the virus. Pop-up ads are a way that third-party apps installed on phones make money. No matter what, never click on a pop-up ad. It'll either download malicious apps or lead you to a scam site.

Accessing Your Accounts

After infecting a device, the next step of the malware is to spread the virus. If malware exists on your phone, it can easily access your contact list social media apps and send messages containing malicious links. This can happen via emails, social media posts, messages, etc. If you spot such a cycle, change your passwords immediately to stop more damage.

Higher Data Charges

If you notice an unexplained increase in your data charges, then there is a high probability that your phone has a virus. Some malware sends messages which cost additional data charges. This can be a reason for an unusual increase in your data bill.

What is a Virus？

A virus is a program designed to copy itself and infect a device without the user's knowledge or permission. When a device is infected, the virus can transfer, corrupt, or delete the stored data as it pleases. Similarly, a smartphone virus is a program developed to target mobile phones. A mobile phone malware generates revenue for the developers. Once it affects a device, it can steal your content, personal information, passwords, location and spread by sending malicious links to your contacts via texts, social media, etc.

Hacking was a tedious task in the past, but now with BlueTooth and public WiFi, hacking has become way easier. Whether you are browsing on a hotspot network offered by a cafe or working in an office without TurboVPN, your device is vulnerable to malicious threats and viruses.

How to Prevent It?

Having a virus on your phone can be a serious problem mainly because the existence of such malware breaches your privacy. You must take precautionary steps to avoid running into malicious content, especially when downloading content. Following are the few changes which can make you less vulnerable to virus threats.

Downloading From Authentic Sources

Downloading apps, files, music, etc., from third-party sources or shady websites, is the most common way a virus makes its way to mobile phones. You should always download apps from authentic sources and after checking the reviews.

Apps Asking For Permissions

While downloading apps, pay attention to the permission apps ask for, like there is no need to grant permission to a gaming app to call or access the camera. It is always better to take precautions than worry later about apps.

For example, if you accidentally install a malicious app and even permit it to access storage data, you are putting your data at risk. So always think twice before giving apps unnecessary permissions, especially if they have nothing to do with the app's function.

Avoid Clicking Pop-Up Ads

While browsing or using an app, a suspicious ad pops up, then what must you do? Never click it. Clicking these ads is like inviting a virus. The developers develop these pop-up ads to generate revenue and spread malicious links from one device to another. These can also be in the form of a text message, a spam email, or a social media post. 

Installing Antivirus

Apple devices don't need antivirus, but if you are an android user, you should install an antivirus to be on the safe side.

Use a VPN

A public network is better than cellular data, not only in terms of billing cost and connection speed. This is why many people do not hesitate to use public WiFi networks. But at the same time, the public network brings unnecessary attention from hackers whether you are working in an office shared network or using a cafe hotspot. When hackers can detect your IP address and track your traffic, they can easily launch malware in your direction. However, subscribing to a VPN as a precaution will keep your data, passwords, and content safe from the outside environment. This is done by preventing IP-based tracking and providing a secure server, thus reducing the risk of getting hacked.

A VPN will not detect a potential virus or a hacker, but rather it will act as a protective barrier for your device, masking your IP address and traffic. And if you are not exposed to hackers, your device can not be infected.

Keeping Operating System Updated

It is essential that you keep your mobile phone's operating system and system software updated. It is often the case that updating the operating system resolves the bugs and glitches in the previous one. And reduce the chances of threat.

Conclusion 

These days data privacy is everyone's concern and necessity. A VPN is not a virus or malware hunting app; instead, it creates a channel hiding your IP address and securing your server. In this way, neither can hackers see your Ip address or location nor track your traffic since they can not see you, then how can they hack your phone?

To enjoy free internet and browse your favorite content, you need to utilize smart cyber security techniques like subscribing to Turbo VPN. This will give you geographical freedom and protect your data at nominal charges.