How to Protect Android Phone from Malicious Apps

I remember the very first time I got my shiny new phone and it felt like I was holding a piece of the future in my hand. It was so pretty and fast but then I made a big mistake by clicking on a weird link that promised me free coins for a silly farm game. Suddenly my phone started acting like it had a tummy ache because ads were popping up everywhere and I couldn’t even call my mom! I felt so silly and scared that I almost cried because I didn’t know How to Protect Android Phone from Malicious Apps yet. Since that day I have learned so much about keeping my digital toys safe and I want to tell you everything so you don’t get a tummy-ache phone too. Do you have a favorite game on your phone? Mine is one where you jump over grumpy trains but I only download it from the safe store now.

The First Step: How to Protect Android Phone from Malicious Apps Like a Pro

If you want to keep the bad guys away you have to be like a knight guarding a castle. Your phone is the castle and the apps are the visitors who want to come inside and play.

Only use the official store

The Google Play Store is like a big library where all the books have been checked by a very smart librarian. When you download stuff from random websites it is like taking candy from a stranger who is hiding in a dark alley. I always tell my friends that “side-loading” sounds cool but it is actually a really easy way to let a monster into your pocket. Most of the time the Google Play Protect service is already working behind the scenes to sniff out the stinky apps.

Reading what other people say

Before I touch that “install” button I always look at the stars and the comments. If a million people say the app is great then it is probably okay but if someone says “This app stole my lunch money” then I stay away! Have you ever read a review that was just a bunch of gibberish? Sometimes robots write those fake reviews to trick us into thinking the app is good when it is actually a big pile of junk.

Checking the developer name

Sometimes bad people make apps that look exactly like the real ones. They might name it “Face-book” instead of “Facebook” to try and trick your eyes. It is very sneaky! I always check to see if the person who made the app has a blue checkmark or a good history.

Settings and Secrets to Block the Mean People

Your phone has a bunch of secret switches inside it that can make it super strong. I spent a whole afternoon clicking through my settings once and I found out that I had left the door wide open!