The best way to protect yourself from cellphone viruses is the same way you protect yourself from computer viruses: Never open anything if you don't know what it is, haven't requested it or have any suspicions whatsoever that it's not what it claims to be. That said, even the most cautious person can still end up with an infected phone. Here are some steps you can take to decrease your chances of installing a virus:
* Turn off Bluetooth discoverable mode.
* Check security updates to learn about filenames you should keep an eye out for.
* Install some type of security software on your phone.
Although some in the cell-phone industry think the potential problem is overstated, most experts agree that cell-phone viruses are on the brink of their destructive power. Installing a "security patch" that ends up turning your phone into a useless piece of plastic is definitely something to be concerned about, but it could still get worse. Future possibilities include viruses that bug phones, so someone can see every number you call and listen to your conversations and viruses that steal financial information, which would be a serious issue if smartphones end up being used as payment devices. Ultimately, more connectivity means more exposure to viruses and faster spreading of infection. As smartphones become more common and more complex, so will the viruses that target them.
