It’s time to get serious about mobile security: Here’s how to protect your Android phone

Unfortunate though it may be, the simple fact is that most of us don’t take mobile security as seriously as we should. The idea of running a PC without antivirus software and malware protection is crazy to most people, but Android devices and other smartphones and tablets are the new frontier for hackers and malicious software makers looking to steal your private data.

It’s time to get serious about mobile security.

There are some mobile security issues that are unfortunately out of our hands. For example, we have to rely on companies to secure our data when it is stored remotely in the cloud. When companies like Apple fail to add a simple security feature to iCloud that prevents brute force attacks, for example, hundreds of nude celebrity photos leak.

When it comes to protecting data on our devices, however, there are some simple steps we can take to guard our data and thwart hackers.

According to a brand new report from Alcatel-Lucent’s Kindsight Security Labs, more than 15 million mobile devices were infected with malware during the first half of 2014. That figure is set to rocket even higher in the future, so it seems crazy that so many people out there still aren’t taking steps to protect themselves.

On Android devices, it is absolutely imperative that people use mobile security software. There are plenty of great free and paid options out there, and the simple act of installing one of these apps could be the difference between protecting your data and seeing sensitive information stolen by a hacker.

If you haven’t yet found yourself some solid mobile security software, one of the world’s leading mobile device security companies has a special offer available only to BGR readers.

For the next few days until the end of the day Sunday, September 7th, Bitdefender is offering a special extended free usage period for its class-leading Mobile Security & Antivirus app. New installations normally come with a free 14-day trial, but BGR readers will enjoy all of the app’s premium security features free for six full months.

Click here to visit Bitdefender’s site and get your free six-month trial, and you’ll find the app’s full description detailing all of its security features below.

Give your Android mobile devices TOTAL protection from viruses and privacy “intruders” with Bitdefender Mobile Security! PC Security Labs heralded this cutting-edge app with a FIVE STAR AWARD, so you know you can trust it to keep your device, your information, and your privacy safe!

PLEASE NOTE: This app is a 14-day trial. It can be downloaded for free. After 14 days, it may be reactivated for only $1.49/month or $14.95/year*

Features at a glance:
✔ New!!! WearON – extend Bitdefender Mobile Security to your smart watch
✔ Malware Scanner – independently tested to detect 100% of the bad stuff
✔ Privacy Advisor – shows you how installed apps use, and possibly abuse, your personal information
✔ Web Security – protects you in real-time when browsing websites using Chrome and Android’s default browsers
✔ Anti-Theft – allows you to send out SMS Commands and features its own Web dashboard that lets you lock, track, and wipe your Android from any Internet-connected device.

WearON – New functions for Android smart watches
Two helpful tools come with Bitdefender Mobile Security when installed on a smartphone running Android 4.3 and connected to an Android Wear device.
Phone Alert
Your smart watch will vibrate when you step too far away from your phone, to help you avoid leaving your Android device behind.
Scream
Use your Android Wear device to locate your phone. Ping your smartphone from your smart watch, and it will scream for you even if you left it on silent.

Malware Scanner 
Independently tested to detect 100% of the bad stuff, Bitdefender’s Malware Scanner automatically scans apps as you install them to prevent unpleasant surprises. It works in the Cloud, so it’s always up to date with the very latest virus signatures—enabling it to shield your Android from the newest malware threats and aggressive adware. You can also trigger the Malware Scanner manually at any time, for complete peace of mind.

Privacy Advisor 
You’d be amazed at what some apps can do behind your back! Some can peek into your private data and share it on the Web. Others can access the Internet without your knowledge and download unwanted data to your Android. Privacy Advisor helps you keep an eye on installed apps and shows you which ones abuse your privacy.

NEW! App Lock
Ever leave your phone laying around, unlocked, only to discover a friend hijacked your Facebook account with a silly status? Imagine if this wasn’t done by a friend. Imagine if it was your bank account or stocks app, personal pictures, or any other app containing your sensitive/personal info that was accessed without your knowledge. App Lock lists all the apps installed on your phone, and allows you to easily pick and choose which ones you’d like to setup passcodes for… so the only one that opens them up is you!

Web Security
Whether you’re using Android’s default browser or Chrome, Bitdefender Web Security keeps you safe by browsing the websites you visit in real-time, and steering you away from anything malicious.

IMPROVED! Anti‐Theft 
Misplaced phone? No worries! Bitdefender Anti-theft features its own Web dashboard that allows you to lock, geo-locate, sound an alarm, and wipe your Android from any Internet connected device. It even allows you to listen in on your phone, send out SMS Commands, and alerts you if the SIM card has been changed.

SOURCE:

BITDEFENDER