Mobile Apps-Know What You Are Downloading

Most anyone that frequents the Internet knows that they have to protect their computer, because it protects your personal data that resides on it.

However, with the rise of the Android(TM), iPhone(R) and everything else in between people do not take notice of the apps they download. Sometimes, this app looks "cool" out weighs any precaution that one may normally take on a usual basis. Thus, it's time to take a minute and reflect before putting that finger on the download button. Here is some quick advice to consider before putting your finger on the "Download" button.

1. Make sure the app is from an official market from the platform you are using. Thankfully both Android and the Apple(R) App Store have rules to keep you safe from any malicious or inappropriate content. In most cases any malware that hits the network is eliminated.

2. If the app is well rated and highly downloaded that can indicate not only the popularity of the app but also the intent.

3. Exercise extreme caution downloading an app from a peer-to-peer network. In many cases they have malware and Trojan houses attached to them.

4. When you download an app make sure you read the company's or development permission that YOU are giving them. If you blow off this little chore you may find that you may have given this developer or company:

• Permission to keep your phone from sleeping

• Permission to see who you are calling and where they are from

• Permission to give them access to your Internet connection.

• Permission to make calls or send texts FROM your phone (This can be very expensive and this is one method used by scammers).

 5. Protect your devices, make sure there is some form of mobile security on your device.

To report a scam or fraud, check out Scam Report on my website.