Alcatel OneTouch has released information from Trend Micro, a computing security company which reported that in the first quarter of 2015; 14 million threats – forms of malware – were blocked from trying to attack smartphones worldwide.

The vast majority of malware identified is noted as unwanted applications that are installed on your phone without authorization via actions such as opening an email, clicking on a link or even to download an image or an application that you just shared. These viruses pose a risk to your stored information, such as passwords, images, contacts and videos.

New Malware is even more dangerous

“Millions of users store important information on their mobile devices and use them to surf the Internet, read emails and conduct financial transactions,” said Jesus Hung, Regional Director for the Caribbean and Central America for Alcatel OneTouch. “We want our users to always be protected, so one of the priorities forAlcatel OneTouch is to keep consumers aware of industry trends, and what is being to keep their information safe.”

“Security is a commitment.Alcatel OneTouch develops the best equipment and provides them with the best security options; however, it is important that users opt for safe navigation practices to avoid compromising information. It’s like in real life: the more you expose one to compromising situations, the more risk we run, “said Jesus Hung.

Safety Precautions

In an effort to protect their devices against increasing security threats, Alcatel OneTouch integrated the latest version of antivirus Dr. Safety by Trend Micro designed specifically for smartphones and tablets. Among other security features, Dr. Safety performs silent monitoring (users do not realize that your computer is being analyzed) against security threats, secure Internet browsing and privacy in social networks. Besides this, Dr. Safety provides for the ability to screen calls and unwanted text messages.

Alcatel OneTouch advises that irrespective of your brand of device, use passwords containing at least one number and one capital letter to access your computer, phone and your applications; when finding information on the Internet, use popular search engines.

When making purchases online, use known sites, which state in its terms that transactions are secure, and always use those with the web address ‘https: //’ ; download applications and files only from reputable sites, such as Google Play, ensuring applications are certified by the developer, whether free or paid.

Accept file transfers from reputable sources and distrust rare files with names or extensions; and think before you click: do you really want or need to open that page?  Hackers place unnecessary links and we click without realizing what we are viewing.

With smartphone usage an increasing part of our personal and corporate lives; the onus is now on the consumer to be aware of their activities in cyberspace; and like our day-to-day lives; implement safety measures to limit exposure to risks.