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The smartphone has become an inseparable companion of our daily lives, a small digital chest that holds personal data, photos, contacts, and banking information. In a context like the Italian and European one, where technology is deeply intertwined with culture and habits, the security of these devices becomes an absolute priority. Just as secret diaries or important letters were once protected, today it is fundamental to defend our digital space. Italy, for the third consecutive year, has confirmed itself as the country most affected by malware in Europe, a figure that underscores the urgency of adopting conscious behaviors to browse safely. This article aims to be a practical and accessible guide for everyone, combining the tradition of prudence with the innovation of digital defense tools.
The evolution of cyber threats is constant and increasingly sophisticated. Cybercriminals no longer rely only on generic campaigns but aim at specific targets with targeted attacks to maximize damage. Understanding the risks does not mean living in fear, but acquiring the necessary knowledge to act intelligently. Protecting your smartphone does not require advanced technical skills, but rather the adoption of simple and good habits. In this guide, we will explore step by step the most effective strategies to secure our pocket-sized digital world, ensuring the protection of our privacy and our most precious data.
Our smartphone is an attractive target for malicious actors due to the large amount of sensitive data it contains. Cyber threats for mobile devices are constantly growing; just think that industry researchers have seen attacks almost double in a single year, going from 66.4 million to 116.5 million. In 2023, Italy sadly distinguished itself as the first country in Europe and the fourth in the world for the number of malware attacks suffered, with nearly 278 million threats intercepted. These numbers highlight a worrying reality and the need for greater awareness on the part of users.
Threats are not all the same. There are different types of malicious software, or malware, each with specific purposes. Among the most common, we find spyware, which spies on our activities, trojans, which hide in apparently harmless apps, and ransomware, which blocks the device demanding a ransom. A report by CERT-AgID highlighted a particular growth in threats towards Android devices for 2023, often conveyed via fraudulent SMS (smishing) inviting users to install fake updates. Knowing the “enemy” is the first fundamental step to be able to fight it effectively.
The most effective defense starts with our daily actions. Adopting a few simple but fundamental habits can drastically reduce the risk of infections. The first rule is to install applications exclusively from official sources like the Google Play Store for Android and the App Store for iOS. These virtual stores implement security checks to reduce the presence of malicious apps. Downloading APK files from third-party sites, although possible on Android, is a strongly discouraged practice because it significantly increases the risk of installing malicious software.
Another crucial practice is to pay attention to the permissions requested by applications during installation. If a flashlight app asks for access to your contacts or messages, it is a warning sign not to be underestimated. Reading reviews from other users and verifying the reliability of the developer are further steps recommended by the Postal Police itself to avoid nasty surprises. Finally, it is good practice not to modify the phone’s operating system with procedures like jailbreak or root, as these operations remove important integrated security barriers.
Many users tend to postpone software updates, perceiving them as a useless nuisance. However, this is one of the most important practices for device security. Updates to the operating system and individual apps serve not only to introduce new features or improve performance but primarily to fix recently discovered security flaws (vulnerabilities). These vulnerabilities are the gateways that hackers and malware exploit to infiltrate our smartphone.
Ignoring an update means leaving your device exposed to known and easily avoidable risks. Both Google and Apple work constantly to make their operating systems more secure, and the security patches released are essential to protect against emerging threats. Enabling automatic updates, where possible, is the wisest choice to ensure that your smartphone is always equipped with the latest available defenses, just as we would upgrade the locks on our house after discovering a flaw.
Online browsing and the use of messaging are daily activities that hide pitfalls. One of the most widespread threats is phishing, a digital scam that occurs via email or messages and aims to steal sensitive information such as passwords and banking data. Its SMS variant, called smishing, is particularly insidious because it exploits the trust users place in text messages. Scammers pose as authoritative bodies, such as banks or delivery services, and with a convincing pretext induce the victim to click on a malicious link or provide personal data.
To defend yourself, it is fundamental not to click on suspicious links received via email, SMS, or messaging apps. It must be remembered that banking institutions and official bodies never ask to provide sensitive data such as PINs and passwords through these channels. Another risk area is represented by public Wi-Fi networks. Although convenient, these networks are often insecure and can be exploited by criminals to intercept data. When connecting to public Wi-Fi, it is advisable to avoid sensitive operations like home banking and use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to encrypt the connection and protect your privacy. For the most delicate operations, it is always better to rely on your mobile data connection.
In addition to good practices, installing antivirus software represents a further and important level of protection, especially for Android devices. A good antivirus can scan the device for malware, monitor app behavior in real-time, and block emerging threats. Even though Apple’s iOS system is generally considered more “closed” and secure, one can never be too careful. For Android users, however, a reliable security app is highly recommended for complete protection.
There are many valid solutions on the market, offered by known and respected cybersecurity providers. When choosing an antivirus, it is important to rely on known brands to avoid stumbling upon fake security apps that are themselves malware. Another fundamental tool, often integrated into operating systems, is the remote lock and locate function. Configuring this option, such as “Find My Device” on Android or “Find My” on iOS, allows you to locate the phone in case of theft or loss, lock it remotely, or even wipe all data to protect your privacy. Finally, one must never forget the importance of performing regular backups of one’s data, a true lifeline in case of a ransomware attack or a failure requiring a device reset.
Protecting your smartphone from viruses and malware is not an impossible feat, but a duty towards ourselves and our privacy. In a digital era where Italy and Europe are constantly under attack, awareness is the first and most powerful weapon of defense. The best approach combines tradition and innovation: the prudence of not trusting suspicious messages, combined with the intelligent use of technology, such as constant updates and protection software. By adopting the good practices described in this guide, such as downloading apps only from official stores, checking permissions, and browsing with caution, it is possible to drastically reduce risks. Let us remember that the security of our smartphone is only as strong as the weakest link in the chain, and that link is often us. With a little attention and the right knowledge, we can continue to enjoy all the benefits of our trusted digital companion, keeping our data safe. For those approaching this world for the first time, a useful read could be our complete guide to choosing your first smartphone, which also touches on aspects related to security. If instead you are worried about specific scams, the article on how to defend yourself from phishing and online scams can provide further details. Finally, for secure management of communications, our guide on how to use WhatsApp Web safely offers practical tips to protect privacy.
Yes, it is a strongly recommended precaution, especially for Android devices. Although systems like Google Play Protect offer basic protection, a dedicated antivirus provides a superior level of security against malware, ransomware, and other threats. Even iPhones, despite being less vulnerable thanks to Apple closed system, benefit from security apps that protect during browsing and from the use of insecure Wi-Fi networks.
There are several signs to pay attention to. The most common include sudden and abnormal battery consumption, frequent overheating of the device, an unexplained increase in mobile data usage, and the appearance of annoying advertising pop-ups. Other symptoms can be a general slowing down of the system, the presence of apps you do not remember installing, or the strange behavior of applications that close by themselves.
No, they are not completely immune, although they are much more secure than Android devices. The Apple iOS operating system is a «closed» ecosystem and apps on the App Store undergo rigorous checks, making infection by traditional viruses very difficult. However, iPhones can be vulnerable to phishing attempts, malicious websites, and targeted attacks, especially if you «jailbreak» the device, which compromises its built-in defenses.
The first thing to do is disconnect the phone from the Internet (both Wi-Fi and mobile data) to limit the damage. Next, try restarting the device in safe mode to disable third-party apps, then locate and uninstall any suspicious applications. Run a full scan with a reliable antivirus app to find and remove the malware. If the problem persists, the last resort is to back up important data and proceed with a factory reset.
Using public Wi-Fi networks carries risks, as they are often unprotected and can be an easy target for hackers. It is not recommended to perform sensitive operations like home banking or online shopping on these networks. To browse safely on public Wi-Fi, the best solution is to use a VPN (Virtual Private Network), which encrypts your connection and protects your data from prying eyes.