Phones Get Viruses Too — Here’s How to Stay Safe

  by Kieran – Reading time: 3 min.


In this blog post...

✓ What is an antivirus program?
✓ How secure are cell phones by default?
✓ The pros and cons of additional antivirus programs
✓ How to protect your cell phone without an extra antivirus program
✓ Does your cell phone need antivirus software?

Smartphones are with us all day, every day. We use them to communicate, make digital payments, and store all our data and documents in one place. While antivirus software is a no-brainer for computers, things get a bit trickier when it comes to mobile devices and antivirus software for phones.

What is antivirus software?

Antivirus software runs continuously in the background, monitoring your device for malicious activity. It scans files, applications, and data streams for known threats such as viruses, Trojan horses, and malware. Detected threats are automatically blocked or removed. That said, most modern smartphones already include robust security measures straight from the factory.

How secure are cell phones by default?

Overall, smartphones offer stronger baseline security than traditional computers. However, there are significant differences between operating systems.

Apple’s iOS operates within a tightly controlled ecosystem with strict security protocols. Until recently, users could only download apps via the official App Store, minimizing malware risk. Still, cybercriminals have occasionally managed to slip fake apps through the cracks. That’s why security apps for iPhone can be a good extra safeguard for users who want more control or privacy features.

In Europe, new regulations recently forced Apple to open its App Store to outside app providers, but that change hasn’t hit the U.S. yet. In the U.S., Apple still reviews every app for security threats before it becomes available to download. What Apple doesn’t check, though, are the business practices or the kind of content those apps might contain, so a small risk always remains.

Android devices, on the other hand, are built to be more open. Users can install apps directly from their browser if they choose, but that flexibility comes with a higher chance of malware infection. Google Play Protect does offer built-in protection, yet in independent tests, it often performs worse than dedicated antivirus programs for Android.

Pros and cons of additional antivirus software for phone

Installing an additional antivirus program on your phone may sound like a no-brainer, but it actually comes with both advantages and disadvantages. Here’s a list of both:

Pros:

• Extra protection from risky apps. A good antivirus for Android or iPhone can catch dangerous apps, even if they sneak into the official app stores, not just the sketchy ones from random websites.
• Peace of mind online. Because these programs constantly monitor your device and scan incoming data, you’re better protected while browsing, streaming, or shopping online.
• Early warning system. Many antivirus software programs can detect phishing attempts and other cyberattacks before they cause serious damage, helping you avoid identity theft or data loss.

Cons:

• Can slow down your phone. Antivirus apps constantly run in the background, which can eat up processing power and drain your battery faster, meaning shorter battery life and slower performance.
• No system is foolproof. Cybercriminals know antivirus software exists and are always developing new ways to get around it. Even the best virus scanner can’t guarantee 100% protection.
• Might be unnecessary. If you only download apps from trusted sources, like the official App Store or Google Play, you may already have enough built-in protection on your device.

How to protect your cell phone without an extra antivirus program

A virus protection app can be a great extra layer of security for your phone, but your own habits matter even more. Safe browsing and a little caution go a long way in keeping your data protected. Here are a few expert tips to protect yourself and your phone from viruses:

• Stick to official app stores. The Google Play Store and Apple App Store automatically scan apps for malware, making them far safer than random download sites.
• Watch app permissions. If a flashlight app wants access to your contacts or location, that’s a big red flag.
• Keep your software up to date. Regular security updates patch known vulnerabilities and are one of the simplest ways to stay protected.
• Be cautious with emails and links. Phishing scams are still common, so if something looks suspicious, don’t click it.
• Avoid public Wi-Fi for sensitive tasks. Free hotspots are convenient but often unsafe; avoid using them for banking, shopping, or anything that involves personal data.

Does your cell phone need extra antivirus protection?

In the end, it’s up to each person to decide whether an extra antivirus app is worth the trade-offs, like possible performance slowdowns. iPhones are generally well protected thanks to Apple’s closed system, so most users don’t need additional software. Android users, on the other hand, should be a bit more cautious about where they download their apps and consider using a reliable antivirus for Android if they want stronger protection.

If you use your phone responsibly (keep it updated, avoid sketchy downloads, and stick to trusted sources), you’re already doing a lot to stay safe. Still, an antivirus app can add extra peace of mind, especially if you like to play it safe or often download files from the web.

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