With the benefit of being able to download thousands of apps on your smartphone comes the risk of malicious software being installed, either accidently or without your knowledge.

To help ensure your phone is safe, you should follow these general rules when installing apps:

Be wary of apps not from an official source.

Be particularly wary of downloading apps not from the App Store (Apple) or Play Store (Android). Remember the general rule, if something is too good to be true, it usually is.

Don’t install anything you’re unsure of.

If you don’t know the source of an app, don’t install it.

If you suspect you’ve installed malicious software.

Search the internet for more information on removing unwanted software or, as a last resort, resetting your device to its factory settings.