Smartphones are actually more exposed to security breaches and viruses than desktops or laptops, especially if you connect to the Internet via public WIFI.

If you log into your bank account via your mobile device, check email, take private photos of you or your family and visit social networking sites, you need to be aware that all of this data is at risk of being stolen, lost or altered without your permission by cyber criminals who increasingly target mobile phone users.

As smartphones become smarter and more like mini computers in your pocket, so cyber criminals are increasingly targeting these devices which are often seen as the “weak link” to your private information.

There are countless security threats online that could cause havoc to your mobile device, including phishing attacks, ransomware, spyware and other malware.

Phishing attacks use nefarious means to gather a person’s personal information. An example of this would be a website that is made to look exactly like your bank’s website, with the goal of stealing the login information of your online banking service. Antivirus programs analyze links and files to make sure that users do not fall for these phishing attacks.

Malware is more of a catch-all term, as there are many different types of malware. Programs like trojan horses and spyware fall into this category, as they can be used to track users’ keystrokes to gain personal information or install other malicious programming onto a device.