How to better protect an Android-based device

Given the recent discovery of malicious applications carrying malware in the Android Market, many users of devices run on Google's mobile operating system have expressed concern over their security.

However, there is much a user can to to protect an Android-based device, according to a recent Windows IT Pro report. The news provider identified several tips that any mobile user can follow.

For starters, the news provider stated that it's important to properly research a mobile application before downloading. A little homework will let a user know whether or not a certain program can be trusted or if it has been known to contain malware.

Next, users should manage permissions requested by apps. Whether it is location or stored data, it's important to restrict confidential data to only the most trusted applications, according to the report.

Finally, disabling an Android-based device's Wi-Fi Auto Connect feature will help a use avoid vulnerable networks, the report stated.

A recent report from security news provider CSO argued that mobile users should look to the history of computers when combating cyber threats. Both technologies followed a similar path to prominence among both end users and cybercriminals.