The average smartphone user tends to be more concerned about their phone’s physical safety than the threat of malware. Malware and other forms of cyberthreats may be more common in desktops and laptops, but disregarding other devices can lead to disaster.

Android phones and tablets have become mini computers capable of storing gigabytes worth of data. But like any computer, that data can be lost or compromised at any time. Users who value their data benefit from planning ahead and backing up their data.

Avast, a cybersecurity software company, purchased 20 used Android phones from eBay in 2014. Even though previous owners had performed a factory reset to erase all their private data from memory, the company was able to recover 40,000 photos (including nudes and kids’ pictures), 1,000 Google searches, 750 SMS and email exchanges, and tons of contact details.

To fend off the latest cyberattacks, Android phone manufacturers claim they always stay on top of bug fixes and security patches. But in light of recent reports, you may not want to take their word for it. Researchers say some popular Android vendors have missed quite a few important patches.

If you’re in the market for a new Android phone but overwhelmed with the number of options available, Google can help. They’ve recently published a set of standards of what constitutes a ‘business-friendly’ phone and has created a short list to help you decide.

Desktop and laptop users install security software updates and do everything they can to safeguard against cyber attacks. The same cannot be said of smartphone users. This is understandable because cyber threats on mobile phones are less visible... but that doesn’t mean they don’t happen.

Whether or not to buy an iPhone 7 is a personal decision, and an especially difficult one if you’ve owned a previous version of the device. There are several pros and cons to consider when deciding whether an upgrade is worth the investment. Other than being influenced by reviews, tech lovers may make their decision based solely on bragging rights.

When an archaeologist discovers relics of a long-forgotten dynasty, mixed emotions ensue. The thrill of stumbling upon something untouched intertwines with a slight dread of working with something you know nothing about. The same notion is applicable to smartphones, in particular, operating system updates.

iOS 10 may still be in its beta stage, but Apple loyalists have grown accustomed to a level of hype in the months leading up to a new product release. Despite the announcements and presentations wrapping up last month, we’re just now getting wind of the unbiased opinions from developers who have courageously installed the upcoming version of iOS -- and the news is good.

For the past couple of years, Microsoft’s smartphones have been struggling to keep up with Android and Apple devices. Although Microsoft sells their handsets at lower price points and are constantly trying to improve user experience, the Windows Phone just isn’t cutting it in the consumer market.