How to Prevent Cell Phone Spyware

1. Purchase a cell phone security software program. These programs are similar to the anti-virus and anti-spyware programs that are used to protect computers from spyware and similar infections. You can even download a security program straight to your phone. See the link in the Resources section for more information.
2. Turn your Bluetooth off when you aren't using it. This can help to prevent individuals from sending you text or picture messages that contain spyware.
3. Open only text message attachments sent by people that you know. Spam messages sent by other cell phone users often contain spyware that can damage your cell phone. If you receive a message that you know is spam, contact your cell phone company. The company can block that number from sending a message to your cell phone in the future.
4. Sign up to receive ringtones and other attachments from trustworthy websites. There are a plethora of websites that claim to send free ringtones to your cell phone. Unfortunately, many of these websites will send spyware to your phone along with the file you requested. Myxer and PhoneZoo (see Resources) are two websites that offer ringtones without any spyware.
5. Use caution when using the Internet on your cell phone. Going to the wrong website could result in having to deal with viruses and spyware on your cell phone. Only go to websites that you are familiar with and that you can trust.