Keeping the malware away requires some protection

Once you've selected an antivirus program you like through Google's Play store, download the software to your phone. Google may ask you to type in your password, if you have one. Accept additional safety functions if they are offered.

We installed Avast Security to our Android while connected to a home network. It took less than a minute, but if you're on Wi-Fi, a few minutes more can be expected.

Once the software is installed, click the “open" button. Then click “continue" to agree to the license agreements. Many, like Avast, offer to run your first scan. That's a good idea.

On an Android, check the upper left-hand corner of your screen where you get updates to see if the software is working. To verify it's operational open up the application to see if it is counting objects scanned, says Rob Demers, an information technology consultant for M&H Consulting, of Natick, Massachusetts.

“Usually you'll see an icon there that tells you that your application is running," he says.

We had a file extension called APK and an anti-bugging product running on our phone after the install. Avast told us to shut them down, so we did. The app also found a couple of security settings that were risky, telling us how to turn them off. We did.

And with that, we were done. Some programs might try and sell you an upgrade. For personal users, the free software version is likely to work well enough.

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