A recent virus scare in the Android Market™ led to the removal of more than 50 applications from the app store. These apps were designed to infect devices and take personal data on the phone back to the hacker. This malware could completely wipe a device, allow the hacker to silently install other malicious apps and allow private information stored on the phone to be compromised. This isn’t the first security threat targeted at mobile devices, but it does teach a valuable lesson: Users should be cautious when downloading applications.

Apps should only be downloaded from trusted sources. Check ratings and reviews before downloading and closely look at the permissions you are granting to the application. An application that gives you more wallpapers on your device shouldn’t need access to your personal information. You can also visit a developer’s website right from the market to see what other applications they have developed and to confirm they are a legitimate source.

Users can also download anti-virus applications to scan each application that they download for suspicious activity and permissions. Lookout Mobile Security, for example, protects against threats including malware, spyware and apps that violate your privacy. It has extra features that allow you to run scheduled security scans and even call your missing phone from your computer. With the premium version, you can also backup and restore photos, call history and contacts, and remotely lock and clear your device if you happen to lose it.

Many of the major companies that provide computer security software, like Symantec, McAfee, and Norton, make free security apps, as well. Visit www.android.com/market to browse additional security applications.