Webroot Warns of Instagram App Scam. Are you In Danger?

I was reading Webroot’s email this morning and it mentioned the INSTAGRAM App Scam.  You’ll certainly want to read it for more details but what I got out of it was Webroot says there’s an imposter apps that mimic the popular Instagram app and unsuspecting smartphone users are not checking to make sure the app is the original and there fore downloading the wrong one. These apps are wrecking havoc for users.

I love using Instagram along with many of my blog friends to share instant photos of fun things were doing or want to share with each other and our readers. Instagram photo sharing app allows you to snap a picture, add a filter to make it look perfect, then upload to instagram and share on all social networking sites like Facebook, Twitter, and Tumblr too. It comes in handy when we’re at Company blogger events, Blogging conferences, reviewing something such as a hotel or activity,  and is great for everyday activity sharing, too.  I downloaded Instagram for Android on my last trip so I can share photos of our Wild Africa trek tour at Disney in Florida and the rest of the trip for Disneynature Chimpanzee Premiere.

Here’s 3 Tips shared by WEBROOT to keep your Smartphone safe by making sure the apps you download are real:

1. Make it official
   Open source apps have given us a slew of fun and creative ways to use our smartphones. But the open app market can sometimes be a shady place. Avoid downloading apps from any third party sites, even if they look highly sophisticated. You’re better off sticking to your platform’s official store (Android Market, App World, Ovi Store or Apple Store) where the security around what is published is a bit more rigorous.
2. Read reviews
   These days, we depend more and more on stellar star ratings to help us make smarter decisions with our dollar. Why should downloads be any different? Do a little research before you tap and see what other customers are saying. If something sounds suspicious, think twice before you let it wreak havoc on your personal device—and all the private information it contains.
3. Install a mobile security suite
   For as fun and convenient as our phones can be, the security threats they can expose us to are serious. Protect yourself and improve your line of defense by installing a security suite for your mobile device. Webroot’s Mobile & Tablet Security app – voted one of PCWorld’s Best Free Android Apps of 2011—has great privacy protection features, and is clean and easy to use. (And did we mention free?)

Webroot Security has protected my computer for well over 5 years and now I can have it protect my tablet and my smartphone. I can’t say enough good things about it. I switched back in 2007 because the computer guy for the Geek Squad told me that it was top rated for that year and better than what I had been using that was giving me a ton of problems. I keep my software up to date and if I ever have question I can call. They have fantastic customer service and even helped me install my latest update downloads, and first logged into my computer to check it for virus’ and any suspicious malware. I think he found 41 objects and genuinely sounded concerned for me. He cleaned my computer then uploaded Webroot thanked me for calling him and putting him to work (that part made me laugh) and I was on my way to surfing the internet freely with no worries.

I value my smartphone although I need a new service provider but it’s a major necessity to have for what I do as a Blogger. It allows me to share in the moment on social networks which is crucial in many cases for attending the events I get invited to.  I love sharing in the moment while everything is happening and fresh.

I’ve been thinking about mobile security for my tablet ever since it arrived. I downloaded the free app and now I can feel safe.

Do you have mobile smart phone and tablet security?

disclosure: I shared this information because I felt it was important for my readers. I was not contacted or asked to share nor paid for sharing. I like to promote company’s  that I personally believe offer excellent service and products so you can benefit from them too. I share my personal experiences so that you may be better informed about product and company from my point of view but ask that you try them yourself so that you to can form your very own experience.