Your smartphone is still pretty safe from malicious apps as long as you haven't tampered with the built-in protection and stick to getting your apps from the associated app stores. The tampering is known as jailbreaking or rooting your phone because it opens the device up to load anything from anywhere. In the past, those users were the only ones that needed to be extremely careful about loading apps, but now everyone should. There are lots of scams that can appear as compelling text messages or emails that include a link to get the app the message is talking about. Those that fall for these clever messages, that may even be from people you trust, clicking the link can lead to trouble. That someone you trust could easily have been compromised so the bad guys can trick their friends and family. Just remember to only install apps that you specifically went looking for and not from links on websites, emails or texts. For some additional protection, you can download the free personal version of Lookout to watch over you as well: and#160;https://www.lookout.com/products/personal