New Samsung phone

[xuto]

What methods are out there for keeping the phone safe from virus,malware and any other things that can kill a phone or laptop. Thank you so much.

[trouty]

Don't use the internet on it or download apps��

[Laphroaig]

Plenty of free anti-virus/security app options for Android, though the jury's still out on whether they are actually needed. Common sense will protect you from 99% of potential problems.

https://www.av-test.org/en/antivirus/mobile-devices/

[Gillian]

I use Avast across all my devices.

The free version is all you need, IMHO ...

(If AV software is the equivalent of a burglar alarm, the crooks know most people have one so don't try to break in, instead brazenly blagging their way through your front door. As Laphroaig says, common sense is your best defence)

[xuto]

Thank you all. Best practices.

[flabbybody]

Don't use the internet on it or download apps��

that's all I use my phone for... rarely take calls or answer texts