Most of the smartphones in the world run on Google's Android operating system. A report by International Data Corporation 261.1 million smartphones were shipped during the last quarter, 81 percent of which run Google's operating system. A study by Strategy Analytics last year revealed the same numbers, showing that Android accounted for 81.3 percent of the global smartphone market.

With the increase in Android users, malware is also increasing. Most of us are familiar with methods to prevent malware from taking over our computers and smartphones are no different. Many of the almost million malware apps that exist today for Android rely on exploits which Google calls a "legitimate Android [function used] in an unintended way."

Symptoms of malware infection can be a decrease in battery life, dropped or disrupted calls, larger than normal phone bills, data plan increases and slowed performance. If you notice dropped calls often, malware could be trying to eavesdrop on your conversations. Some malware will send text messages to paid numbers or constantly use data, increasing your phone bill. ASll of these things can slow down your phone incredibly.

The Android versions most commonly targeted by malware are the common ones: Gingerbread (2.3), Ice Cream Sandwich (4.0) and Jelly Bean (4.1). According to the Android Developer Dashboard, smartphone users with these operating systems have an 88% chance of having their mobile phone infected with malware.

If your phone does get infected, try to find and delete the app that brought the malware in the first place. This is not a guaranteed fix because the malware can remain after the app is deleted. In that case, you'll have to perform a factory reset to wipe the memory of your device completely. There are also paid and free security apps available for download in the Google Play Android app store. After you make sure your phone is clear, prevent future infections by being careful about which permissions you allow apps, only allowing the ones that you need.