Smartphones are powerful tools, but the information they contain should be guarded, the AARP Fraud Watch Network advises.

In the same way that scammers can download malicious software to computers, they can also download it to phones, which could mean people inadvertently grant them access to passwords, banking and credit card information.

“It is imperative to exercise caution on your phone to ensure it is not broken into or hacked, and that your information isn’t stolen,” the network said. Also, use secure Wi-Fi connections, don’t download apps that jeopardize a phone’s security and update the phone’s operating system whenever possible for the latest security.

For more information, go to www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork.