Android is one of the most popular smartphones operating systems with 90% of smartphones running on it. This popularity is a double-edged sword, though. Because as so many Android devices out, there is more motivation for hackers to get their hands on the users’ data.
Another issue with Android is that many versions of it exist and not all of them are equally secure. Also, Android is open source, and the system is more accessible and easier to hack than other operating systems like Apple’s iOS.
Hence, it is important to make sure that your Android devices are secure so that your private data doesn’t fall into the wrong hands.
Here are 10 tips to tighten security on your Android device.
1. Create a passcode
The easiest and one of the best ways to secure your smartphone is by using the built-in security features that Android provides. You can set a numeric passcode, a text passcode, or even a pattern passcode.
Recently released devices also allow fingerprint locking. If your phone gets stolen and you have a passcode set, chances are the thief won’t even be able to access your home screen and your data will be safe.
2. Lock apps
You should also secure your most important apps with individual passcodes. There are many apps on the Google Play Store that can help you with app locking at the system level.
Locking apps create another wall between your data and the thief trying to steal it. And it also helps when nosy friends want to see your private photos and chats. Additionally, if your phone contains important and sensitive that needs protection, you can get a high-end encryption software similar to encrochat.
3. Use an antivirus
One of the best ways to secure your Android device is to use a good old’ antivirus. There are many good antiviruses like Symantecstore.com which are specially designed for mobile security and can protect you against malware and viruses that apps might bring in, and they can also help your device become faster by clearing junk.
Optionally, you could also have a Mobile threat defense tool in your cell to protect your personal and official data from hackers. It could be especially useful for business employees who frequently use their smartphones to perform various tasks. As a result, if you are a business owner, you could protect your collaborators’ mobile devices by using a tool like this that can prevent your company’s data from being leaked.
4. Download apps from Google Play only
While browsing the Internet, you might come across a website which lets you download an APK file of an app and install it on your Android device. You might also be tempted to download and install APKs of paid apps to get them for free.
But we suggest you avoid doing that. The people who have made those APKs might have made some modifications to the app so that they can siphon off your data and use it however way they want. That is why it is always advisable to download apps from the Google Play Store.
5. Read app permissions
Every app on the Google Play Store, before getting installed, will show you a list of permissions it needs to access functions and features of your phone.
If you feel that the app is asking permission for a function it doesn’t need; you can choose to not give that permission to the app or not install it altogether.
6. Install system updates regularly
Lately, Google has started issuing Android security updates on a monthly basis to counter security threats. In addition to these, new versions of Android are always more secure than older ones. If your device manufacturer sends you an update, make sure you install it that very moment.
7. Set up multiple user accounts
Since Lollipop, Android has had the provision to create multiple user accounts. If your device is also used by other people around you, make sure you create a guest user account through which they can access only apps and data relevant to them, and your private data stays private.
8. Use Android Device Manager
With Android Device Manager, you can use your device’s GPS to locate it if it gets lost. You can track your device from the Internet too, and if all hope of getting it back seems lost, you can also delete all the data on it remotely.
9. Backup your device regularly
If you lose your device or it stops working for any other reason, you might lose your data. Backing up your data regularly will ensure that your data always stays with you.
You can either connect your device to your computer regularly and create manual backups, or you can let your device backup important data to the cloud automatically. You can use Google’s in-built services or download a backup app of your choice.
10. Use a password manager app
To better the security on your Android device, people might suggest that you not save passwords of any kind on it. But entering passwords every time you log into Facebook is a pain. That is where a password manager app comes in. There are many secure password managers which can save and even help create passwords for you, and you can use them to enter your passwords whenever needed.
Android devices are the most important bits of our life and keeping them safe and secure is high on our priority list. If you keep these tips in mind your data remain safe and your Android device secure.
