As technology advances, gadgets like smartphones also evolve. Even operating systems evolve and give birth to new ones just like the Android Wear or Wear OS. Smartphones have long gone from being just a mere luxury to a necessity. Unfortunately, as cell phones evolve, so do the various threats and dangers that target them and their users. Android devices, for instance, are a favourite target of hackers and cybercriminals. It is, therefore, crucial to familiarize yourself with Android phone security tips.
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How To Secure Your Android Phone
Android security precautions can greatly decrease the chances of your Android phone, and sensitive information, becoming compromised. Here are some security tips that can help keep your device safe.
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Keep Your Phone Locked
This simple habit could save you from many headaches. That lock screen could be the barrier that will keep someone from snooping through your files. This is especially helpful in case your phone gets lost or stolen.
Use Two-Factor Authentication
Online portals and websites have introduced Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) as a layer of protection against hackers. Make sure to activate or incorporate this especially for your Google account and social media accounts. With 2FA, whenever you try to log into an account from a new device, it will send a code to your phone number and email address which you would then use to enter into your account.
Download Apps from Google Play Store
Avoid utilizing third-party apps, download your apps from Google Play Store to avoid malware and viruses from invading your phone. Even then, be selective of the apps you download. Download and utilize apps only when you’re sure of their reliability and security.
Avoid Unsecure Wi-Fi Networks
Utilize free, public Wi-Fi sparingly because hackers could easily set up fake Wi-Fi hotspots. First off, ensure the business or establishment you’re in actually has free Wi-Fi. Also, if you’re utilizing public Wi-Fi, only utilize apps and websites that encrypt information. Connect to a VPN for an additional layer of Wi-Fi security.
Enable ‘Find My Device’
Find My Device is a built-in feature on Android that enables people to prevent data loss or, as the name suggests, find their lost or stolen device. Simply go to Settings → Google → Security → Find My device → Tap the slider into the On position. You can then track your smartphone, or remotely wipe data to prevent others from accessing them. You can also utilize a phone monitoring app for Android available on the market that can track your phone’s GPS location in real-time, among other things.
Browse in Safe Mode
First, always utilize Google Chrome as your go-to browser. You can also opt for Safe Browsing Mode for added security. Just launch Chrome on your device and tap on the menu (three dots) in the toolbar. Click on the ‘New Incognito Window’ to open Google Chrome in Incognito mode, with all your add-ons disabled.
Use Android Antivirus Software
Android antivirus apps can be helpful tools, both as antivirus protection and malware protection. Antivirus for Android can aid in resolving security issues like finding malware or bugs and quarantining them before any damage is done.
Keep Your Device Updated
One way for hackers to invade your device is via software vulnerabilities. This is why it is crucial to keep your Android software up-to-date. Google keeps Android updated to fix issues and to add security measures.
Android Phone Dangers and Threats to Watch Out For
There are dangers to watch out for when you have a smartphone. Such dangers include data leakage, phishing attacks, viruses, malware, and more. There are, however, four types of security threats to watch out for, namely:
Physical Threats
This typically refers to phone loss or theft. Physical access to your device allows hackers direct access to your hardware. This may also result from not securing your phone via screen or app locks.
Application-Based Threats
This can result from downloading seemingly legitimate apps that turn out to carry malware or viruses. This can lead to data leakage which could compromise your business or identity.
Network-Based Threats
This typically results from connecting to unsecured public Wi-Fi networks. Cybercriminals can steal unencrypted data and utilize them for their malicious purpose.
Web-Based Threats
Web threats typically go unnoticed as they are subtle and come from seemingly reputable websites. People often unknowingly download malware to their devices by visiting unsecured websites or clicking on unverified links.
Final Words
Smartphones have grown to be a crucial part of a person’s day-to-day activities. Work and school tasks, bank and business transactions, and event socialization are conducted via smartphones and other cell phones. This increased usage of such devices has, unfortunately, given rise to various threats and dangers. Educate yourself about such threats and the necessary steps needed to protect yourself from them.
In the past, we have discussed the super-scary malware/virus from the theoretical ground. Many of the threats have practically zero chance of affecting you in the real world. The vast majority of the security breaches can be addressed by taking simple measures such as using a strong password, two-factor authentication, taking regular backup, and following the above tips.
