The Android is an open-sources operating system for mobile tailored by Google. Originally, Android is based on Linux Kernel is specifically designed for the touchscreen mobile phones. Android has revolutionized the mobile world, but has brought a big threat to the security of mobile devices because of its open source nature.
You also lose a lot of important information when your Android smartphone is stolen or lost somewhere. This can turn out to be a troublesome situation and you may not be able to figure out what to do. It is important for every Android user to operate his/her device carefully securing it against the online and offline threats. Check this tutorial to learn how you can protect your Android device from different threats.
Using Powerful Screen Security
Protecting your Android smartphone’s screen is one of the ideal ways to secure your smartphone. You must use a screen lock so that no one is able to open your smartphone without having the lock pin or pattern. Using the ‘Swipe’ function for unlocking the screen is not at all a wise choice. You must protect the screen of your smartphone with strong pattern, password or a pin. It is strongly recommended to use a password that is the combination of lowercase and uppercase letters, symbols, and numbers.
Use a VPN
Using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) is another great option for you if you want to safeguard your Android device against the online hackers and snoopers who are always trying to steal your private details by finding the security breach and entering inside your network. The use of NordVPN or any other powerful VPN will ensure that your IP address is masked with a random IP and you become untraceable.
The VPN even helps in preventing the DNS leakages and makes its impossible even for your ISP to track your online activity. A VPN like NordVPN can turn out to be the best option if you really wish to secure your Android device against any intruder attack and prevent your useful information from getting stolen.
Encrypt the Android Device
You can always add an extra layer of security to your Android device by enabling the phone encryption. If you turn on the ‘Encryption’ option on your smartphone, it will scramble the data of your phone until a decryption password has been entered. Every time the phone is turned on, a decryption password is necessary. This process takes a little time and this is why most of the people ignore it. But, it is one of the most crucial steps you can take towards the security of your Android phone.
Lock the Mobile Apps
You must lock the mobile apps, specifically the ones containing your private data. It is another layer of security to prevent anyone from accessing your personal data. If anyone ever bypasses your screen lock, this layer of security will stop them from accessing the apps that you don’t want to be accessed by someone else. You can find a number of applications on Google PlayStore to lock the apps on your device. Download any of them and add this layer of security to your mobile apps.
Download Apps/Games only from Google PlayStore
A number of APK websites are ruling the internet and you can find APKs of different applications here. You must not download them from the unknown sources or website other than Google PlayStore. You must stop your devices from downloading the applications or games from unknown sources. This can be done by going to ‘Settings’ option (Settings à Security à Device Administration à Unknown Sources). ‘Unknown sources’ option must not be checked.
Avoid Connecting to the Public Wi-Fi Networks
A number of hackers monitor the public Wi-Fi networks. There is every possible chance that your online activity is monitored if you are using public Wi-Fi networks. The online snoopers might steal your data. You must avoid making online payments while connected to public Wi-Fi networks. Also, ensure that your home Wi-Fi network is encrypted and secured with strong passwords.
Don’t Save all Passwords
Most of the users save the passwords for the websites they visit on their browser or phone. It is advisable not to store the passwords on your device. The banking passwords not be stored on your device. It may lead to a big loss.
Use an Antivirus
Your smartphone is less prone to get infected by malware or any type of virus as compared to PC, but installing an antivirus on your device will always help you to prevent the malware attacks and other malicious threats on your Android device. An antivirus program always keeps your device safe and secure against the virus attacks. Moreover, if your device already has malware, an antivirus will help you remove it. You must download the antivirus program from Google PlayStore only.
Checkout the App Permissions
Before any app is installed on your device from the Google PlayStore, there will be a list of permissions which will be displayed on your screen. Check those permissions carefully without proceeding too quickly. For example – The alarm app must not ask for the permission to read your text messages. So, it is important to look at the permission the app ask for before installing any app. Not all the apps you install from PlayStore are safe.
Enable Remote Tracking & Wiping
If you wish to wipe out the data from your Android phone that has just been stolen or lost then it can be done using the Android device manager. You can download this free app from the Google PlayStore. You can even track the location of your lost smartphone if it is connected to mobile network or Wi-Fi within seconds.
Verdict
The Android platform is one of the finest developments by Google, but because of its open-source nature, it is prone to different threats. If a user to wish be safe while using an android device, he/she must follow the above mentioned tactics carefully.
