Attention all Android phone users: Protecting your phone is important.
These days, it’s easy for malicious hackers to wipe out your bank account or steal your data.
Following security practices on the front end reduces the likelihood that you will have to waste time, energy, and possibly even money after you run into problems.
Here are some of the best – and easiest – ways to avoid such problems.
How to make your Android phone more secure
This first piece of advice is hard for many to swallow. However, you should ask yourself if you really need this random, unreliable game that you can find on the Google Play Store. The answer is probably no.
Why is this so important? Because you never know what malicious code might be found in an app or an ad framework for an app. In an ideal world, the default apps found on your device should be enough. If you want to download a third-party app, make sure it’s from a trusted source, such as a large and reputable company.
However, do your research before downloading.
also: Android apps that drain your battery have 20 million downloads from the Google Play Store
Following on from my previous point, stick to safe downloads. Using the Google Play Store makes safe downloads more likely. That doesn’t mean EVERY app on the platform can be trusted, but most have been thoroughly vetted.
In addition, Android has a security feature which will send you a text if the internal security team notices that an app download looks malicious.
Note that a high number of downloads does not mean that the program is trustworthy.
also: Fake versions of real smartphone apps are used to spread malware. Here’s how to protect yourself
Never, never, never click on a link in an SMS from a source you don’t know! Whenever you receive an SMS from an unknown source, consider it an attempt to access your data or inject malicious code into your device. And even if an SMS appears to come from a reputable source, chances are it’s a phishing attempt or worse.
On that note, don’t reply to these messages – not even to stop writing to you. Block or ignore the number, but don’t engage.
Google regularly releases security patches for the Android operating system and it is very important that you install them. These updates not only contain new and exciting features, but also fix security vulnerabilities to keep you safe.
To check for an OS update, follow the link Settings > System > System Update.
But this applies not only to the operating system. You should also regularly check for software updates.
This process can be done in the Google Play Store. just tap your profile picture > Manage apps and device > Update all. You can also set your phone to automatically update apps.
also: How to find and remove advanced spyware from your phone
The moment you connect to an unsecured wireless network, you open yourself up to your packets being eavesdropped or your device hacked.
If you find yourself wanting to connect to a network without a secure password, don’t. Instead, connect to a data network or a reliable VPN service which can encrypt and randomize the data you send.
Among other things, stay away from an app called SuperVPN Free VPN Client (and free VPNs in general).
FAQ
How can I secure my mobile phone?
In addition to only downloading apps from verified stores, there are simple things you can do every day that reduce the chance of your security system being hacked from the outside. Here’s a quick list of common practices to help increase your security: Use a PIN or pattern password to unlock your phone, avoid posting personal information on websites, back up your data, and be sure to exit the site after you’ve made a payment.
Does Android have built-in security?
Android mobile security page contains detailed information about the operating system protection strategy. In a nutshell, yes, Android takes steps to warn consumers about security issues and has built-in security to protect users.
What apps should I avoid downloading on my Android device?
Here are some of the most dangerous apps NOT to install on your Android device: UC Browser, CLEANit, Dolphin Browser, and SuperVPN Free VPN Client. These are just a few of the many malicious programs out there, so do some research before downloading.
