In today’s world, a smartphone is used for almost every single thing. From strong passwords, bank details to other valuable items, the phone has become a very important part of our life. But before you start adding these details to your phone, take a minute to think about your mobile security. Hence, let’s see how we can improve our Android security.
Table of Contents
1. Add a Screen Lock:
Setting up a screen lock pattern, password, or PIN is an essential security tip. PIN and password locks are the most secure option, but a pattern lock generally offers faster access to your device and is easier to remember for most users. If you do use a patter lock then make sure to make it complicated enough so that it can’t be easily guessed. Several of the most Android security features will require a screen lock n place before they can even be set up, let alone used effectively.
2. Set Up User Profile:
If your device is to be shared with other members of your family then take advantage of the User Profile option. Through this, each user will have their own email account, apps, and photo store so that both of your privacy is secured. If you are just letting your friends & colleagues use it for a few minutes, set up a Guest Profile instead. This provides a short-term, secure account for the guest, without giving access to your private data.
3. Back Up Regularly:
Regular backups can help you improve android security. How? While having current backups doesn’t actually make your device more secure, it does make losing or breaking your phone much easier to recover from. Google can easily be set to create automatic backups in Settings -> Backup my Account.
4. Encrypt Your Data:
Encrypting the data on your device adds an extra layer of protection if your phone is lost or stolen. Encryption stores your data in a form that can only be read if you have the right credentials. You can encrypt all the data on your android device, including your account data, app data, etc. You can add encryption via the Security menu in Settings. On devices running Lollipop, you will be asked if you want to add an additional sign-in boot when setting a screen lock.
5. Avoid Unsecured Networks:
Never join an unsecured network especially when doing business from smart phone or tablet. If you often work in coffee shops and restaurants, and need to connect to the Internet, only use network with passwords. But if you do have to work on a wireless network with no password, make sure you don’t transmit sensitive data.
6. Let Google Verify Apps:
All the apps available on the Google Play Store are checked and verified by Google. However, it s possible to install apps from sources other than the official store. Those apps can contain harmful software. If you install apps from other sources, you can turn on app verification to make sure the app you install are scanned for malware. Open Settings -> Security and turn on Scan Device for Security Threats.
7. Install a Security App:
Although Android devices provide lots of security tools, it is still a good idea to install a reputable third party security or anti-virus app. Apps like 360 Security, Avast Antivirus, etc. might do the trick. Many of these not only allow you to scan viruses and malware, but also include real time browser scans and performance-boosting tools. It is worth trying out a few and see which one works best for you.
8. Lock Your Apps:
Locking individual apps is a secondary layer of security to prevent anyone from seeing any sensitive data. You can use app like App Lock for this purpose. The idea here is not to lock every single app in your device; just the data sensitive ones like Email or File Manager. Some devices include a locked area which can be used for this purpose without installing extra software.
9. Enable Android Device Manager:
Android Device Manager comprises a set of tools which you can access through computer browser. If you lose your Android device, you can use your Android Device Manager to show its location using GPS. You can also make it ring in full volume, lock t remotely, and wipe it remotely as well. Some devices will have ADM automatically enabled, while others will require you to enable. Once enabled, you access ADM on any browser at www.google.com/android/devicemanager.
10. Keep It Close:
The best way to improve Android security is to keep it close. You wouldn’t leave your wallet or purse on the table when in a café or bar, so don’t do it with your phone. When you aren’t using it, put it away in your pocket or ag, and make sure you know where it is all the time. It is easy to see your phone as a cheap, almost disposable time, largely due to carrier deals and yearly upgrades. But remember that replacing your device mid-contract can be expensive.
THANK YOU FOR READING: I hope this article was helpful and if it was then do let us know in the comments down below. Also, if you want to read similar articles then here are a few recommendations for you guys. How to boost battery life of your phone? 5 things that affects your phone signal