Attention all Android phone users: it is important to protect your phone.
Nowadays, it is unfortunately easy for malicious hackers to drain your bank account or steal your data.
By following your security practices upfront, you’re much less likely to have to spend time, energy, and maybe even money after you encounter issues.
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 must be wondering if you really need this random and unreliable game found in the Google Play Store. The answer is probably no.
Why is this so important? Because you never know what kind of malicious code is hiding in an app or an ad framework for an app. In a perfect world, the stock apps found on your device should suffice. When you want to download a third-party app, make sure it is from a trusted source, such as a big, reputable company.
That said, do your research before downloading.
Also: Battery draining Android apps with 20 million downloads pulled from Google Play Store
Continuing my previous point, stick to safe downloads. Using Google Play Store makes secure downloads more likely. That’s not to say that EVERY app on the platform is trustworthy, but most of them have been thoroughly checked.
Additionally, Android has a security feature that will text you if the internal security team notices that an app download seems unsafe.
Note that a high number of downloads does not mean that the app is trustworthy.
Also: Fake versions of genuine smartphone apps are used to spread malware. Here’s how to stay safe
Never, ever touch a link in an SMS from a source you don’t know! Whenever you receive an SMS from an unknown source, assume it is an attempt to access your data or insert malicious code on your device. And even if that SMS message appears to be from a trusted source, there’s a good chance it’s a phishing attempt or worse.
On that note, don’t reply to these messages — not even to stop texting each other. Block or ignore the number, but don’t engage.
Google regularly releases security patches for the Android operating system and it is absolutely crucial that you install them. These updates not only contain exciting new features, but also fix security vulnerabilities to protect you.
To check for an operating system upgrade, go to Settings > System > System Update.
But this does not only apply to the operating system. You should also regularly check for app updates.
This process can be done from the Google Play Store. Merely, tap your profile picture > Manage apps & device > Update all. You can also set your phone to update apps automatically.
Also: How to find and remove advanced spyware from your phone
As soon as you connect to an unsecured wireless network, you open yourself up to the possibility of your packets being sniffed or your device being compromised.
If you want to connect to a network without a secure password, don’t. Instead, connect to a trusted data network or VPN service that can encrypt and randomize the data you send.
Among other things, avoid an app called SuperVPN Free VPN Client (and free VPNs in general).
FAQs
How can I ensure security on my mobile phone?
In addition to only downloading apps from trusted stores, there are simple things you can do every day that reduce the risk of outside security breaches. Here’s a short list of common practices that help improve your security: use a PIN or password pattern to unlock your phone, avoid providing personal information on websites, back up your data, and make sure you disconnect from a site after making a payment.
Does Android have built-in security?
The Android mobile security page provides details about the operating system’s defense strategy. In a nutshell, yes, Android takes steps to alert consumers to security issues and has internal security to protect users.
What apps should I avoid downloading on my Android device?
Here are some of the most dangerous apps that you should NOT install on your Android device: UC Browser, CLEANit, Dolphin Browser and SuperVPN Free VPN Client. These are just a few of the many harmful apps, so do your research before downloading them.