Yes, we have all heard that Android is open source operating system and more prone to vulnerabilities. Yet, it is one of the most preferred and loved operating systems.
Google has made several efforts to come up with better security measures for Android 7. Older versions didn’t have these security features. Even a small breach could affect devices with older versions. Devices running with Android 5 or lower versions particularly have to look for decent security measures, in order to reduce the threat of infection.
These versions are to be taken care of by the users through certain measures, regularly. Without further ado, we’ll begin with a quick guide to protect and secure Android devices which may get infected by ongoing threats.
8 Tips to Secure Your Android Device:-
1. Lock your device screen:
The first and the basic is to lock screen of your phone. A lot of attacks take place when you haven’t secured your phone’s screen. Security researches have been consistently mentioning to keep the phone secured by locking down the screen with a pattern, PIN or password. In addition, it will also halt intruders to perform malicious acts on your device. You can secure your device by tapping on the settings option> Security> Screen Lock> Choose your security standard.
Also Read: 5 Best Privacy Apps for Android to Improve Privacy and Security
2. Keep your device & apps up-to-date:
More often, you’ll come across app and device updates. You must not ignore them! These updates fix bugs and secure the patches, if there exists any. In addition, you’ll enjoy an updated device and apps by keeping a tap on updates. To perform this, you can tap on Google Play Store app on your device followed by ‘My apps & games’. There you’ll find all apps which have their updates available. To find device update, tap on Settings> About phone> System updates> let your device check available updates. If there are any, you’ll be prompted to install the update, else it will notify you that system is up-to-date.
3. Lock individual apps & media:
Further, you should secure your device by locking down the installed apps. It would provide an additional layer of protection on your device. For this, you should install an authentic app from the Google Play Store such as App Lock.
4. Manage app permissions:
Image Source: theandroidsoul
Here again, you should install apps from third party. It might seek certain permissions on your device, which can lead to security breach. Installing apps from Google Play Store has required app permissions mentioned. You can, further check them and install the app thereafter. Alternatively, you can manage app permission using settings of your device. Go to Settings> Apps> tap on settings icon> App permissions> manage the permissions from here.
5. Rely on Google Play Store for app installation:
Since smartphones are all about applications, you’d want all sort of applications on your device. However, you must ensure all apps on your phone are directly installed from Google Play Store. More often, apps available and downloaded from unknown sources carry vulnerabilities, which are a gateway for malicious attacks. Henceforth, you mustn’t download any application other than Google Play Store.
Alternatively, you can secure your device from third party apps through the settings of your device. Tap on Settings> Security> Device Administration> turn off Unknown source.
6. Backup data on your device:
Amongst all, data is one of the most crucial stuff on your phone. Taking a backup of data will ensure that you have your data secured in every situation. This will also help you have enough storage space on your device at all times. However, choosing an authentic data backup platform becomes a hurdle for certain users. You can rely on Google Drive or alternatively download Right Backup, which helps you store your data on cloud with tight-knit security.
7. Set remote tracking & locking:
In case you happen to lose your device somewhere or have got it handled in wrong hands, you can take control of your device with this tip. Android devices are equipped with tracking down them when required. You can login to Google Play Store from a different device, say a computer and click on the Settings option, followed by Android Device Manager option. Now accept the permission to figure out the phone through navigation. You can also lock the phone, keep it on Ring mode or erase content from with, using the other options available.
8. Disconnect to the network, if an unusual activity is seen:
More often, cyber criminals realizes the attack when they get device support, which is being connected to the network. If you happen to notice an unusual activity on your device, you must primarily disconnect with the network, i.e. turn off the internet. This will halt the attack then and there, without allowing it get bombarded.
Up are 8 Android security tips which should be taken in consideration to protect the device from malicious attacks. The above hacks are nifty and can be performed from anywhere, at any time. So get your hands on them before its late for you!