Our internet identity is accessed through our smartphones, which have come to define us. Therefore, they require special care and protection from theft or hacking, both online and offline.
If you’re not careful, losing your smartphone could result in more than simply losing your precious contact list. We’re talking about your Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and other social networking profiles, as well as your documents, emails, images, and messages.
If you’re not careful, anyone with access to the Internet can find and use any and all of your personal details.
Here are some suggestions for increasing your Android device’s security, so you can use it without much worry.
Do not save all of your passwords on your device
A lot of people store their login information for various websites and services on their mobile devices without giving it much thought. Never store sensitive information like banking or payment app credentials on your mobile device.
Use Android in-built security
The security of your device can be increased by using a screen lock and/or encryption. You can lock your Android screen with a password, pin, pattern, or even your face if you want from the many options available in the system settings. Do not make your passcode or pattern lock simple to crack while setting it up.
Lock your apps
Apps containing sensitive information you don’t want anybody else to see should be password protected. If someone were to bypass your locked Android and find your smartphone, this would be a second line of defence to keep them from using it.
App Lock is a free app that serves this purpose perfectly. The point isn’t to protect every single app on your smartphone but rather the ones that store the most sensitive information, like your email client or file manager.
While you’re at it, don’t use a pin or pattern lock that can be deduced from fingerprints on the screen.
Beware of app permissions
An app’s required permissions will be displayed in a pop-up window before you begin installing it from Google Play. Some permissions are mandatory for apps to function properly, but others can be omitted.
For example, an alarm app does not need permission to see your text messages; therefore, it’s important to check through the permissions to make sure they make sense and match what the app actually does. Not all apps available in the Play Store are risk-free, therefore, this is an essential precaution to take.
While you’re at it, make it a point to check out the reviews and star ratings of the app before you install it. You may learn more about the app’s features and functionality without actually downloading it.
Securing your network
Ensuring your network is safe is crucial in keeping your Android safe. Don’t use free public Wi-Fi for sensitive tasks like banking until you have no choice. If you are on a public network, sensitive information like passwords is vulnerable to being “sniffed out” by anyone else on the same network.
Using a VPN service can encrypt your data in transit, making it more difficult for a third party to access or modify your data. Wi-Fi Protector is a useful tool for fending off potential attackers on your device.
Use mobile security app
Having a programme that takes care of most of your security needs will make your job much simpler. Locate a reliable mobile security app that you feel safe using. Keep your guard up at all times, even with a security app, because Android malware is only getting more sophisticated and widespread.
Create multiple user accounts to protect privacy
If you have to share your Android tablet with a sibling, spouse, or children, setting up separate user accounts for each of you is a good way to ensure your privacy. You should be able to set up separate user profiles on your tablet. If you wish to provide other people access to your device, you can do so by making a new general account.
Prepare a backup of your data
In the era of smartphones, it is crucial to regularly back up your important data. In the worst case, your Android device is lost or compromised. The final option is to use a remote wipe. You risk losing everything on your device if you don’t back it up regularly.
If hackers have gained access to your stolen phone, it will likely be rendered unusable even if you are able to get it back. However, you can get your Android device back to its factory settings if you have a backup. You can back up data to the cloud, your computer, or a portable storage device.
Track your lost device
You’ve made a copy of your data just in case, but recovering your missing gadget is still a priority. The smartphone industry would have you believe otherwise, but your phone was intentionally designed to be tracked via GPS. In order to have your phone tracked, the GPS feature must be turned on. Don’t worry, because Android has a plethora of apps that can track your missing or stolen device and even remotely activate its GPS to help you find it.
Enable remote wipe
You’ve finally reached the point when everything is set up and ready to go. The ability to remotely erase your device is the final function you require. This is an absolute must when your Android is truly lost (for good). We can’t go back and grieve over spilled milk, but we can stop them from making cheese out of it.
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