Photo : Mohamed Hassan from Pixabay
Android is not safe. Like other operating systems, it is also vulnerable to malware, bugs, and viruses.
You’d be surprised that mobile devices and smartphones account for 60% of digital fraud cases worldwide.
Online privacy threats and data leaks are real. Therefore, you must activate the necessary security features to keep your Android device safe.
In this article, we’ll discuss essential tips and tricks to protect your data on an Android device from guests.
Use Strong Passwords
You should always keep your device password-protected. Strong passwords and features like face recognition or two-factor authentication are highly recommended.
Some recent reports have indicated how cybercriminals steal data quickly when the device is switched off or locked without any password protection. So why should you take a chance?
Make sure that your Android smartphone requires a password every time it gets auto-locked. The device should get locked immediately as soon as the screensaver is activated.
You can also set up two-factor authentication on Android. It means you must first verify the code sent to the user’s email or phone. Thus, nobody other than you can use the handset.
Always Use Apps from Google Play Store
If you are using an Android-compatible handset, download all necessary apps from its Play Store. You’d be astounded to know that most cases of malware attacks are reported because of downloads from unreliable sources.
If you encounter any tempting message asking you to download an app online-ignore it. You can instead go to Google Play Store and download essential apps.
Though fraudulent apps can be on Play Store, too, chances are rare. Keep the Play Protect option always turned on to understand whether the app you download is safe or malicious.
Use Effective Antivirus
It’s essential to use antivirus software for full-proof android security. An antivirus tool can offer 100% protection from viruses, malware, spyware, or bugs from confronting vital programs and apps on your Android smartphone.
It allows you to get the device thoroughly scanned for any suspicious files. The tool can also automatically isolate or quarantine any suspicious file and even get the same fixed.
Thus, an antivirus tool can be a real game-changer. It protects your device while ensuring maximum protection for important files and apps.
Turn off Inactive Connections
When your Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are not in use, just turn them off. Turning off unnecessary connections will prolong your device’s battery life and protect the handset from anonymous hackers who may want to intrude into your system with nefarious intent.
Uninstall Apps That You Don’t Use
You should only download and install apps that are needed. If you’ve downloaded an app but rarely use it, get it uninstalled immediately.
Every mobile app has its own set of security issues. Vendors regularly release security patches for each app, but it’s better not to install an app you hardly use.
Hackers exploit outdated or older versions of apps lacking in security patches. Then they invade your OS to steal sensitive data. So, only download the apps that you really need.
Always Keep Your Device Up-to-date
Knowingly or unknowingly, many Android users ignore installing software updates.
Reasons why Android users ignore installing software updates:
To save mobile internet data.
To download those software updates later.
To save mobile battery.
Don’t consider software updates essential.
Or don’t want to engage their mobile with installation tasks.
Hackers usually try to make a backdoor entry into your system through app-related vulnerabilities. If your device and all its apps are not up-to-date, it’s a cakewalk for hackers to install bugs and viruses on your device.
You should update your apps or Android OS immediately if a notification pops up on your screen.
Use A Secure VPN
Using browsers like Firefox, Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, and others is less secure than you think.
These browsers can track data and follow your online activities. Instead of using these browsers, you can opt for VPN or Virtual Private Network.
A secure VPN can hide your browsing history and encrypt sensitive data. If online privacy is your priority, you can use Brave browser and TOR (The Onion Router).
Conclusion
Data safety has emerged as a major challenge. Especially when it comes to the Android smartphone; it is much more than just a communication device. It now serves as a multi-purpose gadget.
You can use an Android handset as a camera, computer, clock, calendar, or even a virtual online bank.
That’s why safeguarding the device from unauthorized use is crucial for your online safety and data protection. We hope the above tips and tricks can help.