How to Secure your Android Phone

Your smartphone is a gold mine of personal information that can attract hackers and identity thieves. Although some people might think that Android phones are the most secure smartphones on the planet, the reality is that there is not a 100% safe device. So how can you secure your phone?

Lock your phone!

Seriously the most basic thing. The good old PIN is still the most reliable way to do it. We hate to break it to you but fingerprints, patterns, voice recognition, and iris scanning are just there for marketing. They're all easier to crack.

Use two-step verification.

It’s always good to be a little paranoid. An added layer of protection is to lock down your google services by using Google’s two-factor verification.

Some simple steps to do it.

• Log in to your Google account and head to the two-step verification settings page
• Choose “Using 2-step verification" from the menu
• Follow the prompts and choose whether to get verification codes by voice or SMS.
• Once you get the verification number, enter it into your web browser’s data entry box. You will be asked if you want to remember the computer you’re using. Just say YES and the program will be authorized for use for 30 days.
• You turn on 2-step verification, and done!

Alternatively, you can use Google Prompt to authorize Google apps by simply entering YES once prompted on your phone.

Only download and use apps from Google Play Store.

Unreliable third-party application sources could be a source of Android malware that can gain access to your personal data. For instance, Google Play protect can protect your device as you install other applications. You can activate it by going to Settings>Security>PlayProtect. And while you’re at it, run a full scan on your device to check security threats. And if you find apps that you don’t use, just uninstall them. A digital clean-up saves you space and lessens your exposure to hacking. 

Install anti-virus software.

Using antivirus software is one technique to safeguard your device. Malware removal and detection are features of antivirus software. It checks your device for dangerous programs, files, or actions and quarantines or destroys them. Antivirus software can also provide you with real-time protection by keeping an eye on your device and thwarting any possible dangers before they can do you harm. 

Avast, AVG, and Avira are just a few of the many free antivirus apps that can be found online. If money is scarce, these free apps that provide bare-bones malware protection can be a smart choice. Premium antivirus software, however, comes with extra features like powerful malware defense, firewall security, parental controls, and VPN services. This is needed for malware protection.

Turn off connections when not in use

Your device is more vulnerable to threats when connected over Bluetooth or public Wi-Fi because these connections are not secure. Anyone connected to a public Wi-Fi network can access it, which means that any data you send or receive over the network could possibly be intercepted and accessed by other users creating a series of harmful events for you and any stolen data. This may contain private information such as your passwords, identifying information, and banking information. 

In a similar vein, Bluetooth is also insecure and is easily exploitable by those with ulterior motives. Hackers can use Bluetooth to connect to your smartphone and obtain confidential data, download malware, or even take over your device. These network connections are not secure so don’t take that risk.

Keep in mind that it is very important to specially limit your use of open Bluetooth connections and public Wi-Fi, especially while working with sensitive data. If you have no other option but to use free public WiFi, be careful only to use it for inoffensive browsing and encrypt your data using a VPN. Also, only pair your Bluetooth device with trustworthy devices, and make sure it is in non-discoverable mode when not in use.

To learn more check this blog on How To Increase WIFI Security.

Invest in an Android VPN

It's crucial to take precautions if you must use Bluetooth or public Wi-Fi because of your situation. Using a mobile VPN is one efficient strategy (Virtual Private Network). It is way more difficult for anyone to connect or steal your data when you use a VPN to encrypt all of your internet traffic, this simple connection can save you so much trouble.

Hackers and other dangerous factors will find it harder to steal your data when you use a mobile VPN to establish a secure, encrypted connection between your device and the internet. Your data is encrypted with a mobile VPN before it leaves your smartphone, rendering it unreadable to anyone lacking the necessary credentials to decrypt it, even if it is intercepted.

Both free and premium VPNs are widely accessible for mobile devices. Since not all VPNs are the same, picking a reliable supplier like VPN Surf is critical. Strong encryption, a transparent privacy policy, and dependable performance are all features of a good VPN. Also, some VPNs provide services like malware protection or ad blocking.

Just stay protected by investing in a mobile VPN to ensure your safety and not compromise your personal data.

Conclusion

In conclusion, keeping your smartphone safe is essential for preventing identity theft and hackers from accessing your personal data. Simple security precautions will help keep your data safe even if no device is totally secure. Simple measures that can add an extra degree of security include locking your phone with a PIN and enabling two-factor authentication for Google services. In this time of digital responsibility, it is always important to have a plan, either how to prevent data breaches or how to react in case of one.

Check this blog to learn more about VPNs and how to stay safe:

- How to Set up a VPN Connection in Android

- Are Your Mobile Transactions Safe?

- How To Safely Post Content Online

- Keeping Your Data Safe On The Internet