Android Security Guide: How to Keep Your Smartphone Safe

In an era of digitalisation, whether you are at home, at work, or out with friends, chances are there is an app on your phone that enhances your experience. However, we must also address the growing risks of such convenience – especially our android security.

Here’s a look at a few easy steps you can take to enhance your android security.

Steps to Make Using Your Smartphone More Secure

1. Enable User Authentication

When you’re out and about and not careful, it is very easy for your smartphones to get lost or stolen. To enhance your android security, use a password to lock your phone; doing so will protect your email, contacts, photos, banking information and many more from unwanted intruders.

You can go to your Security settings and enable a four or six-digit passcode to enter your device for most Android devices. Consider setting an even longer passcode with numbers and letters for better protection.

Think passcodes are too troublesome? No worries. Most devices have Face ID and Touch ID, which certainly makes access quicker, but not necessarily more secure. While you’re at it, make sure apps with personal information are also locked behind passwords.

2. Avoid Using Public Wi-Fi

Public Wi-Fi is excellent; it allows us access to the internet in shopping centres, cafes, airports, or other public venues. However, connecting to public Wi-Fi is very dangerous, as a hacker can easily position themself between you and the connection point.

To reinforce your android security, try to use your private cell connection and disable your Wi-Fi and Bluetooth when outside. If you have to use public Wi-Fi, consider downloading a VPN app protect yourself against hackers whenever you are in public.

Also, consider disabling Bluetooth while you’re out and about unless you are wearing a smartwatch that requires it.

3. Keep Your Phone’s Software Up to Date

Keeping your smartphone up to date is very important in protecting your android security. Keeping your phone’s software up to date helps protect your smartphone against data breaches and intrusions, or close off vulnerabilities, making it harder for hackers to break in. 

You may not like the frequent requests to update your operating software. Still, it is necessary to bring new features to your device and ensure that you use the most recently updated version of Google’s operating system. 

Go to Settings and select the “System” option for Android users to check whether an update is available for your device. Then choose “Advanced” and pick “System update.” If you don’t see the “Advanced” button, press “About phone.” These steps will differ according to the Android device you are using.

4. Use a Password Manager

To make a strong password, you will need to consider its length (the longer the better), mix upper and lower case letters, numbers and many more. However, it can be hard to remember and keep track, especially if you have different passwords for different accounts.

A password manager comes in handy here to optimise your android security. Apps like LastPass, 1Password, and Keeper are great because they store your passwords, generate complex passwords and automatically log you into websites. However, you will need to remember your master password for the app.

5. Manage App Permissions

Enforce your android security through your apps. The best method is to delete the apps you do not use and restrict your personal information like your location and contacts.

Another method is to control what data your apps can access. Go to Settings, open “Apps & notifications”, and press the “Advanced” option for Android devices. Choose “App permissions” to control the information your apps have access to. Examples include your contacts, call history, location and many more.

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Stay on top of things by following our steps to strengthen your android security. You can rest assured that you have taken every measure within your power to protect your personal and sensitive data from cyberattacks.

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