Top Ten Security Tips for Your Android Device

As Android is the most widely used mobile operating system, it is more vulnerable to malware attack. Keeping this in your mind, do the needful for enhancing the security. If your device is found with some odd issues no doubt it’s been affected with malware. Be aware that all the vital information in your device can be traced and downloaded by a third person with cruel intentions. If you are not careful enough with the security, all your data can be shared all over the World Wide Web.

Below listed are the security tips for your Android device, as listed by TOI.

1. Download Anti-Malware Apps

Instead of focusing on the malware threats, think about what can be done to protect your Android device, apps and data. There are plenty of security apps available and make sure that you download and use them. Android anti-virus apps like Kaspersky, AVG, Avast and Norton are best among them. Recommended free anti-Virus apps include Lookout and TrustGo.

Do bear in mind that your job will be a lot easier, if you have an app that handles very kind of security issues at your disposal.

2. Avoid surfing and app downloading from unsecured sites

Recent report from security researchers show that the leading cause for malware attack is surfing through adult content websites. What the users can do is try not to get connected with such sites. Downloading apps from unofficial app stores is another source of malware infection on Android phone or tab. Try avoiding such malicious mobile apps installation by using official Google Play app store. There is a check box in the Setting menu of any standard Android device which enables and disables unofficial apps, so activate it.

 

3. Secure your network

Securing your network is the first and foremost thing that you should do to protect your Android device. Avoid using public Wi-Fi connection whenever you wish to access internet or do online banking. As long as you are sharing the network with the public, hackers can easily sniff out your packets and trace your password. Protect your information by using apps like Hideninja VPN so that it’s not easy to sabotage your information. If you feel that your device is being hacked, Wi-Fi protector can ward off these hackers. SecDroid can also help you out to enhance your network security. Always remember to turn off your Wi-Fi and Bluetooth when they are not in use.

4. Install a lock App

If your Android device contain any personal data that you wish no one should access, then it is sensible to use a lock app on it. Lots of apps are available on play store which offers extra protection to your personal data. Cerberus and Avast Mobile Security are best among them. These apps ask your password or PIN number which you need to be entered to access the protected information. If your Android device is stolen or lost, no one will have an access to your protected data.

5. Keep a backup of your Data

Having a backup of your data is very crucial in the era of Smartphones. Imagine a worst scenario where your Android is being hacked or stolen. In such scenarios all your personal data in your device will be lost if you don’t have appropriate backup in place. Even though you could retrieve your missed device, chances are that hackers who have managed to access your phone will render it useless. If you keep a back up, you can restore your device back to normal. You can use cloud to create a back up, or opt for traditional means such as desktops or flash drives for such purpose.

6. Activate Google’s Android Device Manager

If you lose your device, Android Device Manager can help you to track your device on Google Maps. It allows you to ring the device loudly for five minutes and even erase the entire data. To verify whether it’s enabled, you can go to the Setting Menu and tap on Security. You can also enable it through the Device Administrators setting under Security Settings.

 7. Create multiple user account

If you want your Android tablet to be shared with your spouse, siblings or anyone, having multiple user account will help you to protect your privacy. In Jell Bean Android tab, there is an option to create multiple user accounts. General account can be created for anyone who wants to use your device. This option is available under the Setting inUsers section.

8. Never save your passwords

Many users have a habit of saving passwords of online sites or services on their phone without thinking about its aftereffects. If you do so, your personal data is more prone to hacking. Hence avoid saving password on your device especially when it comes to banking or payment apps.

9. Check out Plan B

If you found that your Android device is lost, before planning to buy a new device check out ‘Plan B’. This will help you to get the back up of SMS, contacts, call Logs and location emails and also will track your device. Try to install Plan B from Google play store which can send the location of the device to your Gmail account.

10. Allow app permissions

Before installing an app from Google play, a pop up will come with requested permissions to show you what permission the app needs. Apps need certain permissions to do things, so go through it and ensure that they make sense; for example, an alarm app doesn’t require a permission to access your text messages. This is an important step you need to follow as all apps in the Play Store are not safe. Courtesy: SiliconIndia