Attention, all Android phone users: keeping your phone secure is important, especially with the constant deluge of cybersecurity threats. A successful attack could allow an attacker to drain your bank account, steal your data, or pose as you for untold nefarious activities. With your identity stolen, there’s no end to what bad actors could do with that information.
Keeping up with your security practices on the front end makes it a lot less likely you’ll have to spend time, energy, and maybe even money should you fall victim to a cyberscurity attack. So, you’ll be glad to know that keeping your Android phone secure isn’t nearly as challenging as you might think.
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Here are some of the best — and simplest — ways to avoid such problems.
How to make your Android phone more secure
This first piece of advice is a tough one for many people to swallow. However, you should ask yourself if you really need that random, untrusted game you found in the Google Play Store. The answer is probably not.
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This action is important because you never know what kind of malicious code is to be found lurking within an app or an ad framework for an app. In a perfect world, the stock apps found on your device should be enough. When you do want to download a third-party app, make sure it’s from a trusted source, such as a large and reputable company.
That said, do your research before downloading.
Continuing my previous point, stick to safe downloads. Using the Google Play Store makes safe downloads more likely. That’s not to say that EVERY app on the platform can be trusted, but most of them have been carefully vetted.
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Also, Android has a security feature that will send you a text if the internal security team notices that an app download looks harmful.
Note that a high number of downloads does not mean the app is trustworthy.
Never, ever tap a link in an SMS from a source you don’t know.
Any time you receive an SMS from an unknown source, assume it is an attempt to access your data or insert malicious code onto your device. And even if that SMS message seems to come from a reputable source, chances are still good that it’s a phishing attempt or worse.
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On that note, don’t reply to those messages — not even to tell them to stop texting you. Either block or ignore the number, but don’t engage.
Google releases regular security patches for the Android operating system and it’s absolutely crucial that you install them. Those updates don’t just contain new and exciting features. They also patch security vulnerabilities to keep you safe.
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To check for an OS upgrade, go to Settings > System > System update.
But this practice doesn’t just apply to the operating system. You also must regularly check for app updates.
This process can be completed from the Google Play Store. Simply, tap your profile image > Manage apps & device > Update all. You may also be able to set your phone to keep apps updated automatically.
The second you connect to an unsecured wireless network, you open yourself up to the possibility of having your packets sniffed or your device compromised.
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If you find yourself wanting to connect to a network without a secure password, don’t. Instead, connect to a data network or a trusted VPN service that can encrypt and randomize the data you send.
As an aside, make sure you stay away from an app called SuperVPN Free VPN Client (and free VPNs in general).
Android security FAQ
How can I ensure security on my mobile phone?
Aside from only downloading apps from trusted stores, you can do simple things every day that decrease the chances of outside security breaches.
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Here’s a short list of common practices that can improve your safety: use a PIN or password pattern to unlock your phone, avoid entering personal information on websites, back up your data, and make sure to log out of a site after you make a payment.
Does Android have built-in security?
Android’s mobile safety page provides details on the operating system’s defense strategy. In a nutshell, yes, Android does take steps to alert consumers of security concerns and has internal security for user protection.
What apps should I avoid downloading on my Android device?
Here are some of the most dangerous apps you should NOT install on your Android device: UC Browser, CLEANit, Dolphin Browser, and SuperVPN Free VPN Client. These are just a few of many harmful apps, so always do some research before downloading.
