Note, all Android phone users: Keeping your phone secure is important.
Nowadays, it is sad that malicious hackers can drain your bank account or steal your data.
Keeping up with your security practices across the user interface minimizes the chance of you having to spend time, energy, and possibly even money after a crash.
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 hard one to swallow for many people. However, you should ask yourself if you really need that random, unreliable game found in the Google Play Store. The answer is probably not.
Why is this so important? Because you never know what kind of malicious code will be found lurking in an app or an ad frame for an app. In a perfect world, the stock apps found on your device should be enough. When you want to download a third-party app, make sure it’s from a trusted source like a large and reputable company.
That said, do your research before downloading.
Also: Battery draining Android app with 20 million downloads from Google Play Store
Continuing my previous point, stick to safe downloads. Using the Google Play Store makes downloading more secure. That doesn’t mean EVERY app on the platform can be trusted, but most of them have been carefully tested.
Also, Android has a security feature will send you a message if the internal security team finds that downloading the app appears harmful.
Note that a high number of downloads does not mean the app is reliable.
Also: Fake versions of real smartphone apps are being used to spread malware. Here’s how to stay safe
Never, ever click on a link in an SMS from a source you don’t know! Whenever you receive an SMS from an unknown source, assume it is an attempt to gain access to your data or insert malicious code into your device. And even if that SMS appears to come from a reputable source, it’s most likely a phishing attempt or worse.
Note that, don’t reply to those messages – don’t even stop texting you. Block or ignore the number, but do not participate.
Google releases regular security patches for the Android operating system, and you must install them. Those updates not only contain new and exciting features, but they also patch security holes to keep you safe.
To check for OS upgrade, go to Settings > System > System Updates.
But this doesn’t just apply to the operating system. You should also regularly check for app updates.
This process can be done from the Google Play Store. Simple, tap on your profile picture > Manage Apps & Devices > Update All. You can also set your phone to automatically update applications.
Also: How to find and remove advanced spyware from your phone
The second you connect to an unsecured wireless network, you open yourself up to the possibility of your packets being sniffed or your device compromised.
If you find yourself wanting to connect to a network without a secure password, don’t. Instead, connect to a data network or reliable VPN service can encrypt and randomize the data you send.
Among others, stay away from an app called SuperVPN Free VPN Client (and Free VPNs in general).
Frequently asked questions
How do I ensure the security of my mobile phone?
In addition to only downloading apps from trusted stores, you can do simple everyday things to reduce the risk of an outside security breach. Here is a short list of common methods to improve your safety: Use a PIN or password to unlock your phone, avoid entering personal information on websites, back up your data, and make sure to log out of the site after you make the payment.
Does Android have built-in security?
Of Android mobile safety site provides detailed information about the operating system’s defense strategy. In short, yes, Android takes steps to warn consumers about security concerns and has internal security to protect users.
What apps should I avoid downloading on my Android device?
Here are some of the most dangerous apps that you should NOT install on your Android device: UC Browser, CLEANit, Dolphin Browser and SuperVPN Free VPN Client. These are just a few of the many harmful apps, so do your research before downloading.
