How to Secure Your Android Device

Cybersecurity And The Android Platform

These days, we live in the era of cybersecurity risks. What does this mean? Well, the term cybersecurity refers to general safety online -a.k.a cyberspace. It has become really important to pay attention to the 'security' of your mobile device, especially so because more than half of the world right now is on a smartphone accessing the internet! With that, cybercriminals will have their eyes on the smartphones.

There are several risks involved with being online, posting on social media, and with your online financial transactions. With many cybercriminals waiting to steal your data and 'hack' into accounts, it's paramount that you are aware of the security status of your devices. It isn’t only the 'hackers' though, there are ad-companies infringing on your privacy and targeting your phone, selling your data to third parties, for example. We will look at this in-depth below.

The never-ending debate between Android and iOS is one of those topics that will always remain a personal choice. Just like the security debate between Windows and macOS, there are good reasons to choose either platform, and there isn't necessarily a 'winner'.

What does this mean for you, as an Android user? Well, the majority of the smartphone-using global population is on Android, so it is by far the most popular platform for smartphones. So when it comes to your Android device security, let’s look at some really useful tips you need to apply on your device to stay safe on the internet jungle!

Why You Should Keep Your Android Device Secure

Android devices come in several flavors and designs. Smartphones from Samsung, Google or Huawei, and Xiaomi all use Android platforms (or variations of the Android platform). It isn't that Android is inherently unsafe, quite to the contrary, but when you think about the fact that it is the largest device platform globally, security issues are to be expected!

The security settings will vary slightly for different Android models, but in general, you should be able to find the settings listed below. First, here are some reasons to think about why you need to secure your Android device right away;

-Threat 'actors' lurking behind every corner
-Cryptomining malware
-Malicious software (such as APKs)
-Malicious advertising links on the Google Play Store
-Illegitimate applications on Google Play Store

Cybersecurity For Your Android Device

Now, let’s list some information related to security settings (which you can access via your settings button), as well as apps which you should download to maintain proper security. Keep in mind that there are hundreds of 'security' apps on Google Play Store for Android, but you don’t need hordes of apps on your phone. Stick to the simple steps below;

Security Settings On Your Device

-Activate all disk encryptions
-Always use two-factor, or multi-factor authentication if the apps allow it
-Use a long, complicated password on your device
-Activate your device's Smart Lock
-Make sure 'Find My Device' is on
-Ensure that Google Play Protect is active
-See that your 'Security Update' is up-to-date
-Enable additional passwords in settings for your sensitive apps
-Disable your location settings unless you need them
-Disable 'Diagnostic Data' and any 'User Experience Programmes'
-Disable 'Personalised Ads'
-Check which apps you have given 'Permissions' to in your settings

Apps You Should Download For Your Security on Your Device

Now that you have the settings up to scratch, here are the types of apps to download that will give you additional protection;

-A trusted Virtual Private Network, or VPN for your Android
-A legitimate anti-malware app for your android
-A well-established antivirus program for your Android
-A privacy-oriented browser, and use the 'Incognito' or 'Private' modes
-An end-to-end encrypted messaging app for your security
-A secure email application for your emails

General Best Practices For Android Users

Let's conclude with things you should always remember for your online safety;

-Avoid connecting to public wifi if you don't have to, use mobile connections instead
-Download only trusted apps from the Google Play Store
-Always enable Android updates, keep your device up-to-date
-Use a VPN app whenever possible on your device
-Avoid sharing sensitive information online if you don't have to
-Never open suspicious links or emails