Most people worry about security when it comes to their desktops and laptops. That’s one of the reasons there are so many kinds of security software available. However, many do not take the same precautions (such as regular backups) with their smartphones. Android users are especially susceptible to hacks due to the open nature of the operating system. With more than 1.4 billion Android devices worldwide, security is a major issue. Luckily, there are several ways you can protect your phone.
While Android Marshmallow enables encryption by default, if you’re running an older operating system, you’ll need to turn this feature on. In order to do so, go into your security settings and enable encryption. Depending on how much data you have on the phone, this could take up to an hour. You can also encrypt your SD card if you choose, though this will prevent you from using the card in other devices. In order to begin the encryption process your battery must be at least 80 percent charged, otherwise Android won’t even start the process. You also need to unroot your device if you are rooted.
There are some drawbacks to encrypting. The biggest being slower performance as the phone has to decrypt data every time you access it. While you might not notice the lag on newer devices,budget phones could experience asignificant slowdown. One drawback to encryption is that it is one-way. If you want to unencrypt your information, you will have to reset your device to factory settings.
Smartphones have become an important lifeline for many people. Not only does it allow them to make calls, but they can also check their email, social media profiles, bank accounts and more. That being said, having all this private information at your fingertips makes it a prime target for criminals.
The best way to protect private information from prying eyes is to lock specific apps that have sensitive data on it. Should someone steal your device and get through your lock screen, this provides an additional layer of security.
Use a Virtual Private Network
Many smartphone users might think twice about hopping on unsecured WiFi on their laptop, but don’t mind doing the same on their smartphone. However, the threats are exactly the same.Even if you don’t use public WiFi, in many circumstances smartphones will automatically connect to a network without your express permission.
Luckily, there are now Virtual Private Network (VPN) options for smartphones. VPNs allow you to connect to a secure network and encrypt any data sent and received over that network. That means you can keep your privacy safe not only from hackers but from ISPs as well. Besides protecting your information, there’s the added benefit of being able to access geo-restricted apps and sites when using a VPN.
While mobile security apps can’t prevent you from sideloading malware or downloading viruses from infected sites, they can protect your phone in other ways. The best provide multiple layers of security such as virus detection and threat elimination, junk file cleaners, and anti-theft tools that allow you to locate and remotely wipe your phone. Others like Avast provide a firewall that allows you to control network traffic and block access to WiFi for specific apps.
The best way to avoid malicious attacks, however, is to avoid sideloading apps. Of course, even apps on the Google Play store could potentially be malware, so it’s important to read the permissions request before agreeing to download an app. If asimple game is asking for access to your camera and contacts, it might be malware.
If you want to keep your smartphone safe, following these four tips can keep it safe from malware and hackers. Of course, security apps and encryptions can’t solve everything. It’s also important for you to take the necessary precautions by having a password enabled lock screen, not leaving your phone unattended and making sound judgments when downloading apps.
How else do you protect your smartphone from being hacked? Tell us in the comments below.
About The Author who Had written this article: Cassie is a freelance technology writer. After researching and writing about this topic for a long time, she’s very vigilant about security whether it’s for her home desktop or smartphone.