Android phones are one of the most popular phones in the tech market. It is the most popular smartphone OS in the country. However Android is also a target for hackers. So, it is time for users to get smart and enhance the security of their Android phones. Here are 6 simple tips to protect it.
- Protect Your Phone with a password
One of the best and first measure you need to take to protect your device is by locking it with a password. A strong password keeps your phone safe from malicious attacks and protects your confidential data. You will have various password options depending on your phone model. Go to the settings menu in your phone and open the “section location and security settings”. Then enable the screen unlock security and you will be presented many password options depending on your device like swipe pattern, Pin lock, password lock, fingerprints lock etc. Fingerprint lock is the most secure of all.
- Customize your locked Home screen with Info
Sometimes you may keep your phone somewhere and forget about it and leave the place without your phone. The person who finds it might want to return it but its locked and the home screen only has the wallpaper. If only you add your info to your device home screen your lost device can be returned.
Android phones do not have this option unfortunately but 3 part apps will help your do the trick. One of them is the Phone Found Owner Info App available in the android market. For using it download it and choose the edit menu option and enter your contact info. Then choose the info you want to display on the home screen by opening the apps settings.
- Don’t Root your Android Device
Unless you’re a developer or one who is very familiar with Android devices do not take a chance and do not root your Android device. Rooting is not good from a security perspective as it removes a number of safeguards installed in your device to protect it against malware and other dangerous codes.
- Use Android Markets for Apps
Always download apps only from the official Android markets only. It is 100% free of malware and other harmful apps that might infect your device. If you have to download from other source beware of the potential danger and use a antivirus scanner in your device to scan it first.
- Android Antivirus
Download and use a good mobile antivirus for scanning new software downloads, download requests, strange permissions etc. There are various free and paid Android antivirus apps in the Android market. Some good ones are Lookout Mobile security, Antivirus Free app etc. They are the free ones, download them and scan your device regularly.
- Wi-Fi and Security
Always turn off your Wi-Fi when you leave home and do not turn it on unless you are in a secure Wi-Fi network, also switch off your Bluetooth when you are done using it as this reduces the battery consumption and also avoids the risk of malicious parties identifying and connecting to your device without you knowing it.
Disable your phone’s auto connection to a Wi-Fi so that it does not connect to any public hotspot without your knowledge.
These are 6 tips for security of your Android phones.
