Devices running on Android mobile OS from Google have made a significant mark in the present mobile devices industry. Although, Android devices enjoy a huge market share of approximately 85 % (Source: IDC Q2 2014 report) of the global Smartphone OS market, but developers are still concerned about Android security features. Irrespective of the brand and model, Smartphone security has become a major challenge for all the leading mobile phone and tablet manufacturers. Business environments across the globe have now adopting BYOD policies to simplify the working and productive experience of employers as well as of employees. Connecting your data enriched devices to the infected systems may not leave your Android secure. Hence, its better to install some free antivirus for Android to combat such threats.
In this article, you will read about some handy tips that can help you protect your Android device and make you stay relaxed about your Smartphone security.
1. Never save all of your passwords
You might have a habit of saving all your passwords like social networking passwords, online banking passwords, and email account details on online services. It is recommended not to save your password on any of your Android device, and you should also remember to uncheck the remember me option before you log-in. You can save or bookmark websites on your device, but never ask it to remember you on that particular device or network. Additionally, never save all important passwords in your devices folder, even with a security code, as hackers are potential to break those locks to seek your personal info.
2. Always look for apps permissions
As soon as you tap on the Install button from Google Play, it presents you with a list of requested permissions that the app requires before you install it on your device. It is one of the best measures taken by Google to make your Android secure by informing the user about the areas the app will be accessing, once installed. Additionally, some apps may require in-app permissions to perform certain things but it is always recommended to read those, before corresponding to the same. Since not all apps in the Play Store are safe, you can check the user reviews, developers info, app ratings, and other important factors before installing the same.
3. Take advantage of Androids In-built security
A screen lock and several encryption features have been added to the Android Jelly Bean devices for enhancing users as well as devices security. You can choose from a variety of screenlocks like password, pin, pattern and face unlock, by accessing your Android settings. The important thing to consider while framing/setting the pins or pattern locks is not to make it simple for hackers to guess.
4. Always lock your Apps
Sometimes, a user might think that the Android device is being used in the household only, so there is no need to lock the apps. But it isnt correct at all. You should always lock your app, especially the ones carrying private information, to ensure that your data, information, and user details are safe. Locked apps add a second layer of security to prevent anyone from using your lost device. Scan the play store for some security apps for Android or simply install a free app like App Lock to lock even your email apps or file managers.
5. Enable Remote Wipe
Enabling remote wipe is one of the most important security features that you must adopt on your Android-powered devices. It plays a crucial role to make your Android secure, even if it is stolen, or hacked. Your Android Smartphone or tablet might be a storehouse of all the important data and information that is highly sensitive, and you can’t afford to compromise with it. Remote wipe feature lets you wipe your device remotely as soon as you realize that you have lost the Android phone forever, or it is impossible to recover it.
Conclusion
The above-mentioned tips can help you protect your Android and make it more secure. Apart from these tips, you can also secure your network by avoiding the usage of public Wi-Fi, not connecting to unreliable internet connections, and not accessing sensitive data while using public hotspots. You can install and use security apps for Android or Mobile security apps to ensure that your stored data and documents remain out of the reach of hackers and identity thieves. If your device is used by multiple users, then creating multiple user accounts will help to protect the privacy and to make your Android secure. It is always recommended to timely prepare a backup of your data on your Android device as no one can predict the uncertainties and their dangerous consequences.
