How secure is your Android phone?
There are many ways your Android phone can get hacked. Just a few of these security risks include:
- Downloading a malicious app
- Using unsecured public Wi-Fi
- Falling for a smishing scam
1. Use 2FA/MFA
Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security for Android users. It is a two-step verification process that is becoming standard everywhere, so it isn’t necessarily limited to Android settings. You’ll want to use 2-factor authentication to sign-in into as many of your accounts as possible, especially those associated with sensitive data.
2. Restrict app permissions
After you have downloaded a new app, don’t just click the “Accept” button without really checking to see what it needs access to. For example, why would a camera-editing application request permission to access your contact list or your messages? To prevent apps from accessing data, restrict their permissions.
3. Use a VPN
This is an incredibly useful tool for security that protects your data from theft and interception. This is one of the easiest and most effective ways to increase your Internet security.
4. Use Google Activity Controls
You can control what kind of activity Google can track while you're using your phone. This includes web and app history, location history, and YouTube history. Google uses the data to provide personalized maps, recommendations, and relevant results.
5. Review location privacy settings
Your location is constantly being tracked on your Android phone. Change this one setting to reduce tracking and get some privacy back. While some apps like “Find My Phone” require that you enable your location, many others do not need to know where you are.
6. Ensure that Google Play Protect is enabled
This Android feature is enabled by default and is a real-time malware scanner that monitors every app you installed on your smartphone, along with any application you are about to install.
To confirm it is enabled, open Settings and tap Biometrics and Security. Under Security, click Google Play Protect. Google will present you with a short report of your system’s apps.
- Enable Find my Device
The “Find My Device” locator service allows you to track down your lost/stolen Android device remotely.
All you need to do to enable Google’s Find My Device is to add your Google account and turn on the location feature.
8. Enable remote wipe
The ability to wipe your Android remotely comes in handy after you have lost your device and you’re sure that you won’t ever find it again. This prevents other people from accessing your information and sharing with others.
9. Set lock screen limitations
Android gives you the ability to restrict how notifications show on your phone’s lock screen. For example, if the contents of your messages are visible when the device is locked, you will want to change that.
10. Consider using safe browsing
The Android safe browsing setting notifies you whenever you try to open a malicious website or download a dubious app.