How to Secure Android Phone from Hacking

How to Secure Android Phone from Hacking, Data & Privacy Theft.

Many new apps you install can be deceptive and may install a malware or a spying software on your Android device. Hackers or the attackers are always developing new tools to intrude into your Android system. By taking some preventive security measures at your level, you can thwart their malicious attempts and keep your Android device safe and secure.

In a recent research on Android security, authors Jing Chen, Chiheng Wang and Ziming Zhaohave categorically stated that there has been a spurt in ransomware attacks, especially on Android platform. They have also added that most of the anti-virus software fails to prevent ransomware and phishing attacks on android systems.

You can adopt a pro-active approach to keep your phone updated with latest security patches released by Android at regular intervals apart from performing the following steps in safeguarding your data and privacy. Said that, as per Android authority there are few Android vendors like ZTE and TCL that have recently deceived the users on latest security patches.

10 Best Ways to Secure Android Device

Two-Step Authentication

You will agree to the fact that two locks are better than one for better security. Many service providers understand this and give their users two levels of security. The first and common security measure used is a user login and an associated password. The second level of security is provided by an OTP sent on user’s mobile. The authentication is complete when the user punches in this OTP.

Google is the best example of this kind authentication. If you have opted for the two step authentication of Google, you must be aware of this. Anytime you wanted to access Google services like mail or drive, you have to complete the authentication by entering the OTP. If someone tries to access your email without your knowledge you would be alerted with a message and since that person is not having the OTP, your Google account will stay safe from any intentional or unintentional access.

Use a VPN connection

A virtual private network connection encrypts the internet you are using. A VPN assigns its own IP which changes dynamically and the hacker is not able to find the exact IP or user details of internet-surfer. A VPN also keeps your profile anonymous on the web. If you use public Wi-Fi connections more often, I would definitely recommend you to install VPN on your Android Phone. There are both free and paid VPN connections available and get one now after going through its features.

Install Apps from Trusted Source

A good app source is one that uses stringent security policies and all their apps are verified for authenticity. Having said that, Google Play Store is the most trusted source to download and install apps on your android devices. Most of the users are tempted to download apk files from third party sources and to do so they often turn on the feature to allow installation from unknown sources. This will expose the android phones to some serious and harmful malware intrusion. So never compromise on the security and make sure the feature to allow apps from a 3rd party is turned off.

Install Latest Updates

You should never neglect the update notification on Android devices. Google keeps on releasing new security patches in its Android updates in view of latest strategies adopted by hackers to intrude into your device. You can click on update on receiving such update notifications or alternatively, you can also apply these updates later manually by navigating to Settings>About phone>Updates.

Use Safe browsing

In order to prevent you from opening potentially dangerous sites, Google Chrome browser has provided a built-in security setting. Some phishing sites can deceit you and install a software on your android device that can steal the vital information from your phone. So before you start using chrome as your internet browser, open chrome and move to Settings>Privacy>Safe browsing. Now make sure the radio button in front of “Protect you & your device from dangerous sites” is checked.

Browse Incognito

Whenever you visit a website, it saves logs of all the activity done on a browser. Hackers can easily use this information to harm you in many ways. There is no harm using browsers in normal mode while looking for entertainment or self-learning. But when you are using banking portals or changing passwords of your accounts, it is advisable to use browsers in private or Incognito mode.

Check App Permissions

While installing an app on your handset, it asks you to accept and give permissions to a number of options. Some of the permissions include contact, your location, messages, camera and much more. So before accepting to these permissions, you must evaluate which permissions are necessary to run the app and neglect the other ones. So act wisely or be a victim of data and privacy theft.

Additionally, you can also allow google to warn you about any harmful activity on the device. To do so, navigate to settings>google>security>Google Play Protect. Now turn on the option that says “scan device for security threats”.

Control Android Device Remotely.

This method to keep your android device safe is extremely useful in case you misplace or lose your phone. This is again a security feature offered by google. This tool allows you to remotely control your device from your place and allows you to erase the data before it falls in to the hands of data thieves. You can also lock it or make the phone start ringing continuously for five minutesto warn the snoopers.

Phone lock

You should always keep your phone locked either with a pattern, PIN, fingerprint or face recognition. Needless to say, an unlocked phone in the hand of unknown persons can invite some serious identity or data theft issues. So lock your phone now if you have not done it so far. To apply a lock, navigate to security>Lock screen and security>screen lock type. Here you choose from swipe, pattern, PIN, password or Fingerprints.

Install an Anti-virus

It’s always a point of discussion whether to install anti-virus on phone? Will it slow down the handset or Is the free anti-virus software effective enough to tackle the modern day cyber threats? Most of the anti-virus software for android devices in 2018 comes with a number of in-built security features like web-security, malware protection, Privacy, find the device and much more. These free antivirus tools have the capability to flag the harmful apps and notify you in time for further action.