1. Only download from Google Playstore
Like they say – Prevention is better than cure. One of the best ways of protecting your Android Smartphone against malwares and viruses is by preventing them from getting in. Downloading your apps and files from unauthorized stores exposes your Android Smartphone to harmful programs. Most of these free apps you download from unauthorized android markets come with their own baggage you might not be aware of initially, it’s either your smartphone is infected with Trojans and other malicious programs or it’s spammed with unsolicited ads and gigs. Applications downloaded from Android’s authorized market are often free from malicious programs because they pass through stringent regulatory process before making their way to Google’s official store.
2. Install an Antivirus
Installing an antivirus on your android phone is one of the best ways of improving its security. An antivirus program isn’t just created basically for smartphones, but for computers, tablets, and other pocket PC’s. Installing an antivirus optimized for android devices will help you scrutinize applications downloaded to ensure that they are safe to install and use. Installing an anti-virus on your Android Smartphone doesn’t give you the express permission to download apps from unapproved sources; it basically acts as the second-layer protection for your Android phone. The Virus definition file or database of your anti-virus may not be up-to-date, which means that recently developed malwares and virus can sneak into your devices undetected. You can try to restrict these infections by downloading only from approved stores.
3. Avoid Rooting Your Android Phone
Rooting your android device helps to remove many imposed network and manufacturer restrictions, thereby allowing you to harness the hidden potential of your android device. When an android phone is rooted, access to system level resources is given to the user. Although it may seem like a nice thing to owners of rooted android devices, the consequences could be far reaching. Your android phone security will be lowered, thereby making it easy for malicious programs to enter your phone. Rooting of android devices is very common in Nigeria. Most people root their android devices to take advantage of programs and tariffs not designed for their android phone e.g. using BIS subscription on android powered devices.
4. Activate your Android Phone’s Password
Threats to smartphones don’t just come from malware and viruses alone, but also from the activities of unscrupulous persons. Some people go through the contents of other people’s Smartphone to steal personal information such as credit/debit card credentials, Online banking credentials, sensitive records and other important information. Some may install spy programs that can track and monitor your communication and transaction activities. Activating a secured password, mixed with alphanumeric characters, will go a long way putting the activities of these malicious persons in check.
5. Monitor your wireless activities
Wireless transfers and connections are one of the trendiest ways to connect mobile and smart devices. Most wireless connections are carried out via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, with Wi-Fi being the more acceptable of the two in recent times. Files and apps are shared via these wireless connection means as well as harmful and malicious programs. It’s a good practice to always turnoff your wireless connections when not in use so as to protect and safeguard your android phone against virus and malware attacks. Some programs are designed to scout for wireless networks, connect and then install malicious programs. Verify connecting devices before accepting their connection request.
6. Consider installing a remote wipe/lock app
This may seem rash at first but it definitely should be your last-ditch effort to prevent unauthorized access to your sensitive data. If you have mistakenly misplaced your device or it was stolen from you, you can remotely wipe off your sensitive data by sending text to preset numbers or via a web interface. Some important remote wiping apps include Cerberus and Avast Mobile security.
The security of your android phone shouldn’t be taken with levity. By design, your android phone comes with open source software that encourages application development as well as file transfer. Don’t abuse this privilege by downloading and sharing files with reckless abandon. Try to avoid downloading programs from unknown sources, rooting your device and not activating your phone’s password. With the effective combination of all these security tips, you should get better value and performance from your android powered phone.
