Android powered smartphones are one of the most sought-after mobile
devices in recent times. The Android Smartphone operates open source
software that encourages application developers to freely develop,
distribute and share applications. This means that you can easily share
files with other android devices, which isn’t obtainable in closed
source devices e.g. iPhones. However, hackers and other malicious
program writers have taken advantage of the open source nature of
android powered devices to introduce their malicious programs that are
capable of causing damage to your important files and data. To stem this
ugly trend, these are 6 Key security tips for your Android phone.
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.
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