Android smartphones are a popular choice among consumers these days, so much so that they accounted for 81 percent of all smartphones shipped last year, followed by Apple with 15 percent market share and Microsoft with 3 percent.
Without a doubt, Android is the most popular mobile operating system in the world currently, and in India it has many users.
But Android is a viable platform for cybercriminals and hackers. Android users have ran into a few problems from time to time and their device and the data in it can be stolen, spied on, and used by cybercriminals if they aren’t careful.
Here are 7 things that you can do to keep your Android Smartphone protected from cyber criminals.
1. Lock The Screen
Enabling a screen unlock code will prevent a device thief from accessing your mobile data. Try using patterns or alphanumeric codes to lock your screen. Simple numeric codes are easier to crack.
2. Encrypt Your Data
The Android operating system comes with pre-installed security measures that can be easily accessed and enabled from the security submenu. The Android security screen also includes an option to encrypt the device. Enabling this option will help protect sensitive information stored in the device. And encrypted data takes more time to crack.
3. Strengthen App Permissions
Always check the features that you allow the app to access, and don’t forget to use strong and unique passwords. If you re-use your passwords, hackers can effortlessly guess the passwords on your other accounts. It’s always better to keep changing passwords every three months.
4. Install a Security App
There is no harm in downloading an authentic Security App to keep your data safe. An app that offers anti-theft features like remote wipe-out, tracking, and locking, as well as malware scanning and detection can help mitigate potential threats. Check out a few apps by Kaspersky and Trend Micro.
5. Connect Only to Secured Networks
Whenever you go online using a network you don’t know, such as public Wi-Fi, you should be more careful because unsecured Wi-Fi networks can be used to intercepted data on your phone. Especially avoid online banking, financials, and purchasing over public Wi-Fi networks.
6. Don’t Root Your Phone
Many people do like to root their android devices, so they get a greater control over their smartphone. But we say before rooting your Android device, consider the pros and cons first. Rooting allows unsigned apps, including malicious ones, access to your data. This leaves your device vulnerable to hacking.
7. Download Apps Only From the Google Play Store
Download apps only from official app stores, as downloading from third-party sites or app stores is one of the easiest ways for any mobile device to get infected with malware. It’s always safe to download apps from official app stores, and read the app permissions before downloading any app on your smartphone.
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