Securing Android: 9 tips to protect your device – Android Planet

As you do more with your Android smartphone and tablet, it is important to protect it properly and prevent sensitive data being intercepted by malicious users. We put nine security tips for you one by one.

The last time we have written a lot about security and Android apps that let you send text messages with confidence , chat and call without malicious or security can listen as the AIVD. In this article, we combine those tips and give you advice for the optimal protection of your smartphone or tablet.

1. Ensure good device lock

There are several ways to your smartphone or tablet lock, so that a code or pattern is requested when you turn it on. However, there are still many users who do not have device lock because they are forgotten or simply do not like this.

Want well your Android secure, then device lock recommended. We do not recommend choosing unlocking via facial recognition, as this security method is susceptible to fraud. Instead opt for a digit or a password that letters, numbers and symbols combined. This makes it difficult for others to break into your Android device.

2. Do not download from unknown sources

The apps that you find in Google Play, are reviewed and approved by Google. Although some media reports that many malware in the app store Google is found, this percentage terms is not so bad. Nevertheless, it is preferable to look carefully how often an app is downloaded and how it is rated by users. We also advise you not loose apk files to download Google Play outside, because it is difficult to verify whether it comes from a trusted source.

Some apps, many of which are free and titles like “Free Sexy Ringtones ‘wear, may contain malware and viruses. Viruses can take control of your smartphone and send instance expensive paid text messages; malware creates annoying advertising and pop-ups on your Android device. Always go for apps that have been downloaded thousands of times and have received positive feedback from users, then you know that you run little risk.

3. Note app permissions

On average, Android users between 10 and 20 apps on their device. Install you a new app or update an existing application, check always on the installation screen which permissions it needs. As an example we Live Weather, an app permissions requests for location and gallery. Given the functionality of the app are these permissions not surprising, but it can in some games and wallpapers have been different. As you well each installation are required on which permissions and decide whether you want to grant them.

Furthermore, prevent new permissions that an app update automatically feeds and that’s good to know. We recommend to always check in advance what (new) permissions an app requires. This saves a wallpaper app basically no access to your location, camera, microphone or identity. Does he do there to, then you better go looking for an alternative.

→ Read more about app permissions and updates

4. Screen components on Android

You have several options in Android to set restricted user profiles for instance (more on that here), which is a convenience when others use your smartphone or tablet. Do not you want to work with profiles, yet specific apps and shielding components, you can use a privacy app as AppLock.

After setting a password and a security address, you can by pressing the limit button several apps and features, including Gmail, phone calls, camera, settings, messages, and so on. After this there is always a code required to open them. Would you like to protect photos and videos, and set separate profiles, then a premium account required.

→ Download AppLock in Google Play (free)

5. Use a secure messaging app

The recent turmoil on the safety of text messaging apps is understandable. For example, in early 2014 leaked yet the data of 4.6 million Snapchat users and in the past it several times happened that data and information on users leaked due to a vulnerability in a chat app. Fortunately, a frequently used app WhatsApp as provided for in the last few months of end-to-end encryption (unless you use the web version). This message can only be decrypted by interlocutors, since the encryption is set up by the app on your phone. WhatsApp itself so can not read messages.

One of the most secure messaging apps Threema which optionally anonymous to use and has its servers are in Switzerland. Threema offers all the features you need: text messages, send photos and videos, share location, create group calls and send voice messages

You make yourself to your encryption by rubbing prior notification on a square plane.. To confirm your login enter your phone number, which is otherwise disconnected again immediately after. You can sync your contacts, but also scan Threema codes or QR codes to add a caller

→ Read also:. 4 Android Apps to send secure messages

6. Use a secure telephony app

All our communications are intercepted, as revealed by revelations of whistleblower Edward Snowden. And although your phone calls are encrypted by your telecom provider allows security is often poor. Want to avoid the police or intelligence you can listen, you can use a phone app with end-to-end encryption to consider.

Well-known names in Google Pay enabling encrypted phone calls his RedPhone and Silent Phone. The latter makes use of user names, so you do not necessarily have to give your number to anyone 06 to communicate. The connection is via the internet. For us Silent Phone the most robust and reliable app to call security, but unfortunately there are also costs. To use the app you need a subscription of $ 9.95 a month or $ 99.95 per year

→ Read also:. 3 apps to avoid the AIVD’s bugging you

7. Use a VPN connection

Do you use public Wi-Fi networks, we recommend that you’re to go to the protected networks with a password. Otherwise you run the risk that other users can listen to a WiFi sniffer what you’re doing. Even the use of SSL (identified by the URL of a website that begins with https: //) is not everything, as the Heartbleed leak proved in April 2014

Want the risks while surfing on. restrict public Wi-Fi networks, use a VPN app as Tunnel Bear. This prevents snoopers can steal your passwords or access other data by setting up a Virtual Private Network. Such a network hides your location, so you easily connects to a server in another country, and websites think you’re in there.

→ Download Tunnel Bear in Google Play (free)

8. Check regularly for device updates

When purchasing a new Android device you can be – depending on the manufacturer – assume that it is some times an update to provide. Typically, you automatically get a notification of this, but that is not the case, you can check this yourself. The option to update is usually in Settings & gt; About this phone / tablet & gt; Software update available. With each new Android version Google has a large number of bug fixes and security patches, so it’s important to keep your device up to date.

9. Replace your Android device’s

The problem is that many units of one and a half or two years unfortunately no longer receive the latest Android updates. Do you have a smartphone with Android 2.3.3 for example, and you can not update, then work a lot of apps (like Chrome) and do not necessarily use of programs and functions by non-sealed leaks are vulnerable to cyber attacks. Our advice: do not wait too long to replace your old Android device. Are you more technical built, then you can consider installing a custom ROM like CyanogenMod, which is based on a newer Android version.

How do you make sure your Android device is optimally protected ? Let us know in the comments!