How to Secure Your Android Device in 5 Simple Steps
Google monitors all the activities on your Android device to gather data to show you targeted ads. Moreover, many apps on Android are susceptible to dangerous malware that can steal bandwidth and give malicious third parties access to your information.
Many Android users mistakenly believe they’re devices are secure because they use only Google Play apps. But Google frequently removes previously trusted apps found to be infested by malware.
Switching to a different device with a more secure operating system such as IOS or Linux may not be an option for you. So here are five steps to securing your Android device.
- Setup a VPN on the device
- Install an anti-malware and remove infected apps
- Set up two-factor authentication
- Encrypt the device
- Keep the Android operating system up to date
Let’s delve closer into the steps.
- Set up a VPN on the device
A VPN secures your internet connection by encrypting your traffic and passing it through VPN servers to hide your real IP address. You can use the VPN that’s built into Android, or you can install a high-quality VPN app from an established provider. Avoid free VPNs as they often offer subpar security and may sell your data.
- Install anti-malware and remove infected apps
If your Android device has corrupt data, uses too much data, or is too slow, it may be infected with malware or ransomware through dubious apps for games, cheat codes, and so on. Locate and remove malware using top Android anti-malware apps. If the apps fail, consider having a qualified technician wipe your device.
- Set up two-factor authentication
Improve your device security by using Google Authenticator to secure your entire Google account. Start by enabling two-factor authentication on a Google account on a PC. Next, download and install the Google Authenticator app from the Play Store.
Finally, configure the authenticator app on your device. Set up the app only on a personal Android device that you’ve secured with a passphrase, pattern, or PIN. That way, no one other than you can access your Google account.
- Encrypt the device
Android devices with Android version 5.0 and above have an encryption tool for securing your device. This tool goes beyond locking your screen as no one can view the account data, apps, and media on your device without a unique key. Find the encryption tool in your settings, and follow these easy steps to encrypting your Android device.
- Keep your Android system up to date
Android periodically delivers security patches. You receive a notification as soon as the updates for your device are available. Once they’re available, download and install Android software updates as soon as possible to secure your device. Delaying this leaves it exposed to security vulnerabilities that malware and hackers can exploit.
Enjoy peace of mind with a secure Android device
These steps will secure your device and let you safely access the internet. You don’t have to worry about cyber-criminals, advertisers, ISPs, and nosey government agencies tracking your online and stealing your data. Even though you may never be 100 percent secure, at least you won’t be an easy target.
