Tips to Keep Your Android Smartphone Secure in 2021
Are you worried about the safety of your data on your smartphones? Here are some great tips to keep your phones secure.
Smartphones have become a fundamental part of our existence because they simplify our lives in so many ways. There is also a security risk with the increased adoption of technology due to the vast amount of personal data stored on our mobiles. As consumers increasingly use their mobile devices for banking and online shopping, cybercriminals aim their virus and malware attacks on mobile phones, posing a major security threat to users worldwide.
Android phones are considered more susceptible to this attack because they rely on open-source code, providing multiple entry points for hackers. Nearly four out of five mobile users in India have an Android device. However, there are certain simple strategies and tips you can follow to keep your Android phone safe and secure:1. Use a passcode and keep the phone locked
This is the first step to keeping your mobile secure. Every phone lets you set a passcode lock for security and most of them come with a fingerprint scan for added security. Many phones offer face unlock; however, the phone can be unlocked with a photograph in certain cases.
Hence it is important to go for reliable phones like the Realme X7 max which offers better security and cannot be opened with a photo. In addition, the in-display fingerprint scanner ensures a fast and easy alternative to unlocking the phone in seconds. 2. Lock your apps
Many moderately priced mobile brands now offer this feature wherein you can individually lock installed apps with a passcode or fingerprint scan. This adds an extra layer of security for your data and content, especially if you have handed over your phone to someone. 'App locker' is a built-in privacy feature with Realme UI and is available on budget-priced Realme mobiles.
With this, users can securely hide their apps and lock them using a password. 'Hide Apps' is another useful feature on Realme mobiles and can be used to hide apps from the launcher to prevent unauthorized access.
3. Regular Operating system (OS) upgrade
OS updates are essential to fixing bugs that might have existed and boosted the phone performance. Many Android mobiles give you the flexibility to update the OS whenever the latest version is available.
Realme is one brand that regularly pushes Android security patches. Realme X7 Max is one of the lucky few to receive the September 2021 security patch, which comes with many optimizations and bug fixes while improving system stability. The Google Pixel 5 is the best Android phone when it comes to safety and security.
At a starting price of Rs. 64,000, this phone will automatically receive the latest OS and security updates for at least 3 years while the custom-made Titan M chip helps secure the operating system and sensitive data, like passwords.
4. Only use trusted apps
Unlike iOS, Android mobiles allow you to download apps from various sources and have no checks to ensure the apps are safe or malicious. Hence it is critical to download apps from trustworthy sources like the Google Play store after reading ratings and reviews.
The Safe Mode on the Realme X7 max has a monitoring device for validating the effects of your last installed third-party applications on your system and will uninstall these apps if necessary.
5. Enable Android's 'Find my Device' feature
This built-in feature in many Android mobiles is a quick fix to prevent data loss or find your phone in case it is stolen. By activating this feature, you should be able to track your smartphone anywhere. To be successful, you need to have signed into a Google account and have the phone powered on and connected to an internet connection.
6. Turn off Bluetooth and Wi-Fi when you're not using them
You never know how many hackers are moving around you. And, it becomes easier for hackers to access your Android phone when you're connected to public Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. Switching off your Wi-Fi and Bluetooth not only decreases the likelihood of mobile attacks but it also helps with battery life. Also, be cautious while connecting to public Wi-Fi networks and avoid doing any online transactions while on public Wi-Fi as this compromises the safety of your data.
7. Encrypt phone
Encryption stores your phone's data in an unreadable, seemingly scrambled form so that in the event it is stolen or lost, no one can get access to the personal information. Many newer Android mobiles come with the encryption feature; however, even if your phone doesn't have default settings for encryption, you should do this proactively to ensure sensitive data is not leaked.
Samsung phones like the Samsung S21 are priced at Rs. 54,999 come with a defence-grade, multi-layered mobile security platform called Samsung Knox, which comprises smart hardware and software to isolate, encrypt, and secure your data, including confidential files, credit card transactions, passwords, and sensitive health data.
Conclusion
Android mobiles are an easy target for hackers. Hence Android phone protection is very critical, especially for those who keep a lot of sensitive data. Always look at the privacy and security features offered by different smartphone manufacturers and select the most tuned to your requirement. You must also proactively look into the safety and security of your device by following all the above tips.
Follow