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Andro id - mo b ile Many experts acknowledge, Android is not only the most popular but also vulnerable platform. Using the "hole" in the security system and gaining access to the device, attackers can do with it almost everything that pleases: send SMS to premium numbers, spy on the personal correspondence and steal credit card numbers. At the moment, the Android platform has approximately 75% of smartphones worldwide, so the "Google phones" are the ideal target for the virus writers. Sufficiently high openness of the platform allowed it to quickly become the market leader in mobile devices, but gave rise to the notorious fragmentation which is mentioned at every opportunity.
So me tips o n s e curity 1. Download apps only from the Google Play Store
Indeed, the most ‘dangerous’ thing about Android is not the OS itself, but apps that a user can install. Just never download an app from third-party platforms and websites: they might be infected. It is easier to fully disable this capability in settings and deploy an integrated app security check. How it helps: significantly lowers your chances of getting malware. How to set it: go to “Settings” -> “Security”, un-check the “Unknown Sources” box, check “Verify Apps.”
So me tips o n s e curity 2. Watch out for app permissions
First, you’d want to install apps only by known developers, or rely on Google recommendations. Second, check the apps’ permissions every time you install to see what exactly a certain app is asking to access. If a wallpaper app or game wants to access your accounts, SMS, mic, location and to enjoy unlimited Internet, that looks fishy. How it helps: significantly lowers your chances of getting malware. How to set it: upon installation, the list of permissions is shown on the screen, and also there is the “See Permissions” link on the bottom of the app page.
So me tips o n s e curity 3. Use strong passwords
This is more of a ‘one-size-fits-all’ tip. To unlock your phone, use sophisticated passwords, not a PIN or graphic code. The best solution is a password that contains at least ten characters, including lower case and upper case letters, numbers, and symbols. The password should be changed on a regular basis. Note that many apps also use password-based security.
How it helps: significantly lowers the chances for other people to access your phone and its content.
So me tips o n s e curity 4. Use strong passwords
By default, Android tries to connect to any wireless network you ever accessed. In the case of open access points, it may well be that it is not a hotspot you are used to but rather a malicious hotspot created by a cybercriminal. With that in mind, first try to avoid public hotspots, and second, run a regular audit of your remembered Wi-Fi networks list. Also, disable default search for open wireless connections. How it helps: lowers the chances of inadvertently connecting to potentially malicious Wi-Fi networks. How to set it: go to “Settings” -> “Wi-Fi”, go to “Advanced Settings” to un-check “Always Search for Wireless Networks.”
So me tips o n s e curity 5. Always use VPN
This tip is especially relevant when using a public hotspot or an untrusted network connection. Using VPN will protect the data you transfer and (as a bonus) allow you to access resources that are somehow restricted on public networks. It is better to use L2TP or Open VPN, which sport even more reliable protection than the widely used PPTP. To prevent a data leak prior to establishing a VPN connection, do not forget to make VPN ‘always-on’, or disable automatic syncing of your apps. How it helps: encrypts inbound and outbound data.
So me tips o n s e curity 6. Get rid of unnecessary apps
See tips 1 and 2 above. The more apps that you have, the higher the risk is that some of them are involved in malicious activities. Also, in the Android world, there is this bad habit of selling devices with tons of pre-installed services and apps. You may not use them, but it doesn’t mean that their creators don’t use you. Some, but not all, of them, can be deleted. Refer to an app’s website to know which of them are good to go.
How it helps: minimizes damage done in case of data leakage.
So me tips o n s e curity 7. Use two-factor authentication for Google and other apps
Two-factor authentication is likely the best method to ensure maximum user account security available today. It is simple: besides using the password, it requires you to also enter a one-time code sent via text message or within specialized apps or even hardware. Without this code, an intruder cannot log in to your accounts, even if they have laid hands on your password. How it helps: significantly lowers the chances of an outsider using your accounts. How to set it: go to https://accounts.google.com/SmsAuthConfig in your browser and follow the instructions.
So me tips o n s e curity 8. Install and regularly update anti-virus In addition to protection from harmful applications, mobile antivirus offer many other useful features. For example, they can remotely lock your smartphone if it is stolen or lost, or automatically back up contacts. There are a number of other popular antivirus software that can protect your phone from attacks by intruders - One of the best defenders include Norton Mobile Security. Another antivirus such avast! Mobile Security, which is used by over 10 million people. Lookout Mobile Security (advantage of Lookout is to block unauthorized access to the photos and call log), Kaspersky Mobile Security (is able to find the device even if the SIM card is changed), and others.
So me tips o n s e curity 9. Do not click on links from unknown senders You should always be alert and never click on links in emails or SMS that come from unknown numbers. Even if the link suddenly sent by familiar contact, better ask personally.
Co nclus io n This list of tips helps to significantly improve Android security but it is not a cure-all. Thus, do not forget to install a trusted security pack on your smartphone or tablet. Besides antivirus, such solutions offer other means of protection: safe web surfing, password manager, SMS filtering, anti-theft options and so on. And, a final note in our recommendations: stay alert!
Thank you for attention!!!