Android is one of the safest operating systems for smartphones and tablets if used correctly. Unfortunately, only a third of Android users use the latest version, and older versions are far more vulnerable than newer ones.
Not to mention that many manufacturers take their time when it comes to downloading the latest security patches. A news blog Android Authority ranked the fastest manufacturers in downloading system updates. Here are the results:
- LG - 78 days
- Motorola - 88 days
- HTC - 95 days
- Sony - 99 days
- Xiaomi - 126 days
- OnePlus - 131 days
- Samsung - 143 days.
Since the ranking took place in 2017, the results could be slightly different today.
The good news is that you can download updates manually from the Settings menu on your device, as long as it is connected to a Wi-Fi network.
In addition to having an updated version of the operating system, what can you do to increase the security of your Android device? Here are some straightforward strategies.
1. Set a strong passcode.
Setting a password for the lock screen is essential to ensuring the security of your device. You can use a pattern on a series of nine points, a PIN (personal identification number) or a password.
A password containing letters, numbers, and symbols not related to your personal data is the ideal way for ensuring optimal protection of your Android device.
Be sure to change passwords often and do not use the same password for multiple applications. If you want, you can use a password manager, an often very light application that allows you to use a single password to access dozens of different services.
2. Update security settings.
Tap Security & location on your Settings app, and you'll find lots of useful settings. Find my device, for example, allows you to find, ring, lock and reset a lost Android device only by logging into your Google account.
Instead, with Screen pinning, you can choose one of the applications running through the list of recent apps and make it the only application accessible. So if you need to lend your phone to friends or co-workers, they will not run the risk of inadvertently seeing your messages or your web history.
3. Encrypt your device.
Full-device encryption was introduced by Google with Android Gingerbread (December 2010). It enables to encrypt accounts, settings, downloaded applications, and multimedia files.
The whole process takes one hour and should not be interrupted, otherwise, data could be lost. Once the process is complete, your data will be decrypted each time you log in. For this reason, the performance of your device could decrease a bit.
4. Use a mobile VPN when navigating with a free WiFi.
Free Wi-Fi available in libraries, cafes, restaurants, and public transport can use old standards for encryption, which can cause security problems.
Another risk is to find yourself in a rogue WiFi hotspot. Even a relatively unskilled hacker can install a rogue access point to steal information and sensitive data from unknown users.
A mobile VPN creates a virtual tunnel that protects your data while browsing. There are different types of mobile VPN available on the market today, both free and paid, with different encryption systems.
Another important rule is to turn off WiFi or Bluetooth when you do not need them.
5. Update apps frequently.
Applications like WhatsApp have their own security updates. Be sure to frequently update the applications you use and uninstall the ones you no longer use.
6. Install a security app.
Manufacturers like Avast, Bitdefender, McAfee, Norton, and Kaspersky make antivirus and security apps for Android, too. You can also find many free applications that are less often updated, but still interesting.
7. Use apps from the Google Play Store.
You can decide to allow your device to download apps that are not on Google Play. Not necessarily a bad thing, but it exposes you to the risk of downloading illegal or fake apps.
Google removes fraudulent apps every day. If you allow your Android device to access untrusted apps, you need to be more careful with the source of the applications you download.
8. Use two-factor authentication.
Two-factor authentication allows you to protect your Google account in case someone finds out your password. It also lets you retrieve information on your phone if you forget your password, lose your phone, or you can not log in to your account for other reasons.
To set up your backups, you need to log in on your Google account → Settings → Google → Google Accounts → Security → Signing in to Google → 2-Step Verification → Get started → Choose another option.
You can choose between
- backup codes, to be used for the second step of two-factor authentication
- backup phone, to which you will be sent a security code to access your account
- security key, to be purchased at the Google Store; connect it to a USB port on your device to access your account.
As you can see, these are all simple and effective strategies. Sometimes you just have to implement one or two, according to your needs, to make your Android device much more secure.
