Android is the most popular mobile platform in India. One of the major reasons for its popularity is the flexibility it offers in terms of customization and the abundance of third-party apps.
Apps can even be side-loaded, bypassing Google’s Play Store app marketplace. However, all this also makes Android vulnerable to security threats and malware.
Moreover, with our increasing reliance on smartphones and tablets, we’re storing more private data than ever before, leaving us more vulnerable to data thefts. So how do you protect yourself from losing precious personal and work data accessed via Android devices? Here are 10 tips to help you secure your Android gadgets:
1. Use a screen lock: The most basic security measure for every Android device, a screen lock allows you to guard the device by using a pattern, PIN or password.
The lock can be activated through the Android device’s Security Settings. Following the activation of the lock, the device can be set to lock automatically after a specific time period or by pressing the Power key
2. Encrypt your device: Android allows you to encrypt all the data on your device. You’ll need to key in a password or PIN each time the device is turned on to decrypt all the data.
If the phone gets into the wrong hands, there’s no way to access the data without a password or PIN if the device is restarted. This way, your sensitive data stays safe though the device becomes a little slow.
It can be activated through the Android device’s Security Settings.
3. Using personal device for work? Talk to IT: According to security solutions firm ESET, around 30-40% of devices in workplaces are vulnerable to threats unless users are educated about risks.
If you plan to use your personal device for work, check with your workplace’s IT team before configuring it to access and store work related data.
4. Activate Google’s Android Device Manager: Even if you lose your device, the Android Device Manager feature allows you to track a (connected) device on Google Maps.
It also enables you to ring the device at full volume for five minutes and even erase all the data.
To verify if it's enabled, you can go to the Settings menu on your device and tap on Security. It can be enabled through the Device Administrators setting under Security Settings.