How to Protect Android

Running on over 80 percent of smartphones and tablets in the world, Google’s Android is the number one mobile operating system. The Android operating system is open and flexible, which makes it awesome — for users and developers alike — in so many ways. But the OS’s openness and flexibility also leave the system vulnerable to invasion by malware. Malware can be used to compromise the security and privacy of your Android device.

In most cases, malware in Android smartphones and tablets appears in the form of an application. Sometimes, an app includes malicious codes that make it perform certain actions without your consent. For instance, some applications broadcast your location data when you are searching for local maps. But malware is not the only threat when it comes to the security and privacy of your Android device. The operating system is under constant attack and older versions are more vulnerable than new ones.

Is there something that Android users can do to secure their devices? Yes. Plenty, actually. In this article, we explore various ways you can protect your Android device from a wide range of threats out there. Read on to find out more.

Use VPN

VPN is short for Virtual Private Network. A VPN service encrypts your internet connection and is arguably the best privacy tool for securing your Android device when you are connected to the internet. creates a virtual network of any number of connected devices online thus concealing the IP addresses of devices on the network. Android VPNs optimized for the OS are rapidly growing in popularity among Android users.

Since the internet has become such a huge part of our lives, we need to ensure that we are fully protected when we go online. Android VPN is one of the best ways to protect yourself from hackers and snoopers as you go about your business online. If you frequent online shopping sites such as Amazon, you can enjoy the perks of using a VPN to shop online without having to worry about someone stealing your credit card information and other personal data.

Enable Two-Factor Authentication

Two-factor authentication may seem like an inconvenience but it’s one of the most effective ways to lock down your Google services. 2-FA requires you to verify with a unique verification code and a passcode sent via OTP every time you log in to your Google account. To enable two-factor authentication, log in to your account, go to settings, and click on ‘Using 2-step verification.’ When 2-FA is enabled, no one can access your account even if your password is hacked.

Only Install Apps from Trusted Sources

The Android operating system allows users to install apps from third-party app banks through a process known as sideloading. To be able to install applications from third-party platforms, users are required to enable ‘Install apps from Unknown Sources’ in device settings. This is not recommended. Apps downloaded from third-party app banks may contain malware. Always disable the installation of apps from unknown sources to be on the safer side. Go to Settings > Security to make sure that this feature is disabled.

Install Anti-Virus Software

The latest versions of the Android operating system do a pretty good job when it comes to securing your smartphone or tablet. However, experts maintain that it’s not enough and users ought to do more to protect their data. Just like your computer, your Android device is also susceptible to data theft. Installing antivirus software and other security apps can be useful. Popular choices include Kaspersky, Avast, Norton, McAfee, and Bitdefender. Look for features such as Automatic Scan, Malware Detection, Anti-Theft, etc.

When it comes to device security, you can never be completely safe. This is especially true for Android-powered smartphones. Hackers are constantly coming up with creative ways to compromise the security of your device and steal data. However, by following these suggestions, you can make your Android smartphone more secure.