1. Use an Android password manager
Most people understand the danger of hackers and the risks of using weak passwords. Still, about 51% of internet users use repetitive passwords across their different accounts (both work and personal). Using weak or repetitive passwords greatly increases any Android user’s risk of getting hacked. The main reason why people use weak passwords is that they’re afraid they’ll forget them if they’re too strong. Luckily, using strong passwords is as easy as it has ever been with special tools like Android password managers!
2. Enable two-factor authentication
Two-factor authentication creates an invaluable security barrier for whatever account you enable it on. Hackers stand little to no chance of getting into an account that has your biometrics (or any other method of 2FA) connected to it. Because of how easy but effective 2FA is as a security measure, it’s extremely popular among banks or other platforms that store sensitive user data.
3. Stay away from public wifi networks
You’ve probably heard this one before but let us repeat it: please avoid public wifi at all costs. You see, public wifi is a very common channel for hackers to attack users through. By intercepting your connection to an unsecured network, an outsider can get their hands on everything you do: the passwords you enter, the messages you send, and the websites you visit. Imagine if you logged into your bank account through a compromised network? A hacker would be able to empty your bank account within minutes. Even if they’re unsuccessful, you certainly don’t want anyone to get their hands on your passwords or other sensitive data. Avoid public networks as much as you can and only connect to them if there’s absolutely no other option.
4. Check app permissions
If you have a lot of apps on your Android (like most of us do), some of these apps might have too much access to your personal data. For example, you don’t want just any random app to have access to your location, microphone, and camera, right? To make sure no unwanted apps are tracking your location 24/7, check the permissions of all apps individually. Limit the number of apps with permission to your location, microphone, and camera by as much as you can. Also, this is the perfect time to delete all of the apps you’ve accumulated throughout the years but no longer use (because all they do is pose security risks).
5. Always update
Your apps and software have plenty of security flaws, but they’re constantly fixed through updates. With every missed update, your Android device becomes more and more vulnerable to hackers, and eventually, you might fall into their trap. Just recently, one billion Android users failed to download a crucial security patch and put their devices in jeopardy. Updating your software and apps is the simplest way to secure your Android device. Plus, updates often include performance improvements, so it’s a win-win!
6. Always backup
If all went sideways and you lost all of the data you keep on your Android, you should have a sturdy backup to save the day. You might need to pay a bit of money for a reliable backup, but the calmness you’ll feel is totally worth it. Once you have a backup in place, set up automatic updates as often as you think you need. The more often you update, the better.
Conclusion
Mobile security can be confusing, but it doesn’t have to be! Something as simple as forgetting to update your software can cause you to get hacked. That’s why you need to follow at least the most basic mobile security tips for Android, which you just learned in this article. Although the steps are super easy, they’ll add some invaluable security to your device and the data you store on it.
