Although your Android device has security features that protect it and the data stored on it, it is not immune to security threats, and you can risk compromising your privacy if you don’t take timely measures to protect your device. Cybercrimes are rising, and cybercriminals have become increasingly competent in intercepting the user’s device to commit identity theft and financial fraud.

According to NowSecure, 82% of Android Devices were susceptible to at least 1 out of 25 vulnerabilities in the Android operating system. It also reported that 25% of the two million applications on the Google App Store have a security flaw. These stats further prove that immediate steps need to be taken to boost the security of your Android device. Luckily for you, you’ve come to the perfect place. This guide will detail the best tips and tricks you can implement to enhance the security of your Android devices and take them to the next level. So, if you’re ready, let’s get started.

Common Android Security Threats

Some common security threats can plague your Android device. You should be aware of what these are, and these include:

1) Malware

Android devices can be vulnerable to different types of Malware like trojans, adware, and viruses that can be used to gain unauthorized access to your Android devices’ sensitive and confidential data. Malware attacks can also make the devices completely unusable, adding further damage. Android users may find it tricky to navigate Malware because sometimes the potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) are often disguised as valuable tools.

2) Unpatched Vulnerabilities

Google announced that unpatched bugs will still be an issue for Android users in 2023. According to Google, one of the newest vulnerabilities, CVE-2023-21273, is a nasty remote code execution bug in the system component that allows malicious actors to control your device without you doing anything. Other vulnerabilities allow hackers to gain unauthorized access, steal your credentials, and crash your device.

3) Phishing

Cybercriminals often implement phishing attacks to trick users and divulge them into revealing sensitive information like their login credentials or financial details. They do this by pretending to be someone you trust or a person of authority and trick you into clicking a link or an attachment that seems legitimate, but as soon as you click on it, your device gets infected with Malware.

4) Public WiFi

Public networks are the most susceptible to different cyber threats, and malicious actors can take advantage of the people using public WiFi to steal information like your login credentials or bank account details. Connecting to public networks also exposes Android users to Man In The Middle Attacks, where malicious actors can intercept and manipulate the data between the device and the network.

5) Lost or Stolen Devices

Android devices contain a lot of personal data like passwords, login credentials, photos, and messages. This makes your devices vulnerable to theft and malicious actors exploiting that personal information. The most common places for mobile phone theft include restaurants, airports, bars, and public transit. Competent thieves can utilize tactics like shoulder surfing passcodes or snatch the phones out of the hands of unsuspecting users when they’re not on guard.

6) Adware

Android mobile adware can display unwanted ads and popups on your device even when you’re not browsing the web or using an online service. If you click on these popup ads (which sometimes look legitimate but aren’t), your device will get infected with Malware and ultimately compromise your data.

Tips To Enhance Your Android Device Security

Android devices have proper security settings already built into the operating system. All of these features help protect your device. We will categorize these settings into three different levels of protection.

Default Android Security Settings

This is the first level of protection that covers Android’s basic level of security. These include:

1) Google Play Protect

Google Play Protect checks Android devices for malicious apps or harmful behavior. It runs safety checks on apps before downloading them from the Google Play Store. It will notify you if the Google Play Protect detects a harmful device. To remove the app from your device, tap the notification and then tap Uninstall. It will also disable the app until you uninstall it.

2) On-Device Encryption

Android devices also offer default encryption, but for that to work, you have to lock your phone with a pattern, passcode, or PIN to implement the encryption. When your phone gets locked, 256-bit AES encryption protects the data stored on that device.

Basic Android Security Settings

Android devices offer additional protection by activating other security features, including enabling 2FA and Find My Device:

1) Two-Factor Authentication

Setting up two-factor authentication can take your privacy and security to the next level. 2FA adds a layer of protection by only allowing you to access your device and online accounts through an OTP (one-time password) sent to your email or phone number. Two-factor authentication also offers additional protection if someone gains unauthorized access to your Google accounts. The code will be sent to you, not the attacker trying to infiltrate your Google accounts.

2) Find My Device

The Google Play Store has a Find My Device tool that lets you track, lock, and erase your device in case it gets lost or stolen. This is necessary because if your device gets lost or stolen, and someone gains unauthorized access to it, or it gets into the wrong hands, then it can have negative implications for your sensitive and confidential data as well as other important stuff stored on your device like your messages, photos, etc. This tool is a backup option to keep your device safe if the worst happens.

Also read: Best AI Tools That Will Make Your Life Easier

Advanced Android Security Settings

The advanced Android security settings offer more advanced security features to enhance your security. These include:

1) Safe Browsing

Since Chrome is the default Android browser, you can rest assured that the browser will warn you if you’re entering a shady or malicious website. Although Safe Browsing is enabled by default, you can opt for a more effective system called Enhanced Safe Browsing. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Open Chrome on your device.
2. Tap the three-dotted menu on the top-right corner and then click on Settings.
3. Tap Privacy and Security and then click Safe Browsing.
4. Tap the dot next to Enhanced Protection.

2) Manage App Permissions

The different apps on your Android phone ask permission to use your camera, microphone, location, and other personal data, which we casually permit. However, not all of the apps require these. For example, why would a photo editing app need permission to access your camera? Approving these requests can give free access to unknown third parties to go through our data. You can manage app permissions by:

1. Go to Settings and tap Privacy.
2. Select Permission Manager or Permissions in other versions of Android.
3. You will see a list of all the permissions you’ve granted to apps on your device.
4. Select the permission type to review and check which apps have it.
5. Tap the apps in the “allowed” list and select “Don’t allow.”

3) Fingerprint Unlock

Newer Android phones now have fingerprint sensors for you to set up. Fingerprint unlocking is a secure biometric verification method and can offer better protection than passwords, as no one can access your device other than you. The device cannot open without your fingerprint. To enable the Fingerprint Unlock feature:

1. Go to Settings.
2. Then click Lock screen and Security.
3. Then click Screen Lock Type.
4. From there, you can add your fingerprint.

Additional Tips To Secure Your Android Device

In addition to the steps mentioned above, there are other ways through which you can protect your Android devices from interception and malicious actors, and these include:

1) Invest In A VPN

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) encrypts your internet traffic and masks your IP address, ensuring that malicious actors and other third parties cannot gain unauthorized access to your sensitive and confidential information and that your sensitive data cannot be intercepted or deciphered by third parties.

Using a VPN for Android device ensures that your personal and confidential data will not be compromised. Using a VPN also protects sensitive data when using a public network. Public networks are the most vulnerable to cyber attacks, so a reliable VPN service will keep your data safe and secure when using your Android device on a public network.

2) Install Antivirus Protection

Using reliable Antivirus software is crucial for your Android device. It will scan for emerging threats in real time and remove them from your device immediately. Antivirus software will also regularly check your device for malware, trojans, viruses, and worms and remove them from your device before any significant damage is done.

Conclusion

Cybercriminals are becoming more competent when infiltrating devices and stealing sensitive data for fraud. As an Android user, it is necessary to take actionable steps to ensure your device is not compromised. This guide outlines the most effective ways to secure your Android devices, so now is the time to implement them.

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