Google’s Android Operating System is an open source OS and is dominating 85% of SmartPhone market. Due to open source OS, there are tons of new apps for Android are created daily. But, due to this popularity mobile viruses and malware are targeting Android devices. These viruses and malware can secretly steal your personal data like contacts, bank account numbers etc. Moreover, it is also possible to lose your Phone or have it stolen. In that case, your private data may be misused by someone. Why take chances, while you have following ways to keep your Android Phones safe and secure,

1.Install Apps from Official Google Play Store

The safest way to keep Android safe from malware is to install apps from official Google Play Store. Google regularly scans apps that are published in Play Store for malicious codes and removes those apps immediately. Due to strict rules and regulations getting a malicious app in Google Play Store is rare.Unable to Use Google Play Store: Use Trusted App Sources

2. Unable to Use Google Play Store: Use Trusted App Sources

If due to some reason you are unable to access Google Play store, do not install apps from sources that can not be trusted. They may contain malicious codes. You can download apps from reliable sources like AppBrain.

3. Do Not Forget to Update Your Phone to Latest Software Version

To get the best performance and security features from your Android phone, you should make sure you’re always running the very latest software available for it, not just in terms of apps but also the Android operating system. This may not be an option for all the users, but if it is available for you to download and install it.

4. Do Not Turn on App Installation from Unknown Sources

In the security settings page of your Android Phone, there is an option to turn on ‘App installation from Unknown Sources’. If you try to install an APK (Android Application Package) file directly, the system will warn you and ask you for that option to be turned on. It is a good idea, not to turn on that option. Most of the malicious codes are injected to these types of pirated or untrusted apk files.Inspect App’s Permission Carefully while Installing an App

5. Inspect App’s Permission Carefully while Installing an App

While installing an Android App, you will notice a list of permissions that are required to run the app. Permissions such as ‘Full network access’ or ‘Read Contacts’ or ability to send and receive SMS should be inspected carefully. These are not unusual for apps like Facebook. But, if apps like Live Wallpaper or clock or others that have not any logical reason for accessing communication abilities but asking for permission may be harmful.

6. Use a Mobile Security App

There are plenty of Mobile Security apps on Google Play Store such as QuickHeal, CM Security. Download and install any of them and reduce the risk of being a victim of Viruses and Malware. Set the app to scan your phone regularly and automatically.

7. Beware of Phishing Links, SMS

The threat to the security of an Android Phone is not only bound to apps. Some websites that ask you to store private data such as Credit Card number may be risky. SMS and Emails can also be a phishing method, and just because you are using mobile phone doesn’t make them less dangerous. Your SmartPhone is not less than your personal computer.

8. Do Not Store Your Valuable Information on Phone

If you want to make sure that no one can access your private data, do not store your valuable data on the phone. You can backup your private data to your personal computer. Do not use a virtual wallet that keep your financial information for later use.

9. Use Vaults for Your Private Data

Use an app locker app for locking your important apps such as Dropbox, that contains your valuable information. Use Gallery Vault for hiding your private media files, so that no one can access even if you have lost your phone.

10. Basic Security: Lock Your Phone

There are various ways to lock your smartphone. Even it is possible to use a fingerprint to lock your phone in the latest models. However, older ones have sufficient options such as pattern, PIN, or password. You can access those options from Settings > Security > Screen Lock. A pattern is less secure than a PIN, and eventually, a password is the best choice.

A SmartPhone converts all the power of your personal computer to fit in your pocket. Therefore, just like your personal computer, SmartPhones are also vulnerable to attack by malicious software and always have chances of theft. Keeping your data safe on an Android phone is just a common sense. Your security is in your hand.

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