When it comes to the iOS vs Android security debate, there is no doubt that Android gets chewed on this one. Have you ever searched for 'how often do data breaches occur on smartphones? You will be surprised by the result despite Google's efforts when it comes to Android security and privacy. So, what steps can you take to secure your mobile device? We have written 10 Android security tips to protect your phone from being hacked. But then, there are a few things you have to know when it comes to getting your smartphone compromised.
There are several ways in which your Android smartphone can be hacked. However, the three most common ways in which these hacks occur are as a result of the user's carelessness, the manufacturer's issue, or from harmful Android apps.
Since it isn't a common scenario for smartphones to get compromised as a result of the device manufacturers, we will focus on tips that have to do with users' carelessness and harmful Android apps.
In case you are wondering what could happen when your phone is hacked or compromised phone, here are a few things:
Also Read: 73 Million Email Addresses & 2.7 Billion Data Exposed In New Data Breach, Here's How To Check If You Were Affected
However, if our phones fall into the wrong hands, the person can easily go to our phone's settings and get all the logins and use them for whatever purpose that he or she has in mind. Instead, use a trusted password manager for your passwords.
- Once your device gets compromised, a hacker could be spying on you
- Your data could be stolen and traded online on underground sites
- Your identity could be stolen
- The stolen data from your device could be used to create a fake profile of you which might be used in performing some fraudulent transactions that will end up sending the cops looking for you.
- Your bank statements, passwords, and even your funds could be stolen when your Android device gets compromised.
The above are just a few things that could happen to your data when your phone is hacked.
There are several ways to protect your phone from being hacked. So in this post, i have outlined 10 security tips on how to secure an Android phone from hackers and malware
How To Protect Your Android Phone From Being Hacked
1. Make use of Android Built-in security system:
The first thing to do when you get an Android device is to security up its security system in case things go wrong. There are several options for you from PIN, Password, Pattern, Fingerprint, and Face unlock. Always remember to use combinations that aren't easy to guess.
2. Always keep your device software up to date:
Ensure to always keep your device software up to date with the latest software upgrade from your device manufacturer. The reason why you have to always keep your Android device updated is for you to be able to receive the latest security patch and new features that will enhance your device security.
3. Stick to the Google Play Store:
There are billions of Android applications roaming the web, most of which pose a risk to your privacy and security. The only way to avoid getting your device compromised is by sticking to apps on the official Android store .... Google Play Store. Though, even the Google Play Store has its own lapses.
4. Always use a VPN whenever you are online:
The best way to secure your data and device is to get the service of a trusted virtual private network (VPN) for online security. A VPN protects your online connection by encrypting and routing your connection via secure servers to mask you in the eyes of hackers, your ISP, and other forms of co-operate snoopers.
There are several VPN services out there and trust me, their service varies. Some suffer from DNS leaks, while others expose the users' real IP address, etc which kills the actual aim of a VPN. You can check here for information on top VPN services leaking users' data.
5. Don't root your Android if you don't know how it works!!!
Giving your Android device root access has so many advantages and as well as disadvantages. In fact, the whole advantage would mean nothing when your device gets hacked because of it's root access. Root access grants you the ability to tweak your Android device into whatever form or stuff that you and does the hacker that is waiting by the corner!6. Avoid opening unknown links. If you must open them, use......:
Avoid clicking or opening unknown links that might pop up when you browse or those that might show up in your mail. However, if you must visit any of these links, simply copy the link(s), open and connect your VPN app, and then open the link(s) in incognito mode in your browser.
7. Use public/ Free WiFi if ............:
Public WiFis are hubs for hackers and cybercriminals. If you must use any public WiFi, get a VPN service before connecting to it. This will protect your data while you are on the network.
8. Use Two-Factor authentication:
Always ensure to use 2Factor authentication on your online services (if available) and as well on your Android. If this is enabled and eventually your Android gets compromised, the password or PIN alone won't be able to grant the person access to your account as additional security verification will be needed for the access.9. Occasional delete browser history and cache:
Once in a while, ensure to clear the stored cookies and cache in your browser. This makes it hard for the hacker to monitor your behaviour.10. Avoid saving your password in the browser:
The aim of saving our logins in web browsers is for our convenience and to enable us to have easy access to those online services that we regularly visit without having to input our passwords each time.However, if our phones fall into the wrong hands, the person can easily go to our phone's settings and get all the logins and use them for whatever purpose that he or she has in mind. Instead, use a trusted password manager for your passwords.