SECRET WAYS TO PROTECT YOUR ANDROID

Deep down, Android devices and privacy might just seem like two sides of a coin. Through its commercial ads, Google generates massive fortune to enrich its brand. Therefore, it is difficult to match-up the concept of information gathering with the idea of cautious data management.

Majority of us take our smartphones as a close companion. It becomes imperative that we keep our device data private, which can pose a threat if handled by wrong individuals. It is a bounden duty to every android user in ensuring that their smartphone is as secure as possible.

The contents of this article is set to help you achieve that.

HOW CAN I MAKE MY ANDROID MORE SECURE?

In admonishing the privacy of your android smartphone, a number of mechanisms can be employed. It is a golden rule of thumb to put down or disable all third-party apps on your phone. Furthermore, we’ve created some useful points to protect your privacy as well as aid your android phone security.

1. Download VeePN for Android.

VeePN is a virtual private network which encodes data exchanged on a network between your device and the Internet.

Many VPN apps are available online, selecting a reliable one requires proper care. To hedge against this, you can download VeePN for a more dependable and transparent connection. VeePN protects your phone privacy by masking your IP address. It is a tested and trusted app which has received positive reviews from users over the years. You should try it too and give us your feedback.

2. Abate Google’s data gathering.

Except for some Google exclusive devices such as Pixel, it is optional to log in Google account on most Android phones. Likewise, ensure to frequently check out your activity on Google.

Users’ data are collected and collated by Google in order to send tailored ads. Conversely, users can evade this info gathering from Google by applying the following tweaks on their phone’s settings.

• Click on settings and navigate to accounts section.
• Deactivate the Google sync options.

In addition, navigate to language and inputs and untick ‘Personalized Suggestions’. Also, disallow the “Share Usage Statistics” option too.

3. Passcode your device.

It is important to use a strong passcode on your device. An ideal strong passcode is the combination of alphabets, figures and special characters. You can also choose to lock your device by creating a unique PIN. Securing your phone with a passcode protects your device from unauthorized access. It also safeguards your data privacy in a case where your phone gets embezzled.

Most android devices often prompt a message to encrypt your phone after a successful passcode setup. This will require you to enter a passcode every time the device reboots. It is recommended you activate this option.

4. Always update the device’s

Keeping your device’s firmware update is vital as most updates come with a patch that addresses current or potential security threats. Updating your phone can give us access to enhanced features and moreover, protects your device from unscrupulous hackers.

Updating software for most android devices is simple as navigating to phone settings, scrolling to about phone and clicking on software update.

5. Set defaults for Applications

By default, files are launched on android devices by apps created by Google which gives less focus on user’s privacy. To change these default apps, go to your device Settings, locate apps and select defaults. A list of apps will be displayed showing how different files are opened.

The strategic point is to ensure you choose apps that value users’ data privacy in opening certain files. There are several apps on the android play store you can pick from other than Google-based apps. However, don’t forget to check for app permissions before getting it installed on your phone as this might expose your device to vulnerabilities.

6. Monitor app permissions

Most phone users ignore checking for permissions when installing an app. We’re curious to get the app installed without checking for its required permissions. No specific principle as to the kind of permissions to accept and those to reject. But the question we should ask ourselves before granting or rejecting a permission is; are these permissions relevant to what the app does? If yes, then you can accept. But if not, they may be something fishy, and you shouldn’t hesitate to reject or better still, opt for another app that could play the same role.

In order to monitor and manage app permissions, simply navigate to Settings, find apps and select the one you want to check for its permission.