Although the iPhone is the most popular smartphone brand worldwide, Android smartphones more people use it than any other operating system, even Apple's iOS. And it's not hard to see why. From high-end premium devices to low-end mobile phones, there's an Android phone for everyone, no matter your budget or tech level.
Android differs from Apple's iOS in that it is an "open" operating system. This means that different smartphone manufacturers can change it to suit their devices. And any developer can make an application for this.
However, this flexibility and freedom of action also means that Android phones are more susceptible to the nasty side of digital life, such as malware.
But don't worry. With a few clever tricks and some tips and tricks, you can stay one step ahead of the digital scammers and keep your Android smartphone safe and secure.
Let's take a look at some of the steps you should take to harden your Android security.
Update Android regularly
The first thing to do is to always make sure you have the latest Android software on your device. Android system updates not only bring exciting new features, but also contain stronger security measures and bug fixes.
To make sure your smartphone is up to date with the latest version of the Android operating system, go to Settings, then System, then Advanced, and then System Update. There you will find out what version of Android you have and if a new update is available.
Only install apps from the Google Play Store
All sorts of apps are available to make your Android experience more productive, creative, and fun. From world-famous social media apps to small interest-specific apps, you can find most of them on the Google Play Store.
However, you can also download apps outside of the Play Store, which Google refers to as "unknown apps". These apps are usually blocked by default, however you can still download them if you give specific permission.
Downloading and installing apps from random sources (such as a pop-up website or email) is not recommended as they may hide viruses that can be used to steal data or damage your phone.
Stick to apps you know
Sometimes a strange scam app ends up in the Google Play Store. An app called SnapTube made its way to the Google Play Store, where millions of people downloaded it. Once installed on people's smartphones, the app took advantage of the payment feature, which allows apps to charge people and sign up unsuspecting users for premium services.
Google has since removed SnapTube from the Play Store. But the lesson here is to do a little research when downloading an app, especially if it's not from a well-known brand or well-known app developer. Even a quick scan of the reviews often helps.
Update your apps
Just like your operating system, your apps will also be updated regularly. These update requests are easy to ignore, but it's worth updating them whenever possible. Apps can crash and run slower over time, so with an update you can improve your service and get new features.
They can also become vulnerable to security issues, so with an updated app, you know you're on the most secure version.
Restrict downloads with a password
If you often allow children to use your phone, make sure that apps and entertainment can only be downloaded with a password. This will prevent children from accidentally installing apps, buying games or movies, or even accidentally following you.
Manage your app's permissions
Some of the apps you download may need to access different parts of your phone, but whether you allow them or not is entirely up to you.
Most apps have a good and innocent reason for accessing your phone. For example, a web browser will need access to the Internet, and a photo-sharing app will need access to your photos.
Apps usually ask for permission before accessing necessary parts of your phone, but some may not. To manage your app's permissions, simply go to the app permissions section of the Play Store and choose which app has access to what. And if you're worried about a particular app accessing certain information, just uninstall the app.
Set up two-factor authentication
A great way to secure your phone in general is to set up two-factor authentication with Google. This means that your passwords will be in two stages, making life much more difficult for would-be hackers.
To activate it, sign in with your Google account and look for the two-step verification page in your settings. Once there, select "Use 2-Step Verification" and follow the prompts.
Protect your phone with antivirus software
By installing security software or antivirus software on your phone, you can add an extra layer of protection against malware and viruses. Antivirus software like Norton Mobile Security and Google Play Protect has all sorts of features to keep your phone safe, like scanning your phone for viruses and hidden malware, removing and blocking threats, and warning you about suspicious websites and downloads .
Use your head
Finally, one of the best ways to keep your smartphone safe is to simply use common sense. Don't click on sly pop-up links that say you've won a prize, and don't download apps that sound like they offer a service that's too good to be true.
Be very careful with emails too. Phishing scammers are getting more and more sophisticated, but you can almost always tell if you're keeping your sanity. Look out for strange typos or formatting errors in emails that appear to be from trusted companies, and never enter any details such as banking information or pin codes.
