The rise of smartphones and other devices has made it easier than ever to connect to the Internet, stream videos, use apps, and get work done while you’re on the go. However, these conveniences can come at a cost.
Cybercriminals are always working to find new ways to get access to your personal information, and it can be hard to stay one step ahead of them.
These seven Tips to Keep Your Android Device Safe will help you protect your Android device from hackers, keep private information secure, avoid scams, and have more peace of mind in today’s digital world.
1) Update your device regularly
To keep your device safe, it’s important to keep it updated with operating system updates. These are released regularly for bug fixes and new features that will make your device more secure.
To update your Android device, head over to Settings > About Phone/Tablet > System Updates. Once there, tap on Check for Updates and follow any prompts if an update is available.
If not already enabled, make sure you have Automatic Updates turned on as well.
2) Don’t keep sensitive data on your device
Storing credit card numbers, bank account details, and other sensitive data on your smartphone or tablet might seem like a good idea—after all, you can always wipe it off with one quick tap if it falls into the wrong hands.
But if someone steals your phone or tablet, they’ll have access to any data on there. Don’t put yourself at risk by storing sensitive information on your device. Instead, use cloud storage for things like photos and backup files.
3) Set up strong passwords
Malware may be a huge headache on Windows, but if you have an Android device, chances are you’re less worried about viruses and more worried about what you do with your phone. Whether it’s photos or banking information, our phones often contain personal information that we don’t want others accessing, confirm in research by CoRepo.
To keep your Android device safe from prying eyes, make sure it has a reliable antivirus app installed—and not just one provided by your service provider.
4) Use a trusted antivirus app
Malware is everywhere, and your phone is just as susceptible as your computer. Luckily, it’s pretty easy to install an antivirus app that will scan for malicious software on a regular basis—and there are even some free options if you don’t want to splurge on an app.
Additionally, you should be sure your device is running up-to-date OS software so hackers can’t access sensitive information or bypass security features.
5) Use caution when clicking links
No matter how safe you think your phone is, it’s never a bad idea to lock it with a password or screen-lock. These
Android Device Safe tips will make your phone safer. This will help keep prying eyes off of your personal information in case your device is lost or stolen.
6) Beware of phishing attacks
A surprising number of people are victims of smartphone theft. If you have a smartphone, it’s essential that you lock your device when it’s not in use. To do so, go to Settings > Location & Security > Set Screen Lock and then select Password or PIN. If your phone is lost or stolen, whoever finds it won’t be able to access anything without knowing your password/PIN.
7) Lock your phone when not in use
One of the simplest ways to protect your device is by locking it when you’re not using it. The average American owns three mobile devices, and many people can leave their phone or tablet unattended for longer than they realize
so it’s easy for others to access your personal information. When you aren’t using your phone, such as while eating dinner at a restaurant or sitting in a doctor’s office, lock it with a passcode.
