During early 2000 biggest threat to hi-tech security only existed on computer. Spyware ran silently in the background slowly stealing private data and spreading viruses and wreaked havoc on the computer system.
The risks mentioned above from the past haven’t changed a lot in this era either. Only the targets of all these cybercrime are now our smart devices may it be mobiles, tabs, laptops etc.
Presently the difference in securing android devices is beyond just software protection. It is important to make sure that you always have the latest antivirus software installed on the android device.
Mobile devices these days contains much more private data than any other; thus there are different types of security threats to our device to be aware of presently; which are:
Types of Security Threats:
• Application-based threats are confronted when one downloads app that looks fine yet on execution transfers spyware and malware on the android device. This threat tends to skim out personal and business data without letting the user being informed.
• Web-based threats are refined and can be disregarded. These usually are encountered when unsafe sites are been visited; at the back end it automatically download malicious content on devices.
• Network-based threats are especially bad because cybercriminals can steal unprotected data while people use public Wi-Fi networks.
• Physical threats are somehow unplanned as it can happen in case of lose or mobile theft. But due to direct access to the hardware access to data can be easily attained; this threat to the device is especially unsafe to organizations.
How to keep your android devices safe, well basic rule is limit the number of apps that are on your devices. Because once security is breached your personal and financial information can be stolen or misused. Properly examine the apps you have on your android device, if not then you happen to be opening yourself up to serious security concerns.
Now the question that comes to mind is How to secure the android device only with basic changes in setting options.
Avoid sideloading of any app in your android device; i.e. not to install apps from non-Play store sources. Even if it is done for instance; it is recommended to turn the unknown source option in the setting switched off. This option comes quiet handy in saving your data from wrongful platforms.
o Navigate to Setting
o Followed by Security.
o Check the option “Unknown sources“.
Revise your permissions of your android device:
Do not allow the apps access your phone list and contacts, if they are unrelated to their functions. This is a trick of dubious developers to ask for permission to access your personal information and send it to wrong individuals. Therefore it is recommended to take a few moments to visit your android device setting and revise apps permission. You may change the permissions you are not satisfied with.
o On your phone, open the Settings app.
o Tap Apps & notifications.
o Tap the app you want to change. If you can’t find it, first tap See all apps or App info.
o Tap Permissions. If you allowed or denied any permissions for the app, you’ll find them here.
o To change a permission setting, tap it, then choose Allow or Deny.
Google Play Protect:
Keep the Google Play Protect switched on all the time. It is the built-in protection service that comes with all the android devices. This service becomes active; immediately when the phone is turned on. This Play Protect is entry-level and could not address the more serious attacks.
If you want to check whether Play Protect is switched on or not, you can visit your android device’s setting section. From there, you can navigate to security, and there you will find Play Protect. You can also kick start an immediate scan from the same setting. To turn Google Play Protect On or Off, follow the steps:
o Go to device Settings, followed by Google.
o Scroll down and tap Security under Google Settings.
o Tap Google Play Protect. The feature may also be called Verify Apps.
o Turn “Scan device for security threats” on or off.7
Make use of VPN in your Android device:
To ensure that your sensitive data doesn’t end up in the wrong hands, you might utilize a VPN app (virtual private network). This is the safest form of app if one frequently uses private networks like in restaurant, bus, train, hotel etc. This protects the android device from any network threat one could potentially face.
Lock your screen:
In order to protect the device from physical threat it is recommended to lock screen. Follow the URL: https://support.google.com/android/answer/9079129?hl=en
This is the primary line of defense against hackers who might want to access the information on your phone. It is, therefore, important that you set a strong lock screen password or pattern.
Visit Settings > Security > Screen lock to set up a new option or change your default code.
Apart from the setting features; a multi layered security shield is also recommended therefore in order to keep the android device safe it is suggested to install a good antivirus.
