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5 Ways To Increase The Security Of Your Android Device

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In August of 2022, over 70% of people worldwide were found to be using Android as their operating system of choice. iOS came in second at just over a quarter of all users.

If you are reading this article from a device that runs on Android OS, unfortunately, there are multiple threats you’re exposed to at this very moment.

Below, we share the ways you can fortify your devices’ defenses against infiltration. We’ve included a few useful examples to help you understand what steps you could take.

1 .Be cautious if downloading from unknown or unfamiliar sources

The internet is a broad source of data and various forms of media. It can be easy to get carried away and download files from a source just because it is easy to find. 

If you’re not familiar with a download source, it can pay to be wary and even hesitant. 

Sometimes, your device gives you a prompt to make sure you’re comfortable with continuing with a download. Other times – it doesn’t. 

A download source with potential risks could take the form of things like:

  • An email from someone you don’t personally know;
  • A website that hosts files;
  • A third-party app that isn’t available through a sanctioned store.

If you’re suspicious regarding a source’s legitimacy, you can also search for reviews and see if others have ran into problems during or after the download. When it comes to cyber safety – it’s better to be safe than sorry.

2. Make sure your cybersecurity is up to date

You can decrease the risk of being hacked by adding additional lines of defense to your Android device. For instance, getting an antivirus will help to protect from most of the known malware.

Additionally, consider installing a Virtual Private Network or VPN. This tool encrypts your data, protects it from breaches, and makes the hackers’ job way harder.

Not only can this give your Android device a boost in its security, but also contribute some added privacy as you browse.

3. Keep your apps up to date

Some app updates may just be for aesthetic changes or to add certain usability features. However, some contain important patches and changes regarding the security of your account. Many apps will update themselves automatically or on a scheduled basis.

However, this may not always be the case. You can check if an app needs updating by searching for it in the app store. On an android device, this is known as the “Play Store”.

For example, if you have Snapchat and wish to check for updates, here is how you can do it:

  • Search for “Snapchat” in the Play Store
  • Select the app from the search bar
  • Check the button to the right of the “Uninstall” option
  • If it says, “Open”, then the app is up to date
  • Should it say, “Update”, you can select this option to do so

You can see how the option would look if the app needed updating by looking at the screenshot below.

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4. Lock your phone properly

If your device is not protected with a password or biometrics, then anybody can gain access should they acquire it. Apps and websites will often keep you logged into accounts that store your personal and sensitive data. 

This means that someone could take information and other valuable commodities from your phone with very little effort. A study from 2018 found that a staggering 52% of people do not password-protect their devices. This leaves them open to a whole host of security vulnerabilities.

If you have trouble remembering all passwords, invest in a password manager that’ll create and store all your passwords for you.

5. Update Your Operating System

Don’t delay updating the system updates suggested by your Android device. Software patches are designed to deal with the ever-coming cyber threats. So, neglecting the updates, you leave your device unprotected.

Whilst it may seem like a lot of maintenance to keep your device and applications up to date, putting in the effort to do is better than having regrets. Depending on the nature of information taken from your device, the damage to your online presence can sometimes be irreversible.

Act now, and take action to keep your Android device safe.

Kossi Adzo is the editor and author of Startup.info. He is software engineer. Innovation, Businesses and companies are his passion. He filled several patents in IT & Communication technologies. He manages the technical operations at Startup.info.

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