Top 10 Tips To Protect Your Android Phone From Malware

You might have stored loads of data on your Android phone. But do you still believe it is secure? Some of us believe that our data is secure until our smartphone is not lost, but actually, intruders can steal your content through the internet, even when it is secured in your hands. Hence, expert advice to find some trusted methods to protect your data on an Android phone. Below we have highlighted the top 10 tips that can help you to protect your Android phone from malware attacks:

1. Use the screen lock function

The very first thing you can do to protect your data on the android handset is to lock it with a screen lock. Most of the people prefer to use pattern lock on their screen, but it is important to know that if your phone gets stolen, people can easily create that pattern by just following the finger marks on your screen. The second option to secure the data is using a PIN, but these four-digit numbers are also easy to crack. The best recommendation is to use secure passwords by following a unique combination of letters and numbers. It can help you stay safe from hacker’s attacks.

2. Apply SIM card lock

Yes, screen locks provide enough protection, but one can also protect the SIM card to make sure that it cannot be used on any other handset. The idea is to use a four-digit SIM lock on your phone. Users need to enter it every time when they need to connect to the network after turning on the mobile.

3. Protect sensitive information

The screen locks and SIM card locks play an important role in security, but the terrible fact is that handsets have readable storage units. It means, if your phone gets stolen, people can extract all data by just plugging it into a laptop or computer. In order to protect your internal device storage, it is better to add encrypted security codes that are required to be entered before opening or viewing any of the saved files. There are plenty of trusted apps that can also help to secure folders on your Android handset.

4. Wireless security

Any system that connects to the Wi-Fi and can send or receive data through the internet is always under the risk of hackers. You never know when people can connect to your phone even without taking your consent. Well, in order to ensure the safety of data online, it is better to use advanced network security settings. Make sure your device does not connect to any open network without your permission. Set up a secure passcode to avoid malicious connections. The best way to stay safe on public WI-Fi is to use a mobile VPN app.

5. Protect Bluetooth connections

You might be aware of the fact that Bluetooth has a limited range of connection; it works only up to 10 meters. But hackers know all the secret tricks to access a phone from remote locations when it falls within their desired range. It is important to turn off your Bluetooth when it is not in use and set the configuration to a non-discoverable mode so that nearby unknown devices cannot see it. If any random request appears on your phone for pairing to a new device, simply ignore it.

6. App security

We all love to download new apps on our handsets, and sometimes, we even try to get them through some unsecured platforms. Well, it is important to understand that malware can attack your phones even when you are downloading some app online. It is always important to download apps only from trusted platforms. Also, when you download a new app, it asks you for access to your storage, contacts, and other data; be careful when you press the Ok button. Do not allow access when you don’t know the app very well.

7. Internet browsing

Be very careful while using the internet on your handset. People often accept the unknown messages that pop up on their screen. Sometimes, it can be related to saving your credentials on some unknown website. With this, hackers may gain access to your account and your phone. in case if any security warning appears on the screen, it is better to leave the website as soon as possible. Make sure the URL you use stars from HTTPS instead of HTTP because the second one is insecure. Also, it is also important to check spelling mistakes on your web URLs because such fake websites are usually created by hackers to divert traffic from original sites to their platforms.

8. Use antivirus

A few years ago, we were using anti-virus on our computers only; but today they are essential for the handsets. Some malware can enter your phone via pop-ups, email attachments and links hidden in the messages. It is important to have a strong antivirus on your smartphone that can help you to stay protected from unwanted content. Internet is loaded with many free versions of the antivirus, but to avail the best results, it is better to get a subscription for the paid versions only.

9. Stop sharing your location

Many apps ask for the direct access to location on your handset; even when they have nothing to do with your geolocation. Do not permit any random app to access information about your current location because it can pose threats to your personal data.

10. Upgrade to the latest Android version

The higher versions of Android phones come with highly secure firmware and advanced encryption algorithms. It is better to update your smartphone to the latest version so that data losses can be avoided. The latest updates can also enhance the overall performance of your handset, and you will be happier with its speed.

Bottom line

So, you have gone through all the essential tips and tricks that can help you secure your data on Android. The first step to security is to be aware of loopholes in your smartphone that can attract hackers. Once you start using safe methods for routine usage, it can protect your personal data for the long run.