We tend to hear the ominous warnings of advanced malware tactics that could result in the overtaking of your Android by ill-intended individuals. While it is possible that your Android could be the subject of malicious activity, it is not the likeliest scenario in the world.
Many of the scariest stories involving hacking lend themselves to a rapid, reactionary race for Android users to pay for the most expensive security products they can find. Unfortunately, many of these stories are sensationalized half-truths that may be developed to cause such a response.
Google does a respectable job protecting Android users by default with updates and security patches. However, Android users must do their part and ensure their device is up-to-date with the latest and greatest cybersecurity measures.
Review this checklist to feel confident that your Android is secure against attacks both sophisticated and mundane.
Check Your Apps
One popular way malicious activity occurs is via apps installed on the device itself. Virtually every app asks for access to some part of your Google account. While this is generally no reason for alarm, it is essential to make sure you are using these apps regularly.
It is good practice to review the apps currently on your Android device and remove those that are no longer used. This behavior can help you spot anything amiss and remove any old apps that may be more insecure than they once were.
Check for Old Devices with Access
All logins to your Google account provide access to the device being logged in from. These devices could include old phones, computers, or tablets. Visit the Google security page and delete any devices that are no longer appropriate.
This is also a good time to look for unfamiliar devices. If there are any suspicious devices with access, remove the access and change your password without delay.
Enable Android App-Scanning
As mentioned earlier, Google does a good job ensuring the security of Android devices. One way this is accomplished is by including a default app-scanning tool. Make sure this tool is activated by reviewing the security settings on your Android.
In addition to constantly scanning apps on the device, Google scans new apps as you download them and validates all Google Play Store apps before releasing them to the system. Malicious apps are not a common problem for Android devices, but it is always good to practice app safety.
Avoid Direct Downloads
Downloading apps directly from developers is not a recommended practice. These apps have not been vetted by the Google Play Store and could contain malicious content. While other protections may identify problems, it is an unnecessary risk to allow these apps access to your Google accounts and Android device.
Protect Your Android on Public Domains
The best method of protection against malicious attacks is ensuring your device is never connected to an unprotected public network. This means avoiding connecting at the coffee shop, airport, or grocery store. Data plans with unlimited data make this possible.
However, if you do not have access to unlimited data and find yourself connecting to public networks, protect yourself with a Virtual Private Network (VPN). The VPN can be downloaded to your Android device, tablet or smartphone, and provides encryption of data sent over public networks. This protection could prove invaluable if a hacker is on the same network.
Lock Your Device
The easiest device infiltration is by finding an Android that has no security protections in use. The most basic of security measures include requiring PIN or biometrics to access the device. Make sure your phone locks itself in a reasonable timeframe. These safeguards will provide basic protection to all the information on your device.
Use Two-Factor Authentication
Your Google account is extremely valuable as it contains loads of information about you. You should protect it using advanced, yet simple methods like two-factor authentication (2FA). This requires a passcode that is sent to your mobile device, in addition to your username and password. 2FA prevents hackers from using brute force to access all the information in your Google account.
Conclusion
Google does an excellent job of keeping Android users safe from malicious cyber-attacks. However, it is important that a user does their part to ensure all the safeguards are working properly. Users should take additional precautions, like downloading a VPN, when exposing their Androids to the risk of unprotected public networks. Take a few moments to review this checklist and be confident that your Android is safe!