Making the Android operating system as safe as possible is very simple for anyone, it is not a difficult task as many think. What is there to say about the Google operating platform? This system has a particularity that differentiates it from the mass: it is practically the same in every version but there are some characteristics that diversify it from one another. Its nature leads it to be a highly customizable system and today is the most used in circulation.
Distinguishing the installed versions is a breeze, for example, on a Nexus device rather than on the Sony or Samsung home terminals or a Chinese device of a known brand. In any case, targeted general advice can greatly improve the security of any Android smartphone which is very important.
Next we go will see in detail the best advice so as to make Android safer for all time by keeping the right balance between comfort and security. We also recommend reading the 7 best apps of 2018 to record the screen on Android.
Carefully analyze the permissions granted to the app
It is recommended, first of all, to download and install applications that come only from recognized developers or rely on the recommendations that Google offers. Secondly, before proceeding with the installation check the permissions granted to the applications so as to know what exactly they require. If any application for wallpapers or video games wants to access your accounts, messages, Internet etc …, then something is wrong.
All of this gives you a big hand to avoid being infected by a virus. How do you set up? When installing any app, the permissions to be displayed are shown on the display or there is also a section where they can be analyzed carefully. If you have already installed a suspicious app, you can turn your attention to “Settings> Apps” enabled and disable the unwanted ones.
Download apps only from the Google Play Store
If we have to be honest, the greatest danger is not represented by the Android operating system in itself, but it’s from the various applications that the user decide to install on board their device. Unlike what happens on iOS, on the Google platform it is very easy to install an app independently without relying on the official store. For this reason we personally advise you not to install the app for any reason from third-party platforms or sites as they may be applications full of viruses and malware of various kinds. It is very simple to completely disable this function and, at the same time, activate the integrated security control of each application. In conclusion, better let go of root access, which greatly increases the risk of using infected apps.
All of this can give you a big hand to greatly reduce the chances of being infected by malware. How do you set up? Just follow this simple path: “Settings”> “Security”, uncheck the box “Unknown sources” and check the “Check app” box.
Try using a strong password
A valid advice not only regarding the security of Android but also for many other things. It is always vitally important to use strong passwords to lock your smartphone and not a classic PIN or screen lock with a pattern. The best solution in this case is to create a password that is at least 10 characters, including lower case, upper case, numbers and various symbols. Enter a comfortable and secure password so that you can remember it easily, even if it is complex. Among other things, another great advice that many overlook is to change the password often and set a low time interval which will off the display.
How can this advice help you? It helps a lot to reduce the possibility that unauthorized people have access to your Android smartphone and to the one it contains internally.
Setting up everything is very simple, here is the path that must be followed to the letter: “Settings”> “Security”> “Screen lock”> “Password” to set the password. Then go to “Settings”> “Security” and uncheck the “Visible passwords” box.
The data must be encrypted
An advice often underestimated but at the same time of vital importance. A banal but direct advice. If any data on the phone is encrypted, be aware that nobody will be able to access it even if the device is stolen or lost. In this case better to choose a secure password instead of the traditional PIN since in the latest version of Android the encryption is based only on password/PIN; opting for a strong password, therefore, is vital.
How can this advice help you? It is useful to be able to protect data in case your phone gets lost or stolen. Setting it up is very easy: “Settings”> “Security”> “Encrypt phone”. Also check the “SD Encryption” box.
Rely on secure WI-FI connections
Basically, the Android operating system tries to connect to the WI-FI networks you have already connected to previously. In case of open access points without a password, it may happen that you connect not to the classic hotspots you are used to but hotspots designed by malicious people. For this simple reason, it would be by far recommended not to connect to free and public hotspots at all and, often, check which WI-FI connections are stored and to which the phone could connect automatically. Among other things, another not insignificant advice is to disable the automatic search option of open wireless networks.
How can this advice help you? It drastically lowers the possibility to connect by mistake to very dangerous WI-FI connections. Setting everything is very easy, here’s how: go to “Settings”> “Wireless and networks”, press on the name of a hotspot previously memorized to delete it. Also, in “Advanced Settings”, deselect the “Always available scan” box.
Try to always rely on VPNs
This advice is very important if you usually use a public hotspot or a non-trusted network. The VPN is able to perfectly protect the data that is transferred and, at the same time, manages to have access to resources to which, for various reasons, it can not be accessed through public networks. By now, access to secure VPNs is no longer what it used to be and the latest routers on the market that are suitable for the home have their own high-quality VPN servers; in this case, access to virtual private networks is 100% free. We have not finished, to prevent data loss, before establishing any VPN connection always keep in mind to select the option to connect to VPN or to disable the option of automatic synchronization of applications in VPN.
How this advice is useful for you? To better encrypt data on exit and entry, set it in this way: go to “Settings”> “Other”> and select VPN in “Wireless networks and connections”. In the context menu select “Always with VPN” and choose the connection; automatic synchronization can be disabled in “Settings”> “Account”.
There would be plenty of other tips but we have reported the best. These choices will greatly increase the level of security on your Android device. A small final recommendation before saying goodbye: always be careful, never lower your guard!