Tips for keeping your Android device safe

Today, your smartphone is more precious than your actual computer/ laptop which has most of your sensitive information.  Have you ever thought that we don’t do enough to protect our android smartphones beyond perhaps having a four digit pass code.

The global Android team of Google has just published a great article on how to keep mobile devices safe and secure. The article addresses simple step by step instructions on how to keep to keep ones android device safe.

Blog Link: https://support.google.com/android/answer/6215472

• Make sure Android Device Manager is on: Be prepared if you ever lose your phone by confirming Android Device Manager is set up on your device. Make sure to sign in with your Google Account and turn on “Remotely locate this device” and “Allow remote lock and erase.”

You can also try out the “find my phone” feature so you know how it works in case you need it in the future.

• Set a Screen Lock: Secure your device by setting a screen lock with a PIN, password, or pattern. Each time you turn on your device or wake up the screen, you’ll be asked to unlock your device. Go to Settings > Security > Screen lock.

If your device is running Android 5.0 or higher, you can also choose to have your device automatically unlock when you have it with you using Smart Lock for Android

• Add your contact info to your lock screens: You can put your contact information (like an email address or phone number you don’t mind sharing) on the lock screen so you can get a missing device back if someone finds it and wants to contact you. Set this up in Settings > Security > Owner info.

• Back up your data: Backups make it easier to recover your information and apps if your device is lost, stolen, or damaged.

• Encrypt your device: Encryption helps keep your data safe if you lose your device. Nexus 6 and Nexus 9 devices are encrypted by default. If your Android device is running Jelly Bean (Android 4.1) or higher, you can encrypt the data on your device in Settings > Security > Encrypt phone.

Tip: If you’re planning to sell your device, you can encrypt it as an additional precaution before erasing your information from it (also known as doing a factory data reset).

• Know what to do if your voice goes missing: Android Device Manager to locate, remotely lock, or erase your deviceFollow the steps to use Android Device Manager to remotely locate, lock, or ring your device. You can also use it to erase the information from your lost device.

Check your Gmail account’s security: If you think your Gmail account has been compromised, follow the steps to check your account’s security or recover your account. 

• Download apps from trusted source : Some apps can affect your device’s security, so only download them from places you trust. We work to make sure that all apps available on Google Play pass stringent policy checks, including checks for potentially harmful behavior.  If you have Google Play installed, you’re automatically protected from potentially harmful apps with the Verify Apps feature. It’s turned on by default and warns you before you install an application we believe is potentially harmful. It’ll also check your device about once a week for potentially harmful apps. If you see a warning fromVerify Apps, we recommend not installing that app.
• Before you install an app from an unknown source, first consider:

o   Is the app from a trusted source? What made you sure it’s from a trusted brand?

o   Does it offer a service that could include hidden fees?

o   Is it asking for sensitive information or device permissions you wouldn’t give to a stranger?

If you’re unsure about any of these questions, we recommend that you don’t install the app. If you do install the app, we recommend disabling Unknown Sources again after you’re done.

• Be careful about the ads you click: Although most ads are safe, you can potentially affect your device by touching or opening banners or pop-ups. Beware of anything that claims that your phone is infected or asks for your password or personal information — you could accidentally download unwanted or potentially harmful applications or give someone you don’t trust access to your account.

• Chrome as your browser : Chrome is built with security in mind and has frequent updates intended to keep users safe. If you don’t have Chrome on your mobile device, we recommend you download and install it.

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