How Secure is Your Android Device?

Keeping your Android device secure is crucial to protecting your personal information and data. With malware and hacking threats constantly evolving, it‘s important to utilize all the built-in security features Android offers.

In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll walk you through the key Android security settings you need to enable to keep your phone or tablet safe. I‘ll also provide tips on some additional precautions you can take and the top security apps to install.

Android phones and tablets contain extremely sensitive information – your contacts, photos, emails, bank details, and more. Without the proper security measures in place, all that personal data could fall into the wrong hands.

Some of the common security risks facing Androids include:

• Malware infections – Malicious apps can gain access to your data and even lock your device until you pay a ransom.

• Phishing attacks – Deceptive links can trick you into entering your login details, exposing your accounts.

• Unsecured public WiFi – Hackers can intercept data sent over public networks if your connection isn‘t encrypted.

• Physical theft – If your device is lost or stolen, you‘ll want ways to lock, track or remotely wipe your device.

The good news is Android offers robust built-in security and privacy settings to mitigate these risks. Let‘s look at what they are and how to configure them correctly.

1. Google Play Protect

Google Play Protect is enabled by default and continually scans your device and apps looking for threats. It checks apps before you download them from the Play Store and monitors device activity for any suspicious or malicious behavior.

If it detects a problem app, Google Play Protect will disable or remove it and notify you. You should keep this feature turned on to catch any malware early.

To check Play Protect is enabled:

1. Open the Play Store app
2. Tap your profile icon
3. Select Play Protect
4. Ensure "Scan device for security threats" is toggled on

2. Find My Device

Find My Device lets you remotely locate, lock or wipe your Android if it becomes lost or stolen. This invaluable security tool only works if it‘s enabled ahead of time.

To turn on Find My Device:

1. Go to Settings > Google
2. Select Find My Device
3. Toggle on "Find My Device"

If your device goes missing, you can sign into android.com/find from any browser to view its location on a map. You can also make it ring loudly, lock it instantly or erase all data.

3. Encryption

Encrypting your device transforms your data into unreadable code that only you can decipher with your screen lock passcode, PIN or password. This prevents an unauthorized person from accessing your information.

To enable encryption:

1. Go to Settings > Security & Location
2. Tap "Encrypt phone"
3. Select your preferred screen lock method
4. Tap "Encrypt phone" again

Encryption takes an hour or more to complete. Your device must be plugged in and untouched during the process.

4. App Permissions

Controlling what access your apps have to your contacts, camera, location and other data is crucial. Revoke any unnecessary permissions to limit what data apps can collect.

To manage app permissions:

1. Go to Settings > Apps & notifications
2. Select App info
3. Tap an app and review its permissions
4. Toggle off any permissions you want to revoke

Be particularly strict with privacy-invasive apps like social media, messaging and flashlight tools. Also periodically check permissions, as apps may enable additional access without notifying you.

5. Secure Lock Screen

Set up a strong lock screen passcode, pattern or PIN to prevent unauthorized access. Biometric options like fingerprints or face recognition provide added security.

To enable a lock screen:

1. Go to Settings > Security & location
2. Tap "Screen lock"
3. Choose your preferred lock method
4. Enter your passcode if prompted
5. Follow on-screen instructions

Avoid weaker options like swipe or no lock screen. Change your passcode every few months in case it gets compromised.

6. Emergency Info

Emergency info displays medical details and emergency contacts on your lock screen for first responders or others to view if you are incapacitated.

To set it up:

1. Go to Settings > Users & accounts
2. Tap "Emergency information"
3. Enter your info and emergency contacts
4. Tap "Save"

This potentially life-saving feature only reveals information when your phone is locked but not passcode protected.

7. Biometric Authentication

Use fingerprint scanning or facial recognition in addition to your passcode for enhanced security. Biometrics are very difficult for others to fake or bypass.

To enable:

1. Go to Settings > Security & location
2. Tap "Fingerprint" or "Face unlock"
3. Follow the on-screen setup instructions
4. Enter your backup screen lock method

Note that law enforcement can potentially compel you to unlock devices via biometrics, unlike passcodes.

8. Lockdown Mode

Temporarily disabling biometric unlock and Smart Lock options can safeguard your device if you feel you are at elevated risk of phone theft.

To turn on lockdown mode:

1. Go to Settings > Security & location
2. Tap "Lock screen preferences"
3. Enable "Show lockdown option"
4. Press & hold the power button
5. Tap "Lockdown"

Lockdown mode will remain enabled until you manually turn it off from the power menu.

9. Guest Mode

Guest mode allows others to use your device temporarily without accessing your private data and accounts. They can freely browse the web and use apps without compromising your security.

To enable guest mode:

1. Go to Settings > System > Multiple users
2. Tap "Add guest"
3. Tap "Switch to guest session"

When ready to exit, open the notification shade and select "Remove guest". All browsing data is erased when the guest session ends.

10. Smart Lock

Smart Lock keeps your device unlocked when connected to trusted Bluetooth devices or WiFi networks. Use cautiously as anyone with access can then freely use your phone.

To configure Smart Lock:

1. Go to Settings > Security & location
2. Tap "Smart Lock"
3. Enter your passcode
4. Select trusted locations or devices
5. Follow the prompts

Avoid using Smart Lock in public areas or with devices that may be lost or stolen. Also be wary of shoulder surfers that could see your passcode.

Many key security options are managed through your Google account. Be sure to check these settings too.

11. Two-Factor Authentication

Adding an extra verification step with two-factor authentication prevents unauthorized account access even if your password is compromised.

To enable two-factor:

1. Visit your Google Account
2. Click "Security"
3. Select "2-Step Verification"
4. Choose your second verification method
5. Follow the instructions

Your backup verification options include Google prompts, authentication codes, and security keys. Generate backup codes to access your account if your phone is unavailable.

12. Security Checkup

Security Checkup provides a personalized list of recommendations such as reviewing account recovery info, turning on two-factor authentication, removing insecure third-party apps and more.

To run a security checkup:

1. Go to your Google Account
2. Click "Security Checkup"
3. Review and implement suggested security improvements

Re-check every few months in case any settings need updating or new checks are added.

13. Activity Controls

Google collects data from your searches, YouTube watch history and location history to personalize services. Adjust these settings for improved privacy.

To manage activity controls:

1. Go to your Google Account
2. Select "Data & privacy"
3. Tap "Activity controls"
4. Toggle off any activity tracking

Disabling this tracking means you‘ll lose personalized recommendations and convenience features.

14. Ad Personalization

Disable ad personalization to stop your Google account being used to customize the ads you see based on your interests and activity.

To turn this off:

1. Go to your Google Account
2. Tap "Data & privacy"
3. Select "Ad personalization"
4. Turn the setting off

You will still see ads but they will be more generic instead of targeted to your preferences.

Complement Android‘s built-in tools with additional apps to further lock down your device. Here are some top picks:

Antivirus Apps

Bitdefender Mobile Security – Provides real-time protection against malware, phishing scams and network threats. Also includes anti-theft tools, a VPN, App Lock and Safepay for secure banking.

Malwarebytes – Proactively detects and blocks cyberthreats using advanced machine learning algorithms. Can run alongside your existing antivirus too.

Norton 360 with LifeLock – All-in-one solution combining malware scanning, online privacy tools and identity theft protection with LifeLock monitoring.

Password Managers

1Password – Generates strong unique passwords and securely stores them in a vault protected by one master password. Auto-fills passwords across devices.

LastPass – Stores passwords behind one master password. Offers fingerprint/face unlock on mobile and two-factor authentication for master password access.

Keeper – Cross-platform password manager with solid encryption and two-factor authentication. Provides family plans to share passwords securely.

VPN Apps

ExpressVPN – Conceals your IP address and encrypts data on public WiFi. Unblocks geo-restricted content. No activity or connection logs.

Surfshark – Budget-friendly VPN with unlimited device connections. Includes hack lock to alert you if passwords have been leaked online.

CyberGhost – Blocks ads, trackers and malicious sites. Optimized servers for streaming and torrenting. Live chat support.

Ad Blockers

AdGuard – Blocks ads in apps and browsers using a local VPN connection to filter traffic. Custom blocklists available.

Blokada – Open-source ad blocker designed specifically for Android. Blocks ads without needing to root your device.

DNS66 – Simple ad blocker without hassles. Uses DNS filtering to block ads and trackers system-wide with no root required.

Aside from adjusting settings, it‘s vital to keep your Android version up to date. Google and device manufacturers regularly issue security patches to address vulnerabilities.

Install system updates as soon as they become available to keep hackers from exploiting any known flaws. On Pixel devices you can enroll in the Android Beta Program to get updates early.

You can check for pending updates by going to Settings > System > Advanced > System update.

Know When to Upgrade Your Android Device

Phone manufacturers typically only support devices with major Android updates for 2 – 3 years after release. After that period, you‘ll stop receiving the latest security patches.

It‘s then extremely important to upgrade to a newer phone model or risk becoming vulnerable to emerging exploits targeting older Android versions.

Consult your device manufacturer‘s website to determine how long your specific model will be supported with software updates. Plan accordingly to upgrade your phone before security support ends.

Configuring Android‘s security features helps safeguard your sensitive personal information against growing mobile threats like malware, phishing scams and unsecured public WiFi.

Enable core options like Google Play Protect, Find My Device, screen lock and data encryption to start locking down your device. Routinely check app permissions and continue utilizing emerging authentication methods like biometrics.

Further strengthen security with antivirus tools, a password manager and a VPN, while keeping your device updated. With these precautions, you can use your Android device with confidence your data remains protected.