{"id":27352,"date":"2024-05-01T14:05:51","date_gmt":"2024-05-01T22:05:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.spokeo.com\/compass\/?p=27352"},"modified":"2024-04-16T14:06:37","modified_gmt":"2024-04-16T22:06:37","slug":"how-to-secure-android-phone-from-hackers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.spokeo.com\/compass\/how-to-secure-android-phone-from-hackers\/","title":{"rendered":"How To Secure Your Android Phone From Hackers (and Anyone Else)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Apple launched the modern smartphone era<\/a> in 2007 with its first iPhone, and it\u2019s hard to remember what life was like before we had these handy gadgets.\u00a0 The very idea of having a powerful, multifunction computer and personal communications device we could fit in our pockets was straight-up science fiction not too long before that.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, our phones are so central to our lives that misplacing one’s phone is as heart-stopping as misplacing our wallets used to be.\u00a0 In fact, because we keep so much of our lives on our phones, they\u2019ve become a significant point of vulnerability to hackers and scammers.\u00a0 While you may not be a high-profile celebrity target<\/a>, criminals make most of their money from ordinary people like you.\u00a0 We\u2019ve written before about what to do after<\/em> you\u2019ve been hacked<\/a>, but it\u2019s better yet to protect your phone in the first place.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is our guide on how to secure your Android phone from hackers.\u00a0 iPhone users can find their corresponding guide here<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Context: Google Does a Lot of the Heavy Lifting<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s important to understand that Android isn\u2019t just a program; it\u2019s an ecosystem.  Google isn\u2019t just responsible for its own code (the Android OS itself is made up of thousands of smaller programs and libraries), but for providing a framework within which app developers and hardware manufacturers can thrive. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

That\u2019s a massive task.  Between the technical difficulties involved, the fact that every outside party has its own procedures, and simple human error, it\u2019s unsurprising that vulnerabilities crop up on a regular basis.  When you add in the privacy implications of legitimate app developers exploiting loopholes in the law, and the potential for outright criminality from hackers and shady developers, the job gets even bigger. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Google, accordingly, has built in a lot of security measures as part of Android\u2019s framework.\u00a0 Most of what they do would go right over a layperson\u2019s head, but the introduction<\/a> to their discussion of Android security for developers will give you the idea.\u00a0 The TL;DR version is that they do a pretty good job of securing the OS itself and the Play store, as well as vetting the apps that developers submit.\u00a0 They also provide many security and privacy features, but it\u2019s up to you to learn and use them.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Android Security Basics<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

First, let\u2019s look at the most basic, fundamental things you can do to improve the security of your Android phone.  Software patches and updates are how Google and app developers fix newly discovered threats, so that\u2019s a good starting point. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Applying Your OS Updates <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Android updates may or may not happen automatically, depending on your carrier and your phone\u2019s manufacturer.   You can check manually<\/a> by tapping Settings, then Security, then \u201cGoogle Security checkup.\u201d  For updates to the Play system, tap \u201cGoogle Play system update.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Updating Third-Party Apps<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Open Google Play, tap your profile and then \u201cMy apps & games.\u201d  You can update selected apps individually or tap \u201cUpdate all.\u201d  If you don\u2019t want to update manually, go to Settings and then General, and choose \u201cAuto-update apps.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Locking Your Phone<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A swipe is better than nothing; a PIN is better than a swipe; and a password is better yet.\u00a0 Pick one that\u2019s strong but memorable<\/a>.\u00a0 Once you protect your phone with a lock screen, by default Android will start encrypting your files for an added level of protection.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Android Security Tips and Privacy Settings<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Once you\u2019ve attended to those basics, there are a handful of more significant steps you can take.  These require a bit more understanding of your phone (and Android) but they\u2019re not especially difficult. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reviewing and Fine-Tuning App Permissions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Older versions of Android told you what permissions an app requested, but your only option was to accept or refuse.\u00a0 Now, you can turn them on and off<\/a> individually (\u201cWhy does a calculator need to see my contacts list?\u201d).\u00a0 Go to Settings and then Apps, and select an app.\u00a0 Tap Permissions and then go down the list to turn them on or off selectively.\u00a0 You can also choose when the app has permissions (all the time, only when it\u2019s being used, etc.).\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Removing Unused Apps <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Only a very small percentage of apps contain actively malicious code, but every app may potentially contain security vulnerabilities.  Periodically reviewing your apps and removing the ones you don\u2019t use cuts down the number of potential access points for criminals. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Enabling \u201cFind My Device\u201d<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Google\u2019s Find My Device<\/a> service will let you find and lock a lost or stolen phone, and \u2014 if necessary \u2014 delete all of its data.\u00a0 To enable it, tap Security and then Find My Device (on some Android versions it may be under Security & Location or Google and then Security).\u00a0 If the phone you\u2019re protecting is the one you use to receive authentication texts from Google, you can\u2019t use Find My Device<\/a> unless you also set up an alternative authentication method.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Enabling Biometric Unlock<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Instead of a PIN or password \u2014 which can be stolen or guessed \u2014 you can set your phone to unlock using facial recognition or its fingerprint reader.  The fingerprint reader is your better option; scammers have \u201cspoofed\u201d facial recognition with photos and most of us post a lot<\/em> of photos online.  Instructions on setting this up will vary by phone, so check your manual (or the manufacturer\u2019s website) for details. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Securing the Attached Accounts<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Your Android phone is always connected to your Google account and probably to many others as well (Facebook, Amazon, Instagram, TikTok, etc.).  Each of those accounts is a potential vulnerability: If a scammer gets control of it, they could conceivably leverage it to install malware on your device or to sign in to other services (think of how many places let you log in with Facebook!).  Setting up extra security for each of those accounts \u2014 like authentication through a code, a third-party app or your fingerprint reader \u2014 will help protect your phone as well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Install the Spokeo App<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A lot of scams come in the form of calls or texts, and unsurprisingly Spokeo is the tool you need to cope with those.\u00a0 Installing the Spokeo app<\/a> (you\u2019ll find it on Google Play) gives you the power to screen those incoming calls by finding and displaying the caller\u2019s information, identifying scammers and telemarketers so you don\u2019t need to answer the phone.\u00a0 It\u2019ll also tell you when your contacts\u2019 information is missing or updated, making it harder for scammers to use your friends\u2019 outdated information to \u201cphish\u201d you successfully.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How To Secure an Android Phone From Hackers (the Advanced Stuff)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you want to get really serious about protecting your phone, you can take a few additional steps.\u00a0 These may require a bit more expertise, but for anyone who\u2019s especially concerned about security, they can be worthwhile.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Installing Additional Malware Protection<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Google\u2019s own Play Protect<\/a> <\/a>anti-malware<\/a> software comes as part of Android and is enabled by default.\u00a0 If you want additional protection or features that Play Protect doesn\u2019t offer, you can choose and install a separate malware-detection app (there are lots on the Play Store).\u00a0 These apps can sometimes conflict with Protect and each other, so be prepared for a bit of troubleshooting.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Using a Privacy-Centric Browser<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Websites are a common source of malware and privacy issues.  Anti-malware apps can help with that, but using a browser centered around privacy and security is also a good option.  Some of the better-known names in this category include Firefox, Brave, DuckDuckGo and Tor. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Using a VPN<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Public Wi-Fi is unencrypted, which means scammers hanging out at the local cafe can capture a lot of data from unwary phone use.\u00a0 One way to beat them is through the use of a virtual private network, or VPN.\u00a0 We\u2019ve written about this before<\/a>: A VPN gives you a virtual \u201ctunnel of privacy\u201d across public networks (including the internet).\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019ll find both free and paid VPN apps on the Play Store, but pick carefully.  Some free VPNs pay the bills by selling user data, which rather defeats the purpose. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Develop Good Security Habits<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Any combination of the tweaks and tools we\u2019ve listed here will go a long way toward securing your Android phone, but software can only take you so far.  Ultimately, the biggest factors in maintaining phone security are you and your own habits. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

We\u2019re not encouraging paranoia, just an attitude of healthy skepticism and security-consciousness as you live your life.  This includes things like: <\/p>\n\n\n\n