1. Disable app downloads from unknown sources
The easiest way to get infected with malware on an Android phone or tablet is to start installing apps from outside the official Google Play app store. In the Settings menu of any standard Android device is a check box that enables and disables installing ‘unofficial’ apps. An Android that keeps itself legit is far safer.
2. Upgrade to Android and Dont save all your passwords on phone
Upgrade the Android OS as much as the software update levelMany users tend to save their passwords to online services and sites on their device, never once thinking about what it would mean to a person who got their hands on the phone. Avoid having all important passwords saved in your device particularly when it comes to banking or payment apps
3. Download an anti-malware app
Now that Android malware and viruses are a widely-recognised part of the smartphone world, there are many solutions to combat them. Most of the big antivirus (AV) companies have their own Android anti-malware apps, including Kaspersky, AVG, Avast and Norton 360 safe .
4. Do not connect to unsecured, unknown Wi-Fi networks
An unsecured Wi-FI network can seem like a cheeky goldmine of free internet, but if you’re using an outdated version of Android in particular, it could prove dangerous. Imposter Wi-Fi networks can be used to stage a ‘middleman’ attack, where any inputted data can be intercepted by a third party – including passwords and personal details, such as credit card numbers.
5. Install a remote wipe/lock app/ Enable Finger print sensor
If an Android device is lost or stolen, it is sensible to have a way to wipe or lock it. There are apps available from Google Play that will do just that, reacting to either a command from a web interface or via text. Popular remote wipe and lock apps include Cerberus and Avast Mobile Security.
6. Keep all sensitive data behind an extra encryption layer
Keeping sensitive information logged in a generic note on a phone or tablet is a bad idea. There are plenty of apps that will store information behind a double wall of password protection and encryption. Top picks include mSecure and File Hide Expert.
7. Be aware of SMS threats
Premium SMS threats are partly responsible for the surge in Android malware. The Obad threat, which was brought to light earlier this year, can send premium rate SMS texts, install other malicious apps and execute other code. If there is mysterious activity on a phone bill, check it is not down to this type of attack.
8. Use the Chrome browser
Since Android 4.1 was introduced, phones and tablets have come with the stock Android browser as well as Chrome installed as standard. Chrome is marginally more secure than the stock version, having been subject to fewer publicised insecurities in recent months. It is also likely that Chrome for Android is being more keenly worked on, its pre-installed status marking it out as the future default browser for Android.
9. Prepare A Backup Of Your Data
A backup of your precious data is a must-have in the day and age of smartphones. Picture the worst case scenario where your Android device has been stolen or hacked. The last thing you can do is perform a remote wipe . Without a backup, you will lose all your information in your device.
Even if you could retrieve your stolen phone, chances are that hackers that have managed to access your device will render it useless. If you have a backup however, you can still restore your Android device back to its original state. You can choose to backup important information to the Cloud, your desktop or even to a flash drive, for insurance.
10. Stolen phone?
Many have done it – had a phone lost or stolen just before planning to buy phone insurance or install a phone tracker. There is one last point of call. Try to install Plan B to the phone from the Google Play website and, if successful, it will automatically send the location of the device to the Gmail account linked to it.
