9 Tips on How To Make Android as Secure as Possible

Mobile security is a big deal in today's world, probably now even more than ever. Most of us live on our phones with our daily needs. Our smartphones know much more information about us than we know ourselves. Information such as financial information, calendar appointments, family photos, and more stored on our devices. Let us know here how to make android as secure as possible.

1. Enable Two-Factor Authentication on your Google account

To, have a secured android smartphone you should make sure that your Android phone does have a secured Google account because that’s where all your data is stored, and the more types of Google services you use, the more crucial this step is. If you haven’t already, start by enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) on your Google account.

There are many several options for that second factor authenticate, be it a simple text message (which is inherently the least secure of all 2FA methods, but still better than nothing) to add a new 2F key like Google’s Titan Key bundle.

You can find the Google 2FA settings in My Account > 2-Step Verification (and you’ll have to sign in, of course). We also have a step-by-step guide on enabling the 2FA feature if you hit any snags.
But seriously, do that now to make android as secure as possible, if you haven’t already.

2. Make Android as Secure as Possible - Use A secure Lock screen

If you have not been using a secure lock screen, then it's time that you do think more about your phone. As you are not the only person who will be able to access your smartphone physically. Get a lock screen to keep your phone secured. This can be your first line of defence when it comes to keeping your phone safe.

While the process varies slightly between Android manufacturers and their various flavours of Android, the general step is Settings > Security > Screen Lock. As I said, the details might vary slightly here, but that will get you in the point. We also have a more about detailed guide available should you need that. And don’t forget to add your fingerprint if your phone has a fingerprint scanner, too.

3. Make sure Find My Phone is On

Losing your phone is a gut-wrenching feeling, so you also want to make sure you have a way to track it and find, worst-case scenario, remotely reset your phone if there’s no chance of getting it back to your phone.

Fortunately, Google has been a tracking system in place for Android phones. It is called Find My Phone, and it should enable by default on all modern Android phones. To double-check, jump into the Settings > Google > Security > Find My Phone.

If you ever lose your phone or it gets is stolen at any time, you can fire up the closest web browser and search Google for “Find My Phone” and remotely locate your lost device for the find. We have a closer look at each and everything you can do with Find My Phone if you’re interested in that, too.

4. Disable "Unknown Sources" and Developer Mode

If you have tinkered with your phone in the past, you might have enabled something download as called “Unknown Sources” (or “Install Unknown Apps” on newer versions of Android). This setting allows you to install apps that are not from the Google Play Store— And while Oreo made strides to make this a more secure to android feature, it can still be inherently dangerous to leave to download from an unknown source are enabled.

To improve make android as secure as possible, you should disable all this feature. On Oreo (8.0) versions of Android, you can do this easily in Settings > Security > Unknown Sources. On Oreo (8.0) and Pie (9.0), you’ll need to disable this feature on an android per-app basis of, but you can find each and everything that has access to the all feature inside Settings > Apps > Special Access > Install Unknown Apps.

Similarly, if you have ever enabled Developer Mode for any reason but do not actively rely on any features, go ahead and disable it. Jump into the Settings > Developer Option and slide the toggle at the top to the off in position.

Note:- On Android Pie (9.0), you can find Developer Options at Settings > System > Developer in Options.

5. Things Google Already Does to Make Sure Your Phone Is Secure

a. Google Play Protect - Make Android as Secure as Possible

Starting with Android 8.0 (Oreo), Google baked in a feature named Play Protect. This is an always-on, always-scanning cloud-based security system that keeps an eye on apps in the Play Store and on your mobile device. It aims to keep malicious apps at bay—including fake apps—and can even scan apps that you download from an unknown source.

To see Play Protect is settings, head to Settings > Google > Security > Play Protect. You can make sure it’s turned on (and it should be), as well as enable app scanning is for side-loaded applications.

b. On-Device Encryption - Make Android as Secure as Possible

In the earliest days of Android, only encryption wasn’t even an option. Google added it later, though you had to enable manually, and that was a hassle. Nowadays, Android is encrypted by default on all modern mobile devices.

This means that all the sensitive data on your phone is stored in an unreadable, scrambled, encryption state upon boot format and doesn't decrypt until you enter your right password, PIN, or Passcode.

6. On Public Wi-Fi Don't share Personal Data By Phone

Thinking about buying that plane ticket or checking your bank account while sitting at the coffee shop or airport? You may want to think twice about that, as you have no idea how to secure that connection is.

The same places like hotels and conference centres. Security researchers just uncovered a vulnerability that made Wi-Fi traffic at some of the world's biggest hotels vulnerable to attack.

7. Never Open Attachments(Unless You're Really Sure)

A good rule to follow is never open attachment unless you are 120% sure of where they are coming from. One of the easiest ways for hackers to download malicious code into the victim computer is by just sending emails with virus-loaded files to a target device.

8. Check Link Locations

To make android as secure as possible, unknown messages contain links to come from unknown sites. Surfing a mysterious website can bring about unintended consequences. For one, it could be a site you know and trust and help you fall prey to a phishing scam. Or, it contains an insecure or infected file with malware.

9. Be suspicious of emails

A lot of cyber attacks are launched through simple malicious email campaigns. Email is a wonderful communication platform because you can be sending anything to anyone, but this means it can be a huge security risk. Phishing, for example, to send victims insecure emails that will lead to a victim is asking to fake websites update for their personal information and data.