Android security is a matter of concern to most users with a smartphone that uses this operating system. Over the years, security flaws have been detected in the operating system or malicious apps slip into stores such as the Play Store from time to time. Luckily, in general terms it is a very secure system, in addition, there are certain things that we can also do to improve security.
Then we leave you with a series of tips, tricks and tweaks we can use to improve security on Android. A simple and effective way to make our mobile phone more secure and that we can have a better user experience with it at all times.
Google Play Protect
Android does not have a standard antivirus, but we have an important security tool available on our phones: Google Play Protect. This tool is responsible for scanning and analyzing all the apps that we download on our mobile, so that it can detect threats present in them. If an app is detected to be malicious, it will report this to us immediately, so that we will remove this app from the mobile.
Many users They bet on deactivating Google Play Protect on their phonesas this tool is not seen as useful. But the reality is that it is presented as a great ally in the fight against malicious applications that we can download. In addition, the use of a tool like Play Protect means that we do not need to install an antivirus on our Android phone. The best thing is to have this tool active and let it analyze those apps and games that we have downloaded on your mobile, so that it will inform us in case one is dangerous.
Application permissions
This is an aspect that many users do not usually take into account, but it is one of those settings that improve security on Android in a simple way. It is usual that we have many applications installed on our phone and it is therefore necessary control their permissions. Since there are times when some applications have permissions that they do not really need to work. An example can be a Flashlight app that has the permission to access your contacts or the call log. A situation like this, in which an app has a permission that is not essential for its operation, is an indicator that it is a malicious app or that it may pose a danger.
In Android settings we have a section for application permissions. It is advisable to check these permissions from time to time, especially if we have downloaded many new apps on our phone. This way we will be able to see if the apps have the permissions they really need to work or not, or if there are some that are requesting more permissions than necessary. If there are apps that ask for too many permissions for no reason, you can always consider removing them from your phone.
In the most recent versions of the operating system, from Android 11, we have a great improvement in related security with the permits. These are single-use permissions, which allow you to grant an app a certain permission only when it is used. These types of permissions give us more control as users, so it is also something that we can keep in mind, especially if there are permissions with which we have doubts.
Google Security Analysis for Android
Our Google account is linked to our Android phone. This means that it is essential that the Google account is well protected, in order to improve security on Android. The good news is that Google has a security analysis for accounts, a good way to check if everything is ok with the security and privacy of our account. This way we can detect possible security problems that exist and correct them as soon as possible.
This security analysis is something we can access from our smartphone. If we have questions about the security or the security status of our Google account, we can use this function and thus wait for that analysis to give us more information. The steps to follow in this case are:
- Open your Android phone settings.
- Enter the Google section.
- Tap on Manage Google Account (this option is under your profile picture).
- Go to the Security section.
- Use the first option, to see if there are security problems to solve.
- If there are security issues, follow the steps listed to end them.
Passwords
Passwords are another important security tool on Android. It is important to have strong passwords for our accounts so that the chances of someone decrypting them and gaining access to our accounts is as low as possible. The way that we can create strong passwords It is something that we have already told you before, although there are a series of tips and tricks that it is good to take into account.
- Avoid using the same: This is obvious, but complicated. Having to create so many passwords it is impossible not to use them. Try to have the fewest accounts that use the same password, as this will improve your security.
- Combinations: In many pages it is already a requirement, but try to create somewhat complex combinations, entering both letters, numbers and symbols ($ & *) in your passwords, so that it is more difficult to decipher them.
- Length: Try to keep the passwords somewhat long, the least is that they are between 8 and 12 characters, as this helps to make them more secure and reduces the chances that someone will guess them.
Something that many Android users use to improve the security of their passwords are password managers. They are a well-known and popular tool on the Play Store. There are many password managers that we can download, some free and others paid, but they are undoubtedly presented as a good way to protect your passwords, as well as help you generate passwords that are safe for your accounts.
LastPass is possibly the best known manager, although for months it has been paid. We also find options such as Microsoft Authenticator, which works perfectly on Android or if you want, 1Password is also another good free option that we can download on our mobile. They are all in the Play Store.
Two step verification
Many accounts already have this option and it is one of those options that allows you to improve Android security in a simple way. Accounts like Google, Facebook, Instagram and many others have had two-step verification for a long time. This function add a second step when logging into an account, so we have to enter a code that we receive on the mobile to confirm that it is us. It is a method that significantly reduces the chances that someone will have access to our accounts.
Therefore, it is advisable to activate two-step verification in those accounts that support it. This is possible in your Google account (Gmail), in addition to social networks. Use an app like Google Authenticator to obtain the codes and thus you will ensure that no one enters your accounts without your permission.
Be careful with the connections
As for Internet connections, there are a number of tips or tricks that can help to improve security on Android. These are essential aspects that can help us safer use of connections, so that we are not going to compromise the security of our smartphone at some point. These are the main aspects that we must take into account:
- Attention with open WiFi networks: It is usual that in a place like an airport, a shopping center or a cafeteria we connect to the local WiFi network. It is advisable to try to avoid this type of open network, but it is not always possible. If we use one, we must never enter sensitive data or access apps that we want to protect (bank app, personal accounts ...).
- Use VPN: The use of a VPN when browsing is presented as a good idea to browse in a private and secure way on Android. In addition, there are many browsers for Android that already integrate their own VPN, Opera is a good example. If we want, we can download a separate VPN app to navigate.
- Disable connections: If you are not going to use WiFi, Bluetooth or NFC on your mobile, then the best we can do is to disconnect them. It is recommended to keep them active only when it is going to be used.
They are somewhat obvious aspects for most Android users, but they are a simple way to avoid problems when we are browsing from the phone. Especially the issue of open WiFi networks is something to take into account, since they are vulnerable, so avoiding entering personal data in them is essential.