Mobile phone android protection

Mobile safety

Designed for your safety.

Defence in every detail.

With Android, protection is thoughtfully built into everything that you do. Like downloading apps, browsing the web and choosing to share data. If something seems off, like a bad app or a harmful link, we’ll alert you and give you tips on what to do next. And our powerful internal security guards your device and data. So that you stay protected, even when you’re not using your phone.

You’re protected at every turn.

Avoid bad apps.

Google Play Protect helps you download apps without worrying if they’ll hurt your phone or steal data. We carefully scan apps every day, and if we detect a bad one, we’ll let you know and tell you what to do next. And we study how it works. Because everything we learn improves the way we screen apps. So you stay safer.

Outsmart spammers.

Pick up the calls that matter and skip the ones that don’t. We screen your calls, so you don’t waste time answering bots. And spam protection can tell you if a call is bad, to help stop outsiders getting your personal information. To protect your privacy, the transcription of your call happens entirely on your device.

Avoid shady websites.

Google Safe Browsing lets you explore the web with confidence and helps protect you from dangerous websites and malicious files. We warn you if you try to navigate to a website or file that seems bad, getting you to safety and helping you avoid malware or a phishing scam.

Privacy that works for you.

Android security enables privacy. We protect your data from prying eyes by wrapping it in encryption and setting boundaries around what apps can and can’t do in the background. And when you want to browse? Go incognito in Chrome or on Maps. We also give you tools that help you control who can see what data and when.

Decide when you share data.

Choose when apps access info

With Android, you choose when to share personal info with apps that you download. Privacy notifications let you decide if you want to share access to your microphone, camera or location – just once, all the time or never. Because your phone should work for you. Not the other way around.

We check on forgotten apps.

Stop sharing data with apps that you don’t use

If you haven’t opened an app in a few months – like that music festival app that you forgot about – Android can automatically turn its permissions off. So that it won’t have ongoing access to your data. But don’t worry, you can turn permissions back on at any time. It’s like housekeeping for your phone. That we do for you.

Secure to the core.

Powerful internal defence.

Keeping you safe is the heart of what we do, which is why we bake security into every detail of Android. Even the parts that you can’t see. Device encryption keeps your data safe when your phone is locked so that it looks scrambled to anyone trying to steal your info. And when you back your phone up to the cloud, everything is encrypted end-to-end using your phone’s PIN. So only you can access that data. Plus, we guard each app at the operating system level, so other apps won’t snoop on what you do. And we’ll even notify you if we think that someone tampered with your operating system. These features are always on, working in the background. To make sure that you’re protected automatically.

Safety that empowers everyone.

Google Safety Centre

We’re always making our security technology and privacy tools better. So that no matter how the Internet evolves, you stay safe.

Google security blog

Read the latest news and insights from Google on security and safety on the Internet.

For developers

See how Android gives developers more support with robust security controls and safety built right in.

For tech professionals

Dive into the nuts and bolts of how Android protects data and devices.

For businesses

World-class protection. Control over your whole fleet of devices. Discover how Android keeps businesses’ data safe.

Emergency help

Help during moments of crisis.

We’re creating unique ways to keep you safer. Discover how your Android phone gets you help faster during emergencies.

For developers

For enterprise

For the press

The ecosystem

Support

Some features and devices may not be available in all languages or countries. Subject to availability.

Some features and availability vary by OEM and/or device manufacturer.

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10 приложений для защиты устройств на Android

Недавние исследования показали, что почти 87% устройств на Android уязвимы к атакам.

Это связано с тем, что не проводятся обновления системы безопасности. От интернета не защититься, пока устройство подключено к сети. Обеспечение безопасности в наше время является одной из основных задач, поэтому появилось много сторонних приложений для ее повышения.

Следующие приложения помогут защитить ваши устройства Android от угрозы безопасности и личным данным.

Список приложений для защиты устройств Android

1. Avast Mobile Security

Avast – это прекрасное приложение для защиты телефона на базе Android от вирусов и других угроз.

Avast – это один из наиболее популярных бесплатных антивирусов для Android. Он уведомляет об установке шпионских и рекламных программ, которые угрожают защищенности ваших личных данных.

Вероятность обнаружения новейших вредоносных программ примерно 99,9%, а в случае вредоносных программ, появившихся в течение месяца, вероятность практичеки 100%.

Вывод: Если вам необходима защита от вредоносных программ и для безопасного просмотра сайтов, то вам это приложение подойдет.

2. Sophos Antivirus and security

Sophos – один из лучших бесплатных антивирусов для Android.

Пользовательский интерфейс может не вызвать восхищения. Однако, функционал позволит вам перестать беспокоиться о безопасности.

• сканирование на наличие вирусов установленных и существующих приложений, а также хранилищ данных;
• защита от потери и воровства с поддержкой удаленного доступа, позволяющего форматировать, заблокировать, включить звуковой сигнал на вашем устройстве или установить его местоположение;
• фильтрация веб-контента;
• блокировка спама.

У Sophos самая высокая вероятность выявления новейших вредоносных программ – 100%. Этим она разительно отличается от других.

Вывод: Если полезные функции для вас важнее симпатичного дизайна, то лучше Sophos вы мало что найдете.

3. AppLock

Этим приложением довольно просто пользоваться. AppLock защищает отдельные приложения от взломщиков, запрашивая ПИН-код или графический ключ. Таким способом можно защитить SMS, контакты, Gmail, да и вообще любое приложение.

Не перепутайте такую блокировку приложений и встроенную в телефон блокировку устройства. Встроенная блокировка блокирует весь телефон. Нет доступа ни в какие приложения. В свою очередь AppLock позволяет заблокировать избранные приложения.

Вывод: Если вам требуется предотвратить доступ злоумышленников к отдельным приложениям, но вы не хотите защищать паролем устройство в целом, то для этого подойдет Applock.

4. Signal Private Messenger

Существует множество приложений для безопасного обмена сообщениями. Большинство из них работают только, если оба пользователя используют одно и то же приложение.

Однако, Signal Private Messenger позволяет добавить дополнительный уровень защиты к обыкновенным SMS, даже если один из пользователей не пользуется Signal Private Messenger. Приложение разработано Open Whisper System.

Приложение имеет следующие особенности:

• открытый исходный код;
• сквозное шифрование. На сервере приложения не хранится ничего;
• шифрование возможно даже если у одного из пользователей нет Signal Private Messenger.

Вывод: Для сквозного шифрования обычных SMS лучше Signal Private Messenger ничего нет.

5. Secure Call

Гарантирует, что никто не сможет прослушивать звонки. Secure Call обеспечивает сквозное шифрование звонков, предотвращающее прослушивание посторонними лицами.

Приложение используется по умолчанию для входящих и исходящих звонков. Благодаря децентрализованной архитектуре (peer-to-peer) с надежным сквозным шифрованием никакие посторонние лица не смогут прослушать ваши звонки, в том числе сами разработчики приложения.

Вывод: если вам требуется сквозное шифрование звонков, пользуйтесь Secure Call.

6. App Ops

Основная функция App Ops – аннулировать определенный набор разрешений у выбранных приложений. Многие приложения запрашивают дополнительные разрешения, которые ни в какой мере не связаны с их функциями.

App Ops позволяет блокировать излишние полномочия. При установке приложения требуется разрешить доступ ко всему, что потребует приложение.

Если вы отклоните какое-либо разрешение, приложение установлено не будет. App Ops вас выручит, если понадобится устновить приложения, при этом не давая определенных разрешений.

Вывод: App Ops решит вопрос отзыва конкретных ненужных разрешений.

7. Lastpass

У всех сегодня по несколько учетных записей и паролей. Помнить их все не легко.

LastPass – один из лучших доступных на рынке менеджеров паролей. При хранении паролей применяются дополнительные уровни защиты.

Все ваши конфиденциальные данные доступны для вас с любого комьютера или мобильного устройства. Пароли зашифрованы одним мастер-паролем. Чтобы получить доступ ко всем паролям, нужно помнить лишь пароль LastPass.

Вывод: Простое решение для хранения всех паролей.

8. Android Device Manager

Android Device Manager позволяет включить звуковой сигнал, определить местоположение, заблокировать ваше Android-устройство. Приложение также позволяет удалить все данные с устройства на случай, если телефон уже окончательно не под вашим контролем.

Во многих приложениях это реализовано в качестве дополнительной функции. Тем не менее, приложение Google установить легче. Также, оно позволяет зайти в вашу учетную запись через чужое устройство и удалить все данные на ходу.

Вывод: Для удаленного доступа Andriod Device Manager идеальный вариант.

9. NoRoot Firewall

Многие приложения для Android впустую потребляют мобильный трафик.

С помощью NoRoot Firewall вы сможете контролировать доступ приложений без рутинга устройства. Вы сможете разрешить выбранным приложениям доступ в сеть только через wifi, только через мобильный интернет или же полностью запретить/разрешить.

Вывод: Для тех кому не подходит рутинг, но нужен файервол, подойдет NoRoot Firewall.

10. Orbot

Orbot – это приложение для Android в рамках проекта Tor. Оно позволяет перенаправлять весь трафик через сеть Tor.

VPN использует один сервер, а Tor перенаправляет трафик через несколько IP-туннелей, чтобы не оставлять следов. Orbot устанавливает поистине защищенное мобильное соединение. Данные шифруются повторно.

Шифрование данных проходит многократно, до тех пор, пока они не дойдут до пункта назначения, где они дешифруются. Таким образом, отправителя не отследить.

Вывод: Orbot позволяет вам без труда зашифровать интернет-трафик.

Надеюсь, эти приложения помогут сохранить ваш мобильный телефон или устройство на базе Andriod в целости и безопасности. Также попробуйте воспользоваться VPN от SurfEasy для защиты своей анонимности в сети.

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15 ways to make Android more secure in 2021

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As more than 60% of people use mobile devices for shopping and get information online today, smartphones now define digital identity and businesses’ presence. And as per the Statista data, over 70% of mobile users globally use Android.

That makes it vital to secure Android devices.

The modern-world change of relying more on smartphones not only adds value to our lives but boasts serious concerns related to security and hacking. You lose more than just your contacts in the case of losing your smartphone.

Smartphones store a vast amount of your sensitive information, don’t let that slip out of your mind.

Most people use smartphones to access social media accounts, business emails, website admin sections, and important documents. Other items that are now managed via smartphones include business, and marketing strategy documents, synced files, photos, and many other things.

If you are not protecting your Android devices, your entire data is at risk. That’s because anyone can trace and steal information from your insecure phones and mobile devices.

While talking about smartphones, you need to differentiate between iOS and Android phones. According to experts, Android phones are less secure than iOS phones.

Therefore, those who own Android phones need to think about data security actively. If you are one of them, I will guide you towards easy ways that will help you protect and secure your Android phone.

Strengthening Android security

For your device’s utmost protection, all you need is to spare some time to deploy impactful security settings alongside opting to use a few essential tools.

Interestingly, most of these tools and settings are not advanced. It’s just that people keep overlooking these options and leave their devices vulnerable.

Without further ado, here are the top 15 ways for keeping your Android safe from attackers online and make it more secure as a whole.

1. Use phone locks

Using phone locks is the first and foremost thing to keep your Android phones secure. Many might see it as a simple tip, but technically, a phone without a lock is more likely to lose data (which can be devastating).

Locking the screen is helpful in many ways. For instance, if a snatcher runs away with your phone having your credit card information, it will take him substantial time to unlock. While he tries to break your phone lock, you can block your credit cards and bank accounts active in the device.

What kind of passwords should I use for mobile locking? I hear you ask.

Well, the old way is the best – the pin code.

All the remaining types of passwords can be hacked (or guessed) easily compared to pin codes. So, while a pin code might be one of the oldest security features of Android, it still stands out.

For an easy fix here, you can turn to Android’s Smart lock feature. It also makes your device security less annoying without leaving it entirely vulnerable.

Android Smart Lock keeps your smartphone unlocked whenever at a trusted place such as your office or home. It also leaves your device unlocked when connected to trusted Bluetooth devices such as earbuds, your car’s multimedia system, or smartwatch.

2. Use a VPN

Encrypting the internet connection is the best way when you do not know how to make Android more secure like iOS. It is possible only if you set up a VPN on your smartphone.

VPNs (or virtual private networks) add an additional security layer to your internet connection, so it makes total sense that you would like to have one on your device.

After all, we rely on mobile devices heavily for staying connected to the world, whether via email, social media, or messaging people around us.

So, you now know that you can use VPNs with your phones safely.

However, there are risks involved if you end up picking a shady provider. That is why you must choose a reliable VPN service like ExpressVPN.

Apart from its reliability, trustworthiness, fast speed, and excellent customer support, this VPN provider is attractive because it offers dedicated apps for all major devices.

Thanks to the ExpressVPN Android app, it was a breeze for me to get going with it on my device when I tested it personally. You can follow this five-step easy process to set up and start using a VPN on your Android device:

1. Subscribe to ExpressVPN by visiting their official web page.
2. Download and install their Android app on your tablet or phone.
3. Select your preferred location from any of their 160 server locations.
4. Connect to the server.
5. That is it. You can now use your mobile device the way you want to use it.

3. Use two-factor authentication

For making your Android phone safe from the hackers, many online portals and websites have introduced Two-Factor Authentication. It no longer remains an option in this age of cyberattacks.

So, if you are not using it for Google and social media accounts (for example), you need to incorporate it immediately.

Two-factor authentication, also known as 2FA, helps you keep your accounts safe from hackers.

With 2FA, when you try to open an account from your smartphone, it will send a code to your mobile number and email address. In this way, you have a two-way security check to enter into your account.

Turning on 2FA verification on Android is pretty straightforward;

4. Download apps only from the Google Play Store

Do not use third-party app stores for downloading any app, as many types of malware and viruses enter into your phones this way. It is an easy approach for hackers to access your device.

Another important aspect you need to care about is to avoid using unauthentic apps. Even if they are available in the Google App Store, do not use them unless you know the developers well.

While such shady apps frequently make it to the Play Store, Google algorithms identify and remove them quickly. So, give the tech giant some time to eliminate those shady apps and bugs. As for you, use apps only when you are sure about their reliability and security.

5. Use anti-virus software

It helps resolve your Android security issues such as finding malware or a bug in a smartphone.

Although, the built-in Google Play Protect keeps an eye on typical malware. Yet, an antivirus will come to your rescue and strengthen your Android security.

A couple of recommended quality antivirus software available in the market include Avast Mobile Security & Antivirus and Norton Mobile Security.

6. Do not use WiFi and Bluetooth connections at an unknown place

You never know how many hackers are moving around you. And, it becomes easier for hackers to access your Android phone when you’re connected to public WiFi. The same goes for Bluetooth connections.

So, to protect your Android phone from hackers, use the unknown internet in severe situations only.

(However, if you really need to use one, check out this guide to using public WiFi in a secure way.)

7. Enable Android’s “Find My Device” feature

This built-in feature makes your Android phone alongside the data in it secure to a greater extent.

Turning on “Find my device” helps you prevent data loss or find your lost device (as the name suggests) in situations such as your phone getting stolen.

To enable the “Find My Device” feature on your Android device;

1. Go to Settings.
2. Scroll down and click on Google.
3. Next, scroll down and tap on Security.
4. Now tap on Find My Device and then tap the appearing slider to turn it to the On position.

By activating this feature, you can track your smartphone from anywhere.

The only thing you need is to visit www.android.com/find and log in using the Google account that you have used on your phone. Then the application will track your smartphone in seconds.

Also, bear in mind to keep your location on in the device always to make the most out of this feature.

8. Browse in safe mode

You should always use Google Chrome in normal situations as it is the default Android browser. Also, it can warn you in cases such as opening an unsecured website.

Another important technique that can help keep your Android phone protected is “Safe Browsing Mode.”

To use this option, simply follow these steps.

1. Launch the Chrome browser on your Android device.
2. Tap on the menu icon (three vertical dots) in the toolbar.
3. Click on the “New Incognito Window” entry. It will open Google Chrome in Incognito mode, with all your add-ons disabled. Whereas in the first window, the Chrome browser will be running normally.

I do not recommend using any other browser than Chrome for safer browsing. If you need to do that, do not forget to activate a robust antivirus software.

In the end, it is all in your hands as to how you are making your Android device secure while browsing.

9. Use biometric authentication tools

The latest smartphones have a variety of authentication tools like face authentication and fingerprint authentication. They make it difficult for an unauthentic person to access your device.

The adoption and popularity of biometric authentication are on the rise, as practically, it is easier to press your fingertip on a sensor than typing a password.

Also, that is more convenient than carrying a security key. And more importantly, unlike passwords and pin codes, no one can guess or steal biometric authentication data, such as your face.

Admittedly, there is a margin of improvement in this feature. Still, it will hopefully be much improved in the upcoming Android versions.

10. Block all types of notifications and permissions

It is necessary to deny access to your Android phone to all unrecognized people, websites, and software. While you can control the people by incorporating screen locks, blocking unauthorized websites is an uphill task.

Therefore, the best practice in this regard is keeping third-party applications away from your Android devices.

Of course, the last thing you want is an unauthentic distribution of your private information. So, to avoid such a situation, you must review the permissions, you are giving to a specific app.

Also, some apps send you popup notifications that must be addressed.

Therefore, only allow those applications to send notifications that have a good reputation. For that, run a background check by validating the app developers and going through each app’s privacy policy thoroughly.

Besides, you must not disable Android update alerts, as blocking them means that you are allowing malware and bugs to attack your smartphone (indirectly).

11. Update Android device whenever prompted

If you want to keep your Android smartphone or any other device thoroughly secure, you should care about keeping your apps and operating system up-to-date.

Not updating your OS (Operating System) puts devices at risk of various security threats. That is because many malware and bugs can attack through the vulnerabilities in older versions of the software.

The issues can become even bigger with some applications (and particular devices) that are favorites for the virus and bugs. For example, Google Pixel is one of those Android phones that need protection.

To address all such concerns, you need to keep your smartphone updated regularly.

12. Rooting can be devastating

Android users love rooting due to the supposed advantages it offers. Some people believe rooting improves battery life. Whereas, others argue that rooting helps in customization of the phone, and installation of apps not available on Google Play.

However, when you root your device, the Android security model gets compromised by a great degree.

Why? Because root applications have way much more access to your device’s system when it’s rooted.

Most of the malware kinds find the rooted phones attractive and can attack any time more easily when compared to unrooted Android devices.

Not only the cybersecurity experts at PrivacySavvy, all the security experts out there recommend not to root Android.

13. Do not allow your smartphone to save passwords (for any application)

Most users normally save passwords for all applications that they commonly use. It saves time and helps avoid remembering passwords.

However, if you are serious about your Android phone security, it is not a recommended practice.

Alongside avoiding to not permit apps to save passwords, you should also use complex passwords (a combination of random characters).

But how do I remember all the passwords to enter again and again? I hear you ask.

For that, you can use a password manager, which works as a two-face sword.

On one hand, it will set you free from remembering all the passwords, and on the other, your passwords will stay secure all the time.

One password manager that I can recommend with confidence is LastPass.

14. Create multiple accounts

Back in 2014, with the Android 5.0 Lollipop update, Google introduced the “multiple users” feature. Ironically, even to date, many people are unaware of it.

The feature is a vital part of every single Android tablet and phone. It lets users share their Android devices with others exactly like Windows PCs without sharing any personal data.

With Android multi-user profiles, a separate space is given to each user, linked to their very own Google accounts. They can have different apps, settings, messages, home screens, and more.

You can use it to disguise hackers and other third-parties that end-up accessing your device somehow.

For example, if you create three different Google accounts and link them to three individual accounts that you added on your device, the hacker will find it challenging to spot the real account with the information he needs.

On top of that, it will be difficult for them to unlock your device as multiple passwords will be required.

Even if you do not intend to share your device with multiple users, you should still create multiple user accounts to maximize Android phone protection.

15. Backups are essential

Backup is a must-have process that every smartphone user needs to run.

You can keep backups in Google Drive, One Drive, smart card, or external hard drive. Doing so will ensure you have all your data with you safely, even if someone steals your phone or you lose your device.

Besides, consider wiping out all the private data, which needs maximum protection, after saving it onto any type of cloud or physical hard drive. That way, you will be able to keep your personal data away from hackers and snatchers.

Backing up your Android device will also be beneficial in the case of restoring your smartphone as you could retrieve your old data easily.

Conclusion

Android phones are an easy target for hackers. Smartphone snatching is also very common all over the world.

Both these reasons (and many more) make Android phone protection crucial, especially for those who keep sensitive data in their mobile device as well as value their privacy.

As hackers keep targeting smartphones with the latest techniques, it is vital to stay updated about best practices from a security standpoint.

The modifications and security best practices listed above will help you improve Android security and privacy by a great deal, stay ahead of hackers, and ultimately secure your devices effectively.

These tips will not only make Android more secure but also keep your device fast and up-to-date. You now will also be able to access restricted content on the internet (thanks to the VPN solution covered in the piece).

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