How to protect your data on an Android smartphone
Personal data security is one of the major issues in today’s digital world. Most of us are eager to take all the necessary precautions to keep our private data safe from prying eyes. Except for having a smartphone with fingerprint locks, what else can we do?
With photo and information leaks constantly publicized by media, social media accounts stolen and celebrities’ private photos splattered across the pages of gossip magazines, information protection is one of the main concerns of tech users. Thus, modern smartphones manufactures not only aims at offering a smooth user experience but also pursuing effective data protection solutions. From smartphones with fingerprint locks like the Vkworld Mix Plus 4G Phablet, the LEAGOO KIICAA MIX 4G Phablet, the latest Xiaomi Mi Mix 2 4G Phablet and others to the newest models that come with facial recognition like the iPhone X, technology is on our side when it comes to data protection. However, it’s still important to exercise a healthy degree of caution. In this post, we go over a few useful tips to keep your Android smartphone protected from data theft.
1. Enable the Lock Screen feature
The first and simplest thing you can do is to enable the Lock Screen feature when you get a new phone. An unlocked device that was stolen or lost is a goldmine of personal data: your emails, web history, credit card information, private messages, contact lists, access to social media accounts can all be easily stolen if your phone falls into the wrong hands. If your phone is locked with a passcode, however, accessing your private information becomes more complicated – even more so if your smartphone unlocks through a fingerprint scan.
2. App permissions
Another thing to watch out for is app permissions. Most apps, when you install them for the first time, will ask for a set of permissions. Most users will tap “OK” just to speed through the process and get to use their new application right away. However, it is recommended that you carefully go through the list of all asked for permissions keeping your eyes open for anything suspicious — especially if the app in question comes from an unknown developer. Apps that demand access to your contacts, camera, emails, etc. should go under heavy scrutiny — make sure to read through the app’s privacy policy to find out what for this data is needed. Note that some developers make additional income by re-selling your private data to advertising agencies.
3. Install original applications
Ideally, you should only be installing original applications from well-known developers. Illegal and pirated apps are a big source of troubles. True, you may get to save a few bucks — but you will also get loads of malware into your phone that seriously undermine the security of your private data. Avoid this by making it a rule to only get apps from official app stores like Google Play and avoid downloads from unknown and unverified sources.
Wrap up
Summing it all up, there is no need to get paranoid. All you need to do to stay safe is exercise a healthy level of caution when installing any new software and taking the time to set up the basic protection for your phone: guard it with a fingerprint scanner (if your phone supports this feature) or set a not-obvious passcode.
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