How to Secure Your Android Phone?
An Android phone has become a very popular device since its introduction in 2008. The first mobile phone that ran on Android platform or operating system was brought about by a partnership between Google and HTC Corporation. Android phones have some very useful features that have enabled their growth to almost 60% of the market share as smartphones.
Features of an Android phone
An Android smartphone is capable of functioning as a multi- carrier and multi channel operating system. The OS has gone through many versions since the first one was released which was titled ‘Astro’. Today, the device offers features such as high capacity external storage, web browser function and connectivity in multiple ways including Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and WiMAX. The phone also has support for multiple languages and support for various media formats including Ogg Vorbis, JPEG, MPEG-4 and GIF. Voice based commands and video calling are also some of its popular features. The phone can also support an array of messaging features including SMS and Android Google Cloud Messaging.
Android owners use their devices to store massive amounts of personal information and to conduct almost all their transactions including banking and shopping. Given this degree of usage the security of Android phone and the protection of the data contained within is important.
Securing an Android phone
An Android phone comes with a few built in security apps and also gives one the option of downloading a few more apps. These security apps will help protect the device from unauthorized use and protect the data in the device. The system provides simple measures like locking the phone and using tried and tested apps. Here are a few things that can help secure your Android phone
Locking the device with lock patterns – Android uses lock and unlock patterns which entail the user to swipe the screen in a predetermined manner to unlock the phone. The pattern that is mainly used in Android phone is “connect the dots” swipe pattern. Such a lock pattern can be set with the help of the “settings” menu on the phone. The more the complex or unique the unlock pattern is the better the security of the device.
SIM lock – Any Android device’s SIM card can be locked with the use of a PIN. This can be done by accessing the settings menu from which you can choose the option “Location and Security” and then set up SIM card lock. With the use of this lock, the SIM card can be used only by someone who knows the PIN.
Security and anti virus apps – There are quite a few leading security apps that help in protecting the Android device. Some of them come with a range of features like anti- theft, backup, restore, anti malware and so on. Avast, Lookout and Norton are some of the big names that provide security to the Android device.
Downloading apps
Regardless of the security apps that you choose to protect your device it is recommended to keep a couple of points in mind. One is the fact that none of the apps are a sure shot or offers 100% security. So a combination of security measures will help secure your Android device. The second point is to download apps only from trusted sources.
Must use Antivirus software…
Good info ..thanks.