Android Smartphone Security Highlights
- Even though malware attacks on android devices have been on the rise, Android is fundamentally a more secure operating system.
- It is hard to compromise an Android device. Users can employ various measures to harden the security features.
- In addition to ‘Google play protect’, there are reliable security vendors providing security for Android devices, which can further enhance the security posture.
Android: An OS build for Security
The recent saga of WhatsApp pink and other malware targeting android devices has sparked public debate on the reliability of this popular operating system.
Virtualized apps
Permissions
Every app installed in an android device has several permissions set by the user at the time of installation. Even legitimate apps need proper permissions to
For changing permissions of apps installed on your device:
- On your Android device, open the Settings app.
- Tap on Apps & notifications.
- Tap the app you want to update.
- Tap Permissions.
- Choose which permissions you want the app to have, like a calculator or calendar.
App lock
Another way to ensure security is app lock. Some android devices have this feature inbuilt.
If your phone manufacturer does not provide this feature by default, there are lots of free alternatives available. By default, an android device restricts app installation from any other means other than the app store.
Installing an anti-malware app
Anti-malware apps from reliable security vendors like Kaspersky and Bitdefender can further enhance the security of your device. These vendors have advanced
Two-factor authentication
This is a feature that is linked with Google accounts. As we all know, compromising our google account these days is equivalent to compromising our phones. Our Google account can be used to unlock our phones and even control them remotely. Therefore, to secure our google accounts used in our android phones, it’s better to have Two-factor authentication enabled. Keeping a second phone for this purpose is much more reliable. This can ensure the security of our devices in case our primary phone gets compromised.
To turn on two-factor authentication:
- Open your Google Account.
- In the navigation panel, choose Security.
- Under “Signing in to Google,” click on 2-Step Verification Get started.
- Follow the steps as given to enable 2 step verification.
Find My Device
Read More: How Google Tracks you
Guest Mode
Ever been in a situation where you needed to give your phone to your boss or your spouse, but cringed while doing so? Well, Android got you covered on this. There is a feature called guest mode which can be enabled to restrict access to your phone. While this feature has been around since 2014, hardly anyone utilizes it. Personal information and apps which can expose privacy can be restricted as set by the user. There is also a Kids Mode, which can be used to allow certain apps like games for kids without disclosing other apps and data.
Using a VPN
As a security measure, it is always advised not to connect devices to unknown or public networks. But, this is almost challenging for users who commute to work
Encryption
Android devices have the most advanced encryption features, which can be used to encrypt data on internal as well as external storage devices. So, even if you lose a device, there is no risk of exposing private information. This encryption is hard to break, even for security veterans as these cryptographic keys are stored inside containers. This can be extended to SD cards as well. Keep note that if an android device is ever reset, it would be almost impracticable to retrieve the encrypted files, since the cryptographic keys are lost.
To encrypt internal or external memory:
- Navigate to the security menu under the settings tab
- Click on the option to encrypt your device. Follow the onscreen instructions.
- You will be prompted to provide a pin or other authentication method.
- The encryption process can take time depending on your storage size. Make sure that your phone has adequate charge and if required, keep your phone plugged in for charging.
Android’s app-scanning system
The Google play protect, a feature enabled by default in android phones can monitor your device and scan apps for shady behaviour. While the system should be enabled by default on any reasonably current device, It would be wise to occasionally verify your device settings.
Contributor: Varun k