Three Tips to Protect Your Android Smartphone Against Cyber Attacks This Year

Android is continuously under attack and older versions are significantly more vulnerable than the newer ones. Many smartphone vendors still do not use Google's monthly Android security patches promptly. So, what can you do to protect your phone? The answer is, plenty!

In this article, I will present the three top things that you should do to protect your Android device from cyber attackers.

1. Use two-factor authentication: In securing your phone, it is essential to protect your Google services as well. The easiest and most effective way to do this is by using Google's two-factor authentication feature.

All you need to do is log in to your Google account and go to the two-step authentication settings page. Click on "Using 2-step verification" on the menu list upon reaching this page. The system will ask for your phone number. To receive the verification codes, you can choose either voice or SMS on your mobile.

Within seconds, you will get a call with your verification code. Now you need to enter this code into the browser's data entry box. Then the program will ask you whether you want it to remember the device you are using it on. If you choose "yes," the program will be authorized for 30-days of use. Lastly, you turn on the two-step authentication, and the process is complete.

This process can be made even simple using Google Prompt which allows you to authorize Google apps by merely entering “yes” on being prompted.

2. Using a Reliable VPN Service: The use of a Virtual Private Network (VPN) service can significantly reduce the risk of attackers hacking into your device. It encrypts data transferred over shared public networks to make it harder for hackers to access your information.

There are many free VPN service apps that you can download from Google Play Store.

Furthermore, a VPN service can help you bypass geo-restrictions. It is not necessary that geographical borders apply to the virtual world as well, and VPNs can help you address this challenge. You may have noticed that sometimes when trying to watch a YouTube video, you are confronted with a message that the uploader has restricted the video for viewing in your country.

Also, if traveling to, say, the UAE, you can still watch your favorite shows on your smartphone using a UAE VPN service safely and anonymously.

3. Use Apps Only from Google Play Store: A significant amount of Android malware comes from unlikely third-party app sources. Sometimes, these bogus apps do make it to the Google Play Store too. However, these are exceptional cases.

Google is trying to make its Play Store even more secure. For instance, Google Play Protect can scan your Android device for problems when you install programs. You can ensure that it is on by going to "Settings," and then clicking on "Security." You will see "Play Protect" on the menu. Click full scanning for the most robust protection.

Avoid installing apps from Unknown Sources. Get your applications and games only from Google Play Store.

In today's times, it is crucial to protect your mobile devices from security threats. You need to make sure that you engage a variety of protection solutions for multi-layer security.

There you have it! I hope that you found the suggestions in this article useful. Don't forget to leave a comment with your preferred cyber-security measures to keep your smartphone secure!