As of January 2021, Android is the leading mobile operating system in the market with a 71.9% market share. This is why Android devices are a prime target for cyberthreats and why Android users face a multitude of potential attacks. Fortunately, you can protect your Android device from attacks by following the tips in this guide.

You don’t have to purchase expensive software to safeguard your device; most of the best protection against common Android threats is available for free. Here are inexpensive ways to secure your Android devices.

Buy devices from vendors that release Android patches quickly

Beware of handset makers that don’t immediately release Android patches. If you subscribe to a vendor that delays the release of such patches, your device will be vulnerable for a longer time to security threats like bugs and will have a higher risk of getting compromised.

Always keep your apps updated

Apps release updates from time to time. These updates improve security, add new features, and/or remove outdated ones. To install updates as soon as they’re released, you can choose to update Android apps automatically by following these instructions:

1. Open the Google Play Store app.
2. Go to Menu > Settings.
3. Tap Auto-update apps.

You can then select whether to update apps using Wi-Fi or mobile data.

Lock your device

Keeping your devices locked provides an extra layer of protection, as unlocking them requires entering a unique key such as a passcode or a pattern, or using your phone or tablet’s facial recognition feature

The simplest way to lock your device is by using a personal identification number (PIN); however, make sure that you use a hard-to-guess but easy-to-remember combination. If you have a newer Android device, you can use fingerprint or face recognition technology to better ensure that only authorized people can access your device.

Download apps only from the Google Play Store

Google Play is the safest place to download apps for your Android device. Third-party sites may offer an interesting lineup of apps, but their software can contain malicious codes. Sometimes, though, bogus apps make it to the Google Play Store, so always read reviews before downloading apps to ensure their legitimacy.

Use Google Play Protect

Google Protect is a built-in malware scanner that monitors apps in the Google Play Store and on your device. It also runs a safety check on any app from the Google Play Store before you download it.

Google Protect is turned on by default, but you can switch it off or on again by opening the Google Play Store app on your Android device and going to Menu > Settings > Scan apps with Play Protect.

Use on-device encryption

Every Android device running on Android 2.3 and above has an encryption feature that can render all your data unreadable to unauthorized entities until they provide the correct PIN or passcode. Whatever Android version your device is running, you can generally find encryption settings by going to Settings > Personal > Security.

Use a virtual private network (VPN)

When you’re connected to public Wi-Fi, there’s always a possibility that someone will intercept your data. Using a VPN encrypts your information so that even if someone steals your data, it will be completely unreadable and useless to them. There are numerous free VPNs on the Google Play Store. Compare their rankings and reviews before choosing one.

Protect your Google account with two-factor authentication (2FA)

Aside from protecting your Android device, you must also protect your Google account, which you can do using various methods, such as enabling 2FA. Just log in to your Google account, go to Security > 2-Step Verification > Get Started, then follow the succeeding prompts. You can choose to receive the verification codes on your phone via SMS or voice.

Keep an eye on your devices

Thieves are always on the lookout for potential victims. Treat your device as you would your cash, jewelry, and other valuables. Also, avoid using your device in areas with high crime rates to avoid attracting attention and getting robbed.

Keep these tips in mind to safeguard your phone or tablet from physical and digital risks. If you have any comments, suggestions, or questions about your Android device, call us now. Our experts are here to help.

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Did you know that you can connect a mouse to your Android tablet, or even an Xbox 360 controller to play a game console-style? The truth is many Android devices support a wide range of accessories. Here’s everything you need to know.

USB keyboards, mice, and gamepads

Android phones and tablets don’t come with standard, full-size USB ports so you can’t plug a USB accessory directly into it. To connect, you’ll need a USB on-the-go (OTG) cable, which is simply a micro-USB adapter that can be purchased from any computer store for a couple dollars.

From there, your accessories should work without any further configuration. In fact, USB OTG even allows you to use other USB devices with your Android, like a flash drive.

Keep in mind that not every Android device has the port that’s required to support USB OTG. Such is the case with a Nexus 4 smartphone. Make sure to Google your device’s specs before purchasing a USB OTG cable.

Bluetooth keyboards, mice, and gamepads

While USB OTG works well, wires do add clutter to what is supposed to be a portable device. This is where Bluetooth technology comes in. Most Android devices will allow you to connect wireless mice, keyboards, and gamepads directly by pairing them with your Android Bluetooth settings.

Using each accessory

All your accessories should work in a plug-and-play manner, and here’s what you can expect from each of them.

• Keyboard: Once connected, you should be able to use it to type on your Android tablet just like the onscreen keyboard. Many of the keyboard shortcuts work like they do on computers, too. These include Alt+Tab for switching between apps, and Ctrl+X, C, or V for Cut, Copy, and Paste.
• Mouse: Connecting a mouse will allow you to navigate and click on things you’d normally tap on your Android device with a mouse cursor. You can still use the touchscreen while the mouse is connected.
• Gamepad: While gamepads can be used to navigate through your Android’s home-screen interface and launch applications, they’re better used with games that support controllers like Sonic and many others.

You’ll be surprised at the number of things you can do to get the most out of your Android device. If you have any questions about Android or are looking to integrate it into your business, give us a call and we’ll be happy to advise.

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