4 Forgotten Ways To Protect Your Device

Since the entry into force of the new standard, cyberattacks on all computing devices have grown. And yet, for whatever reason, some people still take Android security for granted. But the point is that your level of protection depends on the steps you take to protect it.

Today, we are going to share five threats attacking your Android device along with corresponding ways to keep them under control:

1. Spyware

If you’re not careful about what you install on your Android device, you could soon be the victim of a spyware infection. So what is spyware? Essentially, it is malicious code designed to collect unsolicited data about you and send it directly to hackers. There’s a more aggressive form called stalker, often installed by spouses or colleagues who control too much when you’re not looking.

The solution is to be careful what you download and read the app’s needs before hitting the “OK” button. Sometimes, these applications request more permissions than are reasonable or necessary for them to work. Also, make sure to run an antivirus check frequently. Once a week should be more than enough.

2. Public Wi-Fi

Not all public Wi-Fi networks are a threat, but since anyone can connect to them, you should treat them as such for prevention. Banking, shopping, messaging, or other online activities are risky when related to it because someone could intercept your data or listen to your conversations.

Fortunately, the solution is quite simple. Use a VPN. What is a VPN? It is a tool that helps protect your connection and keeps you safe online. Install one, and you’ll never have to worry about what you send over public Wi-Fi again.

The reason is that when your VPN is on, everything you send or receive through your device is encrypted. This means someone would need to have the correct keys to access it. At the same time, it also serves as a way to bypass geo-blocks, which is helpful if you’re travelling and happen to be in a country that enforces censorship.

3. Phishing

If you send and receive emails on your Android device (and you don’t), you should be aware of phishing scams and learn how to defend against them firmly. Smartphone users, in particular, should always pay attention to the sender bar, as the screen area is smaller in comparison, making phishing a bit easier.

Phishing poses as an authority figure (could be your boss or a website administrator) to trick the target into transmitting sensitive data such as information. Connection. Often accompanied by a sense of urgency, the attacker tries to convince you to open an attachment or tries to lure you into a fraudulent login form designed for one purpose: data collection.

So make sure you don’t click on any links emailed to you. And before following the sender’s instructions, verify your identity.

4. Data breach

Even if you have downloaded an app from the Play Store, you are not immune from data leaks. But what does this term imply? In short, a data leak occurs when an application sends other data to the home server, the type of data that is not necessary for it to function correctly. In other words, it is a threat to your privacy. And yes, you could fall victim to it, even though the app seems to be working fine and doing what it’s supposed to, at least on the surface.

Again, the solution is to check what permissions you’ve given it and stick with developers you trust. You can also visit the settings section of your Android device to check what your apps are and are not allowed to do on a case-by-case basis.