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​The 10 best ways to secure your Android phone

Malware makers, phishers, they really are all out to get you. Here's how to stop them in their tracks.

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So Android is perfect? Heck no!

Android is under constant attack and older versions are far more vulnerable than new ones. Way too many smartphone vendors still don't issue Google's monthly Android security patches in a timely fashion, or at all. And, zero-day attacks still pop up.






2) Lock your phone.

I know, it's so simple. But, people still don't do it. Trust me. You're more likely to get into trouble by a pickpocket snatching your phone and running wild with your credit-card accounts than you from malware.


3) Use two-factor authentication.

While you're securing your phone, let's lock down your Google services as well. The best way of doing this is with Google's own two-factor authentication.




4) Only use apps from the Google Play Store.



5) Use device encryption.




6) Use a Virtual Private Network.



7) Password management.

When it comes to passwords, you have choices: 1) use the same password for everything, which is really dumb. 2) Write down your passwords on paper, which isn't as bad an idea as it sounds so long as you don't put them on a sticky note on your PC screen; 3) Memorize all your passwords, not terribly practical. Or, 4) use a password management program.

Now Google comes with one built-in, but if you don't want to put all your security eggs in one cloud basket, you can use other mobile password management programs. The best of the bunch are: LastPass, 1Password, and Dashlane.

8) Use anti-virus software.

While Google Play Protect does a good job of protecting your phone, when it comes to malware protection I believe is using a belt and suspenders. For my anti-virus (A/V) suspenders, I use Germany's AV-TEST, an independent malware detection lab, results as my guide.

So, the best freeware A/V program today is Avast Mobile Security & Antivirus. It's other security features, like its phone tracker, doesn't work that well, but it's good at finding and deleting malware. The best freemium A/V software is Norton Mobile Security. All its components work well and if you elect to go for the full package, it's only $25 for 10 devices.

9) Turn off connections when you don't need them.

If you're not using Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, turn them off. Besides saving some battery life, network connections can be used to attack you. The BlueBorne Bluetooth hackers are still alive, well, and ready to wreck your day. Don't give it a chance.

True, Android was patched to stop this attack in its September 2017 release. Google's device family got the patch and Samsung deployed it. Has your vendor protected your device yet? Odds are they haven't.

10) If you don't use an app, uninstall it.

Every application comes with its own security problems. Most Android software vendors do a good job of updating their programs. Most of them. If you're not using an application, get rid of it. The fewer program doors you have into your smartphone, the fewer chances an attacker has to invade it.

If you follow up with all these suggestions, your phone will be safer. It won't be perfectly safe -- nothing is in this world. But, you'll be much more secure than you are now, and that's not a small thing.


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