7 Tools to Secure Android Mobile Devices

Some new ways to protect a phone device from invaders and other threats.

Most articles about security tools for the Android platform focus on malware tracking applications, such as Norton and AVG tools. However, due to the layers of protection already integrated into the platform, these types of applications are totally useless and often damage the productivity of the platform, generating unnecessary costs for the company.

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In the case of most Android users, the 7 tools we will present in this post should cover all the data security needs of a mobile device. Some are third-party applications, while others are native applications of the Android operating system. However, they will all protect personal information in various ways and without compromising the performance of a smartphone or tablet. Furthermore, 5 of these tools are completely free.

A purely business user will obviously require some additional layers of digital security to ensure the protection of shared data and separate personal information from business information. This is one of the essential tasks of a CIO to ensure compliance with all corporate security policies for these mobile devices.

However, the goal of this list that we have prepared is to facilitate the use of digital security tools on an Android device and to demonstrate that the topic of security is not always as scary as it seems.

1- Android Recurso Smart Lock

We all know that it is important to enable the PIN or password security feature on your device. However, being forced to enter that code every time you want to use it can be very irritating. That’s why many people choose not to use it.

However, the Android Smart Lock tool offers the best solution: it reduces the hassle factor, while still allowing you to secure your phone when you really need it. You can choose to keep your phone unlocked whenever you’re in a trusted location, like your home, or when you’re connected to a trusted Bluetooth device, like your car stereo.

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2- Android screen repair resource

One of Android’s main security tools is also one of the least known to the general public. The screen lock feature first emerged in Android 5.0 Lollipop, released in 2014. However, a good portion of Android users may have never noticed this feature.

This resource was developed thinking about those moments when the user wants to show a photograph or a web page to someone, but does not want this person to manipulate his applications or files.

You need to check that the feature on your device is activated so that you can use it if necessary: ​​in the security settings you need to select the “Screen lock” option. Subsequently it is necessary to activate this function and the standard password function to prevent anyone from snooping into the contents of the device.

3- A password management application

Perhaps the greatest risk to personal security is the use of easy or frequently repeated passwords. Nowadays, we have trillions of passwords for various online services, and it’s virtually impossible to make them strong and unique enough without a little help.

An interesting tool to solve this problem is LastPass. The app makes it easy to generate and store stronger passwords for every site a person has logged in to. Furthermore, the user normally automatically enters passwords in every application or site they access and does the same on their tablet, desktop or notebook. The program uses strong encryption to keep your information safe. The only thing you need to do is just remember a strong password to unlock an initial session of the application.

LastPass charges an annual fee of around $12 for the full premium version. Other popular applications in the same direction are 1Password and Dashlane. However, they have less intuitive platforms, and the full version of the latter tool is more expensive than the other two.

4- A two-factor authentication tool

Even if you use a tool like LastPass, you should keep in mind that no matter how secure your passwords are, they can still be discovered. Therefore, adding a second layer of protection is the best way to prevent intruders and is something very simple to do.

The dual-level security process is better known as two-factor authentication. This basically means that the user needs two passwords, a regular one and a secondary one – a code generated by a device that only they have access to – to access their main accounts, like Google or Dropbox, and a number of financial services and even password manager applications, like the ones we just mentioned. The combination of these two “keys” reduces to very low levels the probability that someone unwanted invades the user’s email or bank account.

A free app called Authy is a great tool to get started. It was designed to be quite intuitive and able to work on virtually any device. Google also has its own authenticator app for Android, however it is less versatile than Authy.

5- Android device management

Another important security tool provided by Android is the one that can remotely find, call, and even lock or delete files on a smartphone, tablet, computer, or any other device.

The tool is called Android Device Manager and is integrated into your smartphone. To confirm activation you need to go to the Google system settings section and select the «Security» option. Within this option you need to access the “Device Administrators” section and activate Android Device Manager.

Once the tool is activated, if the user loses the device, simply open the application or access the Android Device Management site to track the device and ensure its safety.

6- An Android VPN client

This tool isn’t really necessary for all users, but those who frequently access the Internet via public Wi-Fi networks – airports, hotels, or other public spaces, for example – should consider using it. A VPN or virtual private network encrypts all your data and keeps outsiders away from your personal information.

Users can mask their IP address and location through such a tool and thus access sites and services in an area where they would normally be blocked, which can be positive and relevant for some users. A recent example of this occurred with the WhatsApp ban in Brazil, which led to a number of users installing VPN applications on their smartphones. However, this rush to access a VPN caused some security issues, as many users downloaded free and relatively dangerous VPNs.

Android has a few VPN clients available, but the most recommended one is a paid application called SurfEasy. Reliability is the main reason to point to this application, since the company in charge of maintaining the application is the same one that takes care of the maintenance of the Opera browser, in other words, it is a reputable company. Furthermore, the app is very easy to use and offers affordable monthly plans.

7- Advanced digitizing resource for Android applications

Of course, no application from a company specializing in digital security will say that Android has had a native malware scanning system since 2012. In addition to checking applications with potentially malicious code during installation, the operating system can continuously monitor the device during its useful life to ensure that no problems arise.

All you need to do is activate this tool in your system settings or in the application called «Google Settings» on older devices. Next, you need to select the “Security” option and then activate the “Check for security threats on device” option, that is, if it is not already activated. This way, your operating system and software will keep your device protected.

Source:

http://www.infoworld.com/article/3032685/android/7-android-tools-that-can-help-your-personal-security.html