Five Ways to Make Your Android Device More Secure

Android is one of the most common open sourced mobile operating system. Having an open source platform has its fair share of advantages and disadvantages. The major advantages of having an Android operating system are its deep integration with third-party application developers and its compatibility with built-in programs. Not only that, Android is highly customizable, so you can tweak it to better suit your needs.

Although Android as an operating system is very secure; with its multiple layers of protection to keep malware at bay, and its permission requirement when making any changes to avoid having your data and system compromised. However, Android's openness can also lead to its greatest disadvantage. It lacks organization and becomes vulnerable to viruses and malicious software if users give away a lot of permissions and root their devices. If the user is not careful, Android will be able to expose you to all kinds of cyber dangers. But, Android users need not fret. Here are five things you can do to make your Android device more secure.

1. Use a Secure Lock Screen

This is probably the most basic and most important thing you need to do in order to secure your Android device. Setting a passcode is the first line of defense for your security, whether it is to keep your device from prying eyes or to prevent your kids from tinkering on it. Having a secure lock screen will ensure that the data stored on your Android device won't be easily accessed should your device end up in the wrong hands.

Pattern unlocks and PIN codes are some of the most secure. Make sure you set a full alphanumeric passcode if possible, and if you can manage it, regularly change your passcode.

2. Install Mobile Security Apps

Like your computers, your Android devices, such as smartphones and tablets, need to be protected from viruses and malware. Remember — it is better to err on the side of caution. If you can find a mobile security app that can protect you from all types viruses and malware, the better. Most Android mobile security tools do more than just scan your devices for malicious apps. They can detect potential phishing websites and provide information on the kind of permissions apps are requesting. Some even have built-in anti-theft features, allowing you to remotely lock your phone, track its location via GPS, and most of all, remotely wipe all your data from the Android device.

3. Encrypt Your Android Device

Most users store sensitive information on their smartphones and tablets. Encrypting your sensitive information is one of the best ways to keep your data from unauthorized individuals. Once your data is encrypted, it will be stored in a "scrambled" format and will only be decrypted when you input a code or a password.

But before you decide on encrypting your data, keep in mind that doing so will hinder your system's performance as well as cause a slight lag. Furthermore, it will require you to restore your Android device to factory settings in order to get rid of the encryption, which in effect can cause you to lose all your data altogether.

To encrypt your data, simply go to Settings > Security > check Enable Encryption.

4. Do Not Allow Apps from Unknown Sources

Do not install apps or allow permission from apps of unknown sources, unless your device is rooted or are sideloading apps to it. Apps from unknown or untrusted sources are not found on the Android market, like the Google Play Store. These apps tend to be less secure and might carry malicious code.

The same goes for links in an unsolicited email or SMS, even those apps that prompts you to download a separate app. Make sure to always read reviews of the apps before installing them. Do not forget to read the permissions the app is requesting. If any permission seem odd, it is best not to install the app.

5. Turn Off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth When Not in Use

Aside from improving your battery life, turning off your Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connections when they are not in use will help you secure your Android device. Unsecured hotspots and Bluetooth connection are often times used as gateway to access data and profile information from your device. Anyway, you can always turn on Wi-Fi and Bluetooth if you need to and it will only take seconds to do so.