Table of contents:
- Keep your mobile updated
- Avoid open WiFis
- Download official and trusted applications
- Check that you have Google Play Protect activated
- Lock your mobile
- Use an antivirus
One of the main fears that telephony users have is that our mobile phone is hacked or that our privacy is invaded. This fear is normal considering that the mobile phone has become one of our inseparable companions in life. In it we keep confidential data, private conversations, important files, we can even have our credit card number stored, a delicious delicacy for any type of cybercriminal.
Taking all this into account, and the danger that our private information may pose to others, it is necessary to put a series of measures into practice and apply them. From having a good antivirus installed on your mobile, avoiding using open WiFi networks or having the latest security updates installed. There are things that we cannot ignore so that our phone is as safe as possible.
Keep your mobile updated
Keeping your mobile up to date with the latest security updates is essential if you want to prevent your mobile from being hacked. The different telephone manufacturers are periodically releasing firmware updates in order to correct critical bugs and vulnerabilities. Therefore, you have to be very attentive to the screen of your device in case you receive a pop-up message advising you of a new update. In that case, don't waste time and install it as soon as possible. If you see that weeks pass and you do not receive any yourself, you can check it from the settings, system updates section.
Avoid open WiFis
Open WiFis networks are a gateway to all kinds of hackers and cybercriminals hunting for data theft, so whenever we can it is better to avoid them. With open WiFis we refer to all those that we access for free in shopping centers, hotels, hospitals, restaurants… The problem is that when we enter them we usually check email, social networks, our bank account…, leaving it to our I pass a trail of very valuable information to potential attackers.
In fact, when using open WiFi we are exposed to different attacks that aim to steal our passwords and identity. This is the case of the Man in the Middle attack, in which the hacker manages to "sneak" into the communication system between our terminal and the other end of these data transfers. In this way, it manages to take over all the data transmitted between both ends. On the other hand, these public networks are the perfect channel for hackers to infiltrate them and use them as a means to infect our phones with malware.
And what can you do if you have no choice but to use an open WiFi network? In that case, we recommend that you make use of virtual private networks or VPN. Here you can check out some of the best VPN apps for Android. Install one before connecting.
Download official and trusted applications
Google Play is full of malicious applications with hidden malware, which puts the security and privacy of our device at risk. Some show ads in an intrusive way, others install tools in the terminal with the aim of tricking us into getting our data or confidential information. To avoid falling into the trap and installing a fraudulent app, it is best to first check the ratings of other users and the note. See how full the stars are and how many users have downloaded the app. Also, look at the comments and what is said about the app in them.
Check that you have Google Play Protect activated
If you have an Android mobile, Google Play Protect can be the best ally to protect your mobile. It is the official Google antivirus, activated as standard on all computers governed by the system. This tool automatically analyzes your terminal to see if any malicious app has been sneaked in. To all this, without affecting the performance of the mobile, since the analysis does it when it is not being used and it is connected to the charger.
As we say, the normal thing is that it comes activated as standard, although much better if you check it yourself. For it:
- Open the Google Play Store
- Enter the Play Protect section
- Check that scanning is activated
Lock your mobile
To keep the privacy of your device at bay, use the lock system by entering an access password or using additional systems, such as the fingerprint reader or facial recognition. Although they may seem a bit heavy when it comes to having to use them every time you access the terminal or use applications, this will protect your equipment in case of loss or theft. Similarly, we recommend that you make use of two-step authentication (also known as two-step verification or 2FA), which provides an additional layer to protect your phone from hackers.
Once activated, it will be necessary to access our user accounts using two information systems: our password and our mobile. In this Two Factor Auth List you can see which web pages are compatible with two-step authentication.
Use an antivirus
Installing an antivirus application is another of our recommendations to protect your terminal from malware and keep it safe from cybercriminals. In the app stores there are quite a few options to choose from. We can recommend, for example, Avast! Mobile Security & Antivirus or ESET Mobile Security & Antivirus. G Data Internet Security for Android includes a unique technology that examines app permissions, so it is also a good option to consider.
