Securing a Smartphone is as important as securing your PC, or perhaps more important, as most of our personal information is now on our Smartphones. If you have a Android phone, then here are 10 ways to secure your Smartphone. These Smartphone security tips will keep all malicious activities at bay

1. 8
Steps to
Smartphone
Security
for Android

2. Securing a Smartphone is as important as securing your PC, or
perhaps more important, as most of our personal information is
now on our Smartphones. If you have a Android phone, then here
are 10 ways to secure your Smartphone. These Smartphone
security tips will keep all malicious activities at bay.
1.Set PINs and passwords
To avoid unauthorized access to your android phone, set a
password or Personal Identification Number (PIN) on your
phone’s home screen, as a first line of defense. You should also
configure your phone to automatically lock after 5 minutes or
when your phone is idle. Activate the SIM password capability
that is now available on almost all android Smartphones.
2. Do not modify security settings
It is not the best practice to alter security settings as per your
convenience in your android Smartphone. Tampering with your
phone’s factory settings, jail-breaking or even rooting your android
phone will undermine its security features, making it vulnerable to
attacks.
3. Backup and secure your data
It is important that you backup all data that is stored on your
phone like contacts, documents and even photos. These files can
be stored on your computer, or on a detachable storage card or
even in the cloud. By taking this backup, you will be able to
conveniently restore information to your phone if there is any
software problem or your phone is damaged.
4. App installation
Apps make us all very excited. But it is extremely important that
you download apps only from trusted app stores or sources. You
should also do some research to make sure that the app is

3. legitimate. Check reviews, see from what app store are you
purchasing the app and compare the app sponsor’s official
website with the app store link to check consistency. Downloading
apps from untrusted websites can contain malware. Once
installed it can steal your personal data, corrupt files and install
viruses. Be very careful in granting access to personal information
via apps.
Along with this, also install android security apps that enable
remote location and wiping. Your android has the capability of
being tracked from a remote location. You can even erase all the
data stored on your android phone in case it is misplaced or
stolen.
5. Accept updates and patches to your android software
Just as we require software updates in our PC, we also need to
enable automatic updates on our android Smartphone. By
keeping your OS current, you reduce the risk of exposure to
different cyber threats.
6. Be careful of Wi-Fi networks
Accessing a public Wi-Fi network can prove to be a potential
threat to your android Smartphone. It is better that you limit your
usage of public hotspots and only avail Wi-Fi from a reliable
network operator. Be very cautious if you are asked to enter
account or log in information.
7. Wipe your android clean
If you are planning to donate, resell or recycle your android
phone, then remember to wipe data clean before doing that. Your
android phone has your personal data and you definitely don’t
want it to get into unknown hands. To protect privacy, best to
erase data off your smartphone and then reset your android to
factory settings.

4. 8. Report a stolen smartphone
Most major wireless service providers, along with FCC have
created a stolen phone database. If your android is stolen then
you should report the theft to your local law enforcement
authorities and then register the stolen android phone with your
wireless provider. This will create an alert and will allow remote
‘bricking’ of the phone, so that it can’t be activated on any
wireless network without your permission.
With a bit of caution from your side, you can keep your android
smartphone safe and secure.