<div>One of the most important things in your life today is probably your smartphone and with the increase in the number of smartphone users, there has also been a hike in smartphone theft and security vulnerability. If you own an Android device then there are some measures that you can take to make sure it doesn’t fall in the wrong hands. </div><div> </div><div><strong>Setting up a secure lockscreen:</strong> Android offers a bunch of ways to have a secured lockscreen with options to setup a PIN, pattern, password or even your own face. Devices with Android 5.0 also include a feature called Smart Lock where you can set a secure location automatically unlock your device. </div><div> </div><div><strong>Enable Android Device Manager:</strong> Thanks to the inbuilt GPS, one can easily locate his/her Android device in case it goes missing. Once you have enabled the ‘Android Device Manager’ feature on the device, you can simply sign in with your Google account on any browser and remotely locate your device and even remote lock and/or erase your phone’s content. </div><div> </div><div><strong>Backing up your data</strong>: Backing up your data and apps is a good habit as it helps you recover everything in but also helps you to manage your device storage in a better way. Most of the Android based devices come with a built in backup feature or one can install a third party to backup apps, media and data.</div><div> </div><div><strong>Avoid connecting to unsecure networks</strong>: There might be certain places that offer free Wi-Fi without a security key. While there is no harm in connecting to these networks, there is a chance that these unsecured wireless networks might be sending out information from your device to malicious users. </div><div> </div><div><strong>Install apps from trusted sources: </strong>While most of the apps on the Play Store are safe, there are certain apps that can be a major threat to your device’s security. When installing an app, it asks for certain permissions, make sure you go through them as it might ask for access to your personal information. If you are installing an app from an unknown source, consider the following:</div><div> </div><ul><li>Is the app from a trusted source? What made you sure it's from a trusted brand?</li><li>Does it offer a service that could include hidden fees?</li><li>Is it asking for sensitive information or device permissions you wouldn’t give to a stranger?</li></ul><div> </div><div>Be aware of ads: Most of the free apps, and many websites have ads that seem safe or tell you that your phone is at risk, or infected. Do not click them or try to open them. These ads could ask for personal information or even download malicious apps to your device.</div>
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