In a technology-driven world, the opportunities for accessibility and connectivity are enhancing every day.
Technology and its advancements benefit billions of people and businesses every day. However, it is also putting the privacy of millions at risk every day.
The android devices used worldwide record everywhere you go and may have access to your digital communication and internet history. It may be impossible to get your phone completely off the grid, but some intelligent decisions can make a change.
Many factors can put your privacy at risk. Ranging from granting permissions to allowing accessibility, most people do not realize that their privacy has been violated until it is too late. Ultimately, it comes down to finding the right balance of privacy and function.
Here are a few tips to help secure your privacy if you are an android user.
1. Two Factor Authentication
Your data is always at risk of getting into the wrong hands. That is why experts recommend that one layer of security may not be enough for your android device.
The second layer of security, such as two-factor authentication, can provide your data with an added layer of security.
With two-factor authentication, you can be confident that if your account is ever logged in on any unfamiliar device, it will require a secondary code. This practice prevents your data from being breached or hacked without your knowledge.
When you link your Google account to your android phone, you will get a notification every time your account is logged in somewhere. You can allow or deny the accessibility requests with just a tap.
2. Hide Sensitive Information
Cell phones can be misplaced, stolen, and accessed by irrelevant people. If your device ends up in the wrong hands, your sensitive information can be at risk. You may ask yourself how to hide apps android or save your sensitive data from being stolen.
The answer is that you must start small to protect your privacy. Most Android devices show the content of notifications on lock screens. If someone accesses this sensitive content, they will not even need your password to access your sensitive information.
It can create a lot of problems for you. Therefore, you should prioritize changing your privacy and security settings to show only limited information on the lock screen. This way, you will know that you have a notification without risking sensitive information.
3. Delete the Unused Apps
Every app you install in your android device asks for permissions such as access to media, camera, location, and microphone. These permissions create an open window to your sensitive data. These windows need to be kept limited to secure your data.
It is best to create a routine of checking your phone for unused apps from time to time and deleting them. This practice will free up space in your phone, make it faster and secure your sensitive data from invading apps.
Press and hold the unused apps, wait for the drop-down menu to show, and click the Uninstall button. If the uninstalled option does not show for some apps, it may be because they are there by default. You can disable these apps to limit their access to your device.
4. Enable the ‘Find My Device’ Feature
As mentioned earlier, phones are small devices that can be misplaced and stolen. That is why phone owners must always be prepared for the worst. Every android phone has a “Find My Device” option that can enable users to access its location.
In most cases, users can retrieve their phones by following the location. However, if that does not happen, the owner can at least remotely wipe their sensitive data and information from the misplaced device to ensure that it is not misused.
5. Use a VPN
As the cases of cybercrime and identity theft are increasing worldwide, the chatter about VPNs is also growing. A VPN keeps your data encrypted and private. Otherwise, someone with little hacking know-how can access your connection and information.
A reliable VPN can secure your sensitive data and protect your identity even if you use shared Wi-Fi. Among many other benefits of VPN, you can access vast data sources worldwide from the comfort of your home.
