Topics Covered Below:
Install Anti-Virus Software
Download Applications from Reputable Sources
Install Updates for Applications and the Android OS When Available
Don’t Root the Device
Encrypt Sensitive Data, Passwords, and Files
Encryption is the only real way to prevent someone from looking at your data from a stolen or lost phone. First, remove any sensitive data on your phone that you do not need. Next, use encryption applications to fully secure the remaining data on the phone.
Article: How to encrypt your smartphone
Install Anti-Virus Software
Malware and Spyware are becoming more prevalent with the growing popularity of Android smartphones. These applications are designed to steal your data including usernames and passwords, steal your contacts for purposes of spamming, and disrupt your operating experience. The most effective way to prevent malware and spyware is to install anti-virus software on your phone.
List of anti-virus software for the Android
A comparison of Android anti-virus effectiveness against malware (PDF)
Download Applications from Reputable Sources
Many free applications available to Android phones are actually forms of spyware designed to send data about your phone and browsing habits back to the applications author. For example, you may download a free game and in the background while you play, it is sending all of your contact and web browsing history back to the applications author. The author would then sell this information either to criminals or marketing firms (Often the same thing)
Lifehacker Article: How Can I Tell If An Android App is Malware
Install Updates for Applications and the Android OS When Available
An update fixes a known vulnerability that criminals could use against your phone. Download and install updates when they become available. Periodically check for application updates through your phones application manager.
Don’t Root the Device
Rooting your phone is a process that results in gaining super user (root) access to your phones operating system. With root access you are able to use features of the phone that may be locked or disabled, add custom themes and settings, and install software that interfaces directly with the operating system. Rooted phones have the advantage that they are able to use security software such as an Android firewall and ad blocking applications that would normally be unavailable to the user.
The downside of rooting the phone is many. If the process of rooting the phone is not done correctly it could permanently make the phone unusable. Any malware would have direct access to the phones operating system bypassing all the safety measures that are in place. Firmware and software updates from the wireless carrier may not be able to be installed leaving your phone vulnerable to new attacks and unable to take advantage of upgrades that benefit your phone service.
For the average user NU IT Security suggests that you do not root the phone.
Related Information
