The Daily Bulletin Archive

PCWorld has published a great guide, "How to secure, protect, and completely lock down your Android phone." The article does use the names of the various operating systems that Android has released, but don’t let that put you off. The instructions and the context of the instructions are extremely useful. Let’s look at a few:

1. Always download apps from the Google Play store. The Google Play store has a built-in malware scanner. If you download your apps from websites, you lose this protective feature.
2. Use a screen-locking method (pattern pin or password). This ensures that the data on your phone is encrypted while it’s locked.
3. Install Find My Device (from the Google Play store). If your phone is lost or stolen, you can track it, lock it, and erase it remotely (from wherever you are).
4. Always update your phone. If your phone has an OS update, or if individual apps have updates, allow them to install.
5. Prevent unknown downloads using the special app access settings.
6. Uninstall apps you don’t use.
7. Check app permissions and be selective.
8. Disable Smart Lock for passwords and auto sign-in. Download a password manager and be responsible for your passwords.

Get more tips and learn how to do all of the above by reading the PCWorld article.