7 Security Tips When Surfing the Internet on Android

Many of us now use the internet for entertainment, social networking, business, and many more. Many free applications are helpful, but there’s a possibility that it’s not as secure as you thought they would be.

Not reading the terms and conditions of the applications you’re using and just mindlessly clicking on websites can put your security at risk. It only proves that digital security becomes more important each year as many applications and websites are sold, can change their direction, or can even become compromised due to a flaw.

There are plenty of ways to improve your security! You may even want to check this guide on how to block a website on Android, as it will surely be handy when avoiding pesky and unwanted sites. Nonetheless, we looked into more tips on stepping up our data privacy and security steps–so you can use your phone without worry. Let’s get started!

1.  Create Unique Passwords

You are putting your security at risk when you are connected to public Wi-Fi when surfing the internet—even using your Wi-Fi. It is the easiest way for hackers to gain access to your accounts.

The best way to do this is to use a unique password–that consists of random strings of characters–for every single account you create and use. Steer away from using personal details when creating your passwords. You can also try using password generators to create a solid and unique password for you within seconds.

Try not to use a single password for every account. Remembering can be challenging, but it is best to note your usernames and passwords. This suggestion leads us to our following advice.

2.  Try Using a Password Manager

Password manager applications help secure your passwords in an encrypted and password-protected app. They could also generate and remember unique passwords that make it easy for you when you need to create an account. Although applications like Samsung and Google applications will always offer to save your passwords on your device, it is best to opt for a password manager to assure you that your details will not be leaked and secured.

3.  Use a VPN When Connected to a Public Wi-Fi

Using your phone or laptop to connect to public Wi-Fi automatically risks your data privacy and security. Hackers can easily access your device and everything that is saved within it if you keep using public Wi-Fi unprotected.

Virtual Private Networks can secure your device by protecting your data from being accessible to these hackers. They permit you access to a wide variety of content on the internet by avoiding filtering, masking your data transmissions, and removing censorship on the internet.

Many VPN applications are free, but you must check if their companies are trustworthy and well-known. It is essential to read the service agreement thoroughly to know which may collect data from your accounts and devices and where they will store it.

4.  Restrict Your Social Media Exposure

The more information you share on the internet, the more vulnerable your accounts—and you, can be. Putting everything out on social media, like your car’s license plate, pictures of your house, going to places you usually go, and many more, can be a risk for your account, identity, and even yourself.

Applications are thorough when it comes to target advertising. Many companies would observe accounts to construct a shadow profile that would detail specific information about you, such as your likes, dislikes, beliefs, political leanings, and many more.

Using the information collected on your device, they mine all that data to curate advertisements shown on your devices. Websites and applications like Facebook would even track where you are and listen through the microphones of your devices to collect all this data.

5.  Keep Your Software Up to Date

It is highly critical for you to update your devices’ operating systems when it comes to keeping your data safe. Trends come, evolve, and go fast on the internet. So are the methods that criminals use to steal your data.

Updating your devices keeps you ahead of hackers and any dangers suddenly surfacing across the internet. Updating your software can take time, but it is worth the patience.

You also have an option to adjust your settings on your phone to let it automatically update when it is not in use. Nowadays, we have to take these extra measures to reduce our risk of security breaches.

6.  Be Wary of App Permissions

An application requesting access to data irrelevant to its function is a great reason to be suspicious. Most experts advise double-checking application permissions.

Many applications would request access to your contacts, location, and control over your microphone and camera, even though they have no use for that app.

You can customize these in your settings, whether to automatically turn it on all the time or if you only want specific features of your phone accessed when the app is in use.

Other than that, it would help if you also observed your device’s behavior after downloading the apps. Applications that constantly run in the background can drastically affect your battery’s quality.

Those malicious applications are already collecting your data as it runs in the background. It might be better to delete it instead of keeping it.

7.  Install an Antivirus App

Antivirus does not only protect your devices from viruses and many kinds of malware. Often, viruses and malware can collect your personal information, encrypt your files, and then demand you pay to restore them. Some viruses and malware would let your computer engage in spam, denial-of-service attacks, and other things the bot is programmed to do to destroy your computer.

While you can let your antivirus run in the background of your device, it is better to check it from time to time. Antiviruses would notify you if a website or an application can put your data at risk. You can easily follow the instructions provided in the antivirus to prevent any form of breach. Many antivirus programs would suit your needs. Most of these are free and accessible–making your journey to safe and secure internet surfing easier.

Conclusion

Privacy protection and cybersecurity should be considered by users as interconnected as we use the internet more for different aspects of our lives. Improving the effectiveness of your device’s cybersecurity would protect you from many attacks, such as data breaches, spying, ransomware attacks, and many more.

Most of our suggestions are free, accessible, and easy to set up. You can easily find and research applications that would help strengthen your device’s cybersecurity to lessen the risks. At this point, there’s not enough reason not to do these measures for your overall safety. If you want to learn more tips and updates about gaming, mobile, social media, and more, you can stay tuned at CellularNews.com.