Android devices are incredibly popular worldwide, both as smartphones and tablets. While they come with all the latest and greatest security features whenever they receive updates, every device and platform has its flaws and loopholes that hackers take advantage of. 

With hackers using tools like spyware or different types of trojanware or ransomware, it becomes all the more essential for every smartphone user to keep their devices secure at all times. There are several ways to keep your devices secure from harmful hidden Android spyware, and this guide will give you the best solutions. Read on to find out more. 

The Best Ways to Keep Your Android Device Secure 

While Android has built-in system security features, these are not foolproof. Be sure to set up antivirus protection on your phone and follow safe online practices. Don’t download email attachments from people you don’t know, and don’t fall for phishing scams. Android is very susceptible to malware, so take steps to protect yourself and your device.

Be on the Lookout for Malware 

The first thing to do is to disable mobile malware. Mobile malware often disguises itself as a regular app. Uninstalling the app may not be enough to remove it completely. The malware may also have compromised your Google account, so you must re-gain access to it. The best way to detect these forms of malware is by using an anti-malware program. Once you regain access, you can disable malicious changes to your device. This way, you can keep your phone safe and avoid unwanted calls. If you can’t do this, you may need to resort to resetting your device.

Install Antivirus Software

Another way to protect your Android device is to install good antivirus software. Antivirus software on Android will scan the device and block any unwanted malware or pop-ups. Using a browser extension or a mobile browser can help block these annoying ads. If your phone suddenly starts to drain your battery faster than usual, then you may have an Android malware infection.

Don’t Install Unreliable Apps From Unknown Sources. 

Always review the permission list for apps before installing them on your phone. This list lets you know which parts of your phone or tablet the app wants access to. Look for the app’s privacy policy to see how the developer plans to use this information. App developers may sell your information to third-party marketers. Check your installed apps and remove any with too many permissions. Open the main Settings app and then tap on Apps.

Set up On-Device Encryption 

In addition to the standard locking methods, Android users can also set up on-device encryption. This type of encryption makes your device unreadable when not in use. Besides this, you can also use passwords, PINs, facial recognition, and fingerprints to protect your data. Lastly, install a security app such as Play Protect, which scans new apps and ensures they don’t contain viruses.

Use an AdBlocker While Browsing the Web 

Another way to protect your Android device from unwanted software is to secure the web browser. Many browsers have built-in protection against trackers, but browser extensions are available to shield your device from these unwanted programs. Firefox has a built-in tracker-blocking feature, and uBlock Origin can block malware domains and ads. By doing this, you can ensure that your data is protected online and that no one can spy on your personal information.

Set Up a PIN to Protect Your Device

Setting a lock screen on your Android device is one of the easiest ways to improve your security. Many Android users don’t lock their devices, exposing valuable information and photos to unwanted users. You must make sure the lock screen is locked when you’re not using it. The last thing you want is someone to steal your device and use it to spy on you. As with any device, security is about taking precautions and making smart decisions.

Use a VPN When Using Public Wi-Fi Networks 

Be careful when you connect to Wi-Fi networks that you don’t recognize. While your device may be vulnerable to malware, it could also be hacked if you visit unsecured websites without antivirus protection. Make sure to use a VPN and antivirus protection on your phone. Also, be aware of potential vulnerabilities in your web browser. Android is no exception. You must update your operating system regularly to protect your device. This way, you can avoid unwanted spyware and malware.

Make Full Use of Google Play Protect 

You can use Google Play Protect to scan apps on your device for malware. This feature scans every app in the Google Play store daily and eliminates the ones that contain malware. You can also manually turn on the protection feature if you prefer. However, your Android phone should have this enabled by default. If you don’t want to install the app manually, you can download it directly from Google Play. When downloading apps, you’ll be prompted with a warning message.

In Conclusion 

As you’ve understood by now, there are several ways in which you can protect your Android device to keep it safe from any kind of cyberattack. This includes attacks from ransomware, or from spyware. As a result, it becomes essential that you understand what these malicious programs are capable of and how they can extract your data without your consent. Cybersecurity is not to be taken lightly in 2022, and this guide will help you keep your device secure at all times.