Suggestions for you to keep your Android device secure

Keep your device updated

Ignoring a update for Android devices will put your device(s) at risk of various security threats. Updates will often address malware and/or bugs that have been discovered by attacks on vulnerabilities in older versions of the software. We highly encourage keeping your smartphone updated regularly.

Use screen locks and PINs

By enabling a screen lock, you can help prevent access to your device if it ends up in someone else's hands. Hackers have become quite proficient in hacking passwords, however, PINs (Personal Identification Numbers) are more difficult to crack, or guess. Many devices now come with biometric means of accessing your device as well i.e. fingerprint sensors, facial recognition, etc. These are essentially impossible for hackers to get past!

Use Multi Factor Authentication (MFA)

Many websites and online portals offer an additional level of protection through Multi Factor Authentication (MFA) or Two Factor Authentication (2FA). By enabling this level of protection, you will be asked to verify your identity by an additional authentication. For example, you may have already logged in with your username and password, but the additional authentication can include entering a text or email code to proceed. Even if a hacker has figured out your username and password, they won't have access to your additional authentication means (your text messages, emails, etc.)

To enable MFA/2FA on your Android:

1. Open your Android device’s Settings. Then go to Google, and then Google Account.
2. Tap Security (available at the top in most of the Android devices).
3. Locate “Signing in to Google,” and then tap 2FA (it more likely will be labeled as 2-Step Verification).
4. Tap the Get started button.
5. Follow the final steps you see on the screen.

Only download software from the Google Play Store

Steer clear of apps advertised on websites and third-party app stores as these are common ways hackers will get malware and viruses to your device(s). And to be perfectly clear, not all apps on the Google Play store are safe. Here are some tips for downloading apps:

Read all the app permissions carefully - what does it need to access?
Is the app full of ads? Most genuine developers design apps to be helpful, not full of click bait.
What is it rated? Low ratings generally come from unhappy users for some reason or another. Check out the comments from other users.
Ask Google! Try a search for "is (app name) safe?"

Connect to Secured Wi-Fi only

Try to avoid free Wi-Fi networks as a lack of security will allow anyone on to the network. If the network requires a password that is not publicly posted (like on a wall sign, menu, etc.) it is less likely you will encounter a hacker. Exercise caution when connecting via Bluetooth in public places as well.

Use a VPN

Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) add an additional level of protection for you by using encrypted code while you are online.

Use Anti-Virus software

Google Play Protect will often help with typical malware, but, using an anti-virus software can add an additional layer of protection for your Android.

Enable the Find My Device option

Your phone contains a lot of your personal information to include contacts, possibly saved passwords, photos, etc. If your device ends up in someone else's hands, you will be able to track its location by enabling the Find My Device option. Here is how:

Go to Settings.
Then scroll down and click on Google.
Next, scroll down and tap on Security.
Now, click Find My Device and then tap the appearing slider until it turns to the On position.