Android Phones - Safe and Secure

With the arrival of Android tablets and smart phones, mobile data security has become more important than ever before. A Gartner report shows that Android now commands more than 52% of the worldwide Smartphone market. Add to this the increasing number of Smartphone apps launched every day, the task of ensuring absolute security has become extremely critical.

However, virus and spy ware attacks have become regular events. The sheer number of outdated and insecure versions and the uncontrolled application deployment capabilities make Androids vulnerable to security hazards. A whopping 56% of the top 20 smart phones fall under this category. 

Security Options:

An Android device has options to set password, numeric PIN, or pattern which prevents unauthorized access to data. It requires a Google e-mail address and a password to unlock a handset that is swiped several times. Companies in the phone-cracking space claim that Android pass-code locks prevent unauthorized intrusions. Pattern-screen locks on Android phones are secure, according to an FBI report.

There are well known security systems available in the Android Market viz., Norton Mobile Security (beta), the AVG Anti-virus and NetQuin, to name a few. Norton helps you to erase the data from your lost phone. It protects your SIM card from misuse, blocks calls and text messages and also scans your phone for malware. The AVG Antivirus Free scans your phone and keeps it malware-free.  The company is planning to come out with features like locking apps and back up data. NetQuin Anti-virus is another dependable system that helps you recover your lost data. It can erase the contents of your lost phone, track it and lock it to prevent any misuse of the instrument alongside crucial user data.

Setting up a hotspot protected with a strong password is another security measure that safeguards your data if you are a frequent traveler. The carrier charges for the use of hotspot are high, but it is worth paying for. Another secured method for storing important files is the use of cloud environment which gives you the freedom from devices. It can carry your data securely, particularly when you are on the move. This can be seen within the field of healthcare where patient data and their medical records constitute a very vital component to the best practices of the industry. Apps like Orra Health currently for the iPhone and soon to be launched for the Android based phones, seeks to do just that. Complete security and convenience anytime, anywhere. 

Rough Patches

Some experts think that these measures alone do not make your Android device secure. There are problems with updates, allege critics like Harry Sverdlove, CTO of Bit9 an analyst firm. “Responsibility of distribution of updates falls on the manufacturer, not on Google,” he says. “Device owners download “apps” onto their smart phones from an uncontrolled application marketplace that is a potential source of malware and that is a big sticking point for Android,” opines another market study.

However these minor roadblocks should not deter you from using an Android based phone. Ensure that you launch the settings app, tap Location and Security and set up your screen lock with security options. Avoid directly installing Android Package files (APKs). Always research the publishers of apps, check app permissions and beware of scams. Read online reviews but do not be misled. Check around and see the reputation of websites before you download anything. Skip an app that asks for more than what it needs to do the job.

Follow these and keep a watchful eye on your device – you will continue to enjoy your Android machine which is on a serious mission to counter them all.