Once upon a time, PC users were the only ones who had to worry about being hacked, getting infected with malware, and anything in between.
But, nowadays, nothing is safe. Smartphones, tablets, laptops, everything is in danger. Maybe even more than desktops as mobile devices can also get stolen.
Let’s go through a small tutorial which will help you protect your Android and Windows devices.
How to Protect Android/iOS Devices
All in all, here are the steps that you need to follow to protect Android/iOS Devices:
- Don’t root/jailbreak your device
- Only install apps from the app store
- Use an Antivirus
- Ensure that your device is safe from physical access
#1 Don’t Root/Jailbreak your Device
Getting root access gives you full over control over a gadget. No restrictions whatsoever. However, this also lessens your overall security level.
Having full root access means that any app, at any given time, can do as it pleases with your OS.
Yes, true. Every time that an app requires root access, it asks permission from you first. But, the exact same thing applies to Windows with admin privileges and it holds the record for the most malware infections.
Root access is an extra security hole. Don’t root or jailbreak your device unless it’s necessary.
#2 Only Install Apps from the App Store
3rd party apps are tempting. Free apps which normally ask for a price, naughty little things which are banned from the app store, there are all sorts of stuff to discover on the net.
However, there also numerous malicious programs. By installing any 3rd party program, you’re running the risk of infecting your device. That’s why it’s recommended to only install apps from the official app store.
Speaking of which, there are a few malicious apps on the Play Store of Google too. Mostly adware so, do keep an eye out for fake apps there.
#3 Use an Antivirus
While Android and especially iOS devices are not as susceptible to malware as Windows devices, there is always a chance that you’ll get infected. So, why take the chance?
There are numerous Antivirus programs in the store that do not slow down the device. Unless you have an old one.
I tried AVG and Avast. Had a pleasant experience with both of them so do try them out.
#4 Ensure that your Device is Safe from Physical Access.
A malware infection is something that happens remotely. As mentioned above, there are steps which you can take to prevent that.
However, what if someone manages to get his hands on your device? Well, the first thing that you can do is use strong passwords.
True, people can simply reset your device to get access to it. However, that will also delete all of your device’s data in the process.
If you have a micro SD card, then your stored data will remain there, but there’s a workaround for that.
In the case that you have an Android device, you can track its location and delete all of its data, including those on the SD card, by simply using your Google account.
iOS users can do the same by using iCloud.
How to Protect Windows Devices
Windows devices need a lot of caution. The basic security measures include to:
- Use a security configuration
- Use your head
- Stay away from freeware
- Ensure that your device is safe from physical access
#1 Use a Security Configuration
Security programs on Windows are not just recommended, they are required. The ideal security configuration is using the combination of an Antivirus and an Anti-Malware.
Yes, using two security programs is normally not good. However, that only goes for using two Antivirus programs or two Anti-Malware programs at once.
Having one Antivirus and one Anti-Malware is fine. As for which ones to choose, it comes down to personal preference and needs.
MalwareFox and Windows Defender is an effective and cheap starter pack. You might want to replace Windows Defender with a paid Antivirus depending on your situation.
#2 Use your Head
If you’re going to be chasing after malware, then no amount of protection will suffice to keep you safe.
Stay away from suspicious looking stuff. Don’t follow the instructions of a random stranger or popup. In overall, use your head to at least avoid the common traps of the internet.
#3 Stay Away from Freeware
At least from non-legitimate freeware. It’s the easiest way to get infected with malware. Mostly things like browser hijackers, adware, and spyware.
#4 Ensure that your Device is Safe from Physical Access
It’s the same thing with Android and iOS devices. With the big exception that tracking programs are not provided by most manufacturers.
To solve this, you can easily buy 3rd party tracking programs from the internet. A free program might be available too.
However, as mentioned above, installing freeware is not recommended unless you know for a fact that you’re dealing with something legitimate.
