Android is great, we know that. But, like all mobile platforms, it’s not perfect. Android, just like iOS, is susceptible to hackers. Even though the internal mechanics of the platform and your mobile device keep the majority of threats at bay, some things can slip through the net. There are various types of Android attacks you don’t necessarily need to think about every day, but it’s worth being mindful of them. The main types of Android attack to be aware of are:
- Malware DroidDream attacks
- Drive-by and phishing privacy attacks
- GMS and Wi-Fi communication attacks
- DOS attacks
- Data stealing, data injections, and pay-per-click scams
- Smudge attacks (stealing passwords via touch screens)
- Adware plugin attacks via links sent via SMS, email and other methods
The best security Android apps
Those are some of the ways cybercriminals will try to hack your Android device and steal sensitive information. As we’ve said, a lot of the main threats are kept at bay if you’re running the latest version of Android. However, there’s no reason why you can’t step up your security with some third-party apps. With this in mind, here are five of the best security apps for Android devices:
1. Bitdefender
This mobile security program is available as a free app but, if you want the best protection, you can pay for an annual subscription (£9.99). You need to be running 5.0 Lollipop or better for the app to work. Assuming that’s the case, you get malware protection, a malicious website blocker, Wi-Fi scanning, and security alerts. As well as the software being fairly lightweight, you can use Bitdefender on mobile, tablets and the Android Wear watch.
2. 1Password
Hackers want your data, and one of the main things they’ll try to steal is your passwords. Passwords are literally the key to your cloud, your bank accounts, emails and a whole lot more. Therefore, if someone gets into your device, it’s important to have a second line of defence. That’s where password managers come into play. These apps allow you to store your passwords in one place for easy access. As well as storage, apps such as 1Password, which is rated as the top password manager for Android, will encrypt your passwords and generate new ones (if you need them).
3. Where’s My Droid
We often think about all the possible ways a criminal could hack into our mobile digitally and forget that physical theft is also a threat. GPS tracking technology has made it relatively easy to locate your device if it remains active. There are plenty of Android tracking apps on the market right now, including Where’s My Droid. This app allows you to log in via another device and locate your mobile. It also senses potential theft attempts, takes pictures of the thief and activates certain features based on the device’s location. You can even lock your Android remotely.
4. Prey
Similar to Where’s My Droid, Prey is used by over 7 million people around the world. You can activate this Android app if your device has been stolen by texting “GO PREY” to your own mobile via another. This triggers the GPS tracker and also turns on the cameras so they can automatically take pictures at set intervals. You can also lock your device remotely and set off an alarm so it draws unwanted attention to the thief.
5. Orbot
Routing your internet connection through an IP address can be a great way to keep you safe from cybercriminals. Indeed, by not showing your true location (which someone can determine via an IP address), you give yourself a degree of anonymity online. Orbot is one of the best apps for this. It’s a virtual private network (VPN) that’s part of the TOR project. TOR (The Onion Router) is a sophisticated router that filters internet traffic through a series of random nodes which makes tracking someone’s online activity virtually impossible. Orbot is built on TOR’s foundations, making it the ideal Android app for anyone wanting to surf the internet anonymously.
Always Be Vigilant
The security Android apps we’ve listed will all help keep you safe. However, there’s no substitute for vigilance. Sometimes, there’s nothing you can do to stop hackers getting into your device. Other times a combination of technology, proactive monitoring and the right choices will keep you safe. Be aware of the scams in circulation at any given time. If a random number sends you a link, don’t click it. If a website looks suspicious, stop using it. As long as you’re careful, use your device responsibly and make use of the latest security apps, your Android will be extremely secure.
2023-04-28 15:06:36