Android security
Android security
We bring you a step-by-step guide to help you set up security features on your Android operating system to protect your device and privacy. With our recommendations, you'll gain control over your digital security and privacy without the hassle or need to purchase additional software.
The instructions are applicable to devices running Android 13 (and later). Some steps may not apply to older versions of the operating system. Some Android devices from different manufacturers may have slightly different settings locations.
1. Turn off Location History
Turning off Location History on Android has several benefits, such as improving privacy, security, and limiting user tracking by Google and other apps. This measure also prevents unwanted tracking and misuse of personal data.
Settings → Google → Manage Google Account → Data & Privacy → History Settings (section) → Location History → Turn off
2. Turn off your web activity history
Turning off your web activity history prevents your online activity from being tracked and misused, reducing the risk of data leaks and attacks. It also improves your online security by minimizing the amount of data and information stored about you.
Settings → Google → Manage Google Account → Data & Privacy → History Settings (section) → Web & App Activity → Turn off
3. Two-factor authentication for Google Account
Two-factor authentication (2FA) for Android Google Account increases security by requiring two factors to verify the user's identity, such as a password and an app-generated code. This system provides protection against hacking, phishing, and other types of attacks. Overall, it provides an additional layer of protection and increases the security of your Google Account.
Settings → Google → Manage Google Account → Security → Two-step verification → Sign in to Google Account → Select your mobile device → Continue → Enter your phone number (if prompted) → Next → Enter the code → Turn on
4. Screen lock settings
Two-factor authentication (2FA) for Android Google Account increases security by requiring two factors to verify the user's identity, such as a password and an app-generated code. This system provides protection against hacking, phishing, and other types of attacks. Overall, it provides an additional layer of protection and increases the security of your Google Account.
Settings → Google → Manage Google Account → Security → Two-step verification → Sign in to Google Account → Select your mobile device → Continue → Enter your phone number (if prompted) → Next → Enter the code Turn on
5. App Permission Control (including Accessibility Services)
App Permission Control on Android improves user security and privacy, protects personal data, prevents unauthorized access to features such as camera, microphone, SMS, and location, prevents malware attacks, and ensures that an app only has access to necessary parts of the device. Users should regularly review app permissions and limit their access to unnecessary features. Therefore, we recommend that users grant camera, microphone, SMS, and location permissions only to apps they trust.
Settings → Apps → All Apps → Select an app → Permissions
Niektoré aplikácie na Android majú špeciálny prístup, ako je zobrazenie cez iné aplikácie or úpravy nastavenia systému. Je dôležité byť opatrný pri poskytovaní týchto povolení, pretože môžu predstavovať riziko pre bezpečnosť a súkromie používateľa.
Nastavenia → Aplikácie → Špeciálny prístup aplikácii
Accessibility app permissions allow apps to access content and control your device using gestures and voice commands. These permissions are intended to help users with disabilities or temporary limitations interact with your device. However, some apps can abuse these permissions to gain control over your device and compromise your privacy and security. Therefore, it is important to review the permissions of apps you don't trust and only download apps from trusted sources.
You can check which apps have access to accessibility services in Settings → Accessibility
6. Change DNS to Cloudflare
When you set up DNS to Cloudflare for Android, you can get enhanced security and privacy by blocking access to dangerous websites, protecting against phishing, and other online threats. Cloudflare DNS has a global network of servers that provide fast and reliable DNS resolution, which can help improve the performance of your internet connection. Cloudflare does not use any permanent records that store users' IP addresses.
Settings → Network & Internet → Private DNS → Private DNS Provider Hostname → Enter 1dot1dot1dot1.cloudflare-dns.com and then select Save.
7. Update your system
Updating your operating system is crucial for the security and data protection of your Android device. The latest versions of Android contain fixes for security bugs and vulnerabilities. To get information about new versions and security updates for your device, you can visit the official Android Security Bulletin page.
Settings → System → System update → Check for updates or or Download and install
It is also important to keep your installed apps updated. You can turn on automatic app updates as follows: Play Store App → Click on your profile icon in the top right → Settings → Network settings → Automatic app updates