5 ways to secure your Android device

Here’s a quick look at how you can protect your Android device and the data inside it

Getting your Android device enterprise-ready

Analyst firm IDC believes the Android mobile platform is poised to become a key player in the enterprise space. However, many adherents of rival operating systems counter that the open characteristics of Android and its fragmented ecosystem does not lend itself well to serious enterprise deployment.

There’s no shortage of ways to beef up your Android device’s security. Click on to find out more.

 

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Passwords and app downloads – Always check what sort of permissions you are allowing when you download or update an application.
Make sure you know where that app is coming from. Take care to use only trusted sources like Google Play or Amazon.
You’re probably tired of hearing this but – use passwords that are difficult to guess.
Consider picking a memorable but strong password for boot time of the device.
Don’t reuse usernames and passwords.
Here’s a list of 16 essential Android apps for IT pros

(Image from AndroidCentral.com)

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Take advantage of security apps- Take the time to research the lineup of security applications that work with Android devices. There are apps that help you locate stolen or lost phones and tablets. These apps can also allow you to remotely wipe or lock the data in your device.

There are plenty of apps that scan for malware as well.

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Encrypt – The new Android OS has its encryption feature turned on by default. It may take some toll on performance, but encryption is a good thing if you’re doing anything sensitive on your phone or tablet.

Recently, BlackBerry has made its Security Suite available to Android users as well. It features encryption and privacy controls for malware and data theft protection.

Consider using containers. They segment and encrypt business data from personal data.

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Virtual Private Networks – Look around for VPN clients or services. Virtual Public Networks are meant to secure mobile connections even on public Wi-Fi networks.
Cloud mobile management provider MobileIron offers a VPN for Android devices and Cisco’s Samsung AnyConnect is another VPN option.

Click on the ITWC Secure Mobile Device Management Hub to find out how you can protect enterprise devices.

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Be careful of services Get rid of services that you are not using. Keep browser setting tight and clean your browser cache regularly and often. Security experts say you can cut down risk by minimizing the use of Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and GPS use.
Here’s a list of five Wi-Fi slip ups that even pros fall prey to.

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Jim Love, Chief Content Officer, IT World Canada
Nestor E. Arellano
Nestor E. Arellano
Toronto-based journalist specializing in technology and business news. Blogs and tweets on the latest tech trends and gadgets.

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