How to Protect Your Phone From Being Hacked? – Hacking Prevention

Android is the most popular mobile operating system. But it’s not always the most reliable when it comes to privacy. So, learn how to protect your phone from being hacked with this detailed guide and follow the prevention tips to secure personal data on your phone.

How to Protect Your Phone from Being Hacked?

Well, privacy is categorized into different categories. So, in this section, we will discuss the different ways to protect your privacy on Android.

Part 1: Protect Personal Data on Your Phone

Here, we have discussed some of the ways to protect your personal data on your phone from third-party access.

Check out the below methods:

• Method 1: Use a Strong Lock Screen Password or PIN
• Method 2: Enable Two-Factor Authentication
• Method 3: Check App Permissions
• Method 4: Hide the Sensitive Notifications

Method 1: Use a Strong Lock Screen Password or PIN

This is the first thing that you need to do to prevent unwanted users from accessing your device. Also, set up a strong lock screen password or PIN.

Here are the steps to follow:

• Open Settings on your phone.
• Next, head to the Password & security section.
• Here, click on the Password type of your choice to set the lock screen password.

Method 2: Enable Two-Factor Authentication

Two-factor authentication provides an extra layer of security to your device. So, if you haven’t enabled this security feature in your phone yet, you must do it. Here’s how you can do so:

• Open the Google Account page on your Android phone.
• Log in to your Google account. Choose 2-step verification and log in again.
• Click on Try It Now and follow the on-screen instructions to set up.

Method 3: Check App Permissions

When you install any app, it requires certain permissions. So, avoid granting unnecessary app permissions to access your phone’s data or microphone, camera, or contacts. Only allow the permissions that are essential for the app’s function. Also, regularly check for permissions and disallow them when the app is no longer in use.

To check the app’s permission, follow the below instructions:

• Go to Settings on your phone.
• Next, head to the Apps or App Management section.
• Select the App no longer in use and click on the Permissions category.
• Toggle on the button for Remove permissions & free up space under Unused apps.

Method 4: Hide the Sensitive Notifications

Hiding the sensitive notifications off your lock screen is another way of securing privacy on Android phones. For this, you can follow the below steps:

• Open the Settings app on your phone.
• Then, click on Sound and Notifications.
• Now, disable the notification.

Part 2: Protect Your Identity or Privacy Online

Nowadays, identity and online thefts are very much in active mode. So, in order to protect your name, password, or online privacy, check out the below methods:

• Method 1: Enable Find My Mobile Feature
• Method 2: Disable Google’s Personalization
• Method 3: Disable Location Tracking
• Method 4: Use VPN Service

Method 1: Enable Find My Device Feature

To secure your identity on your phone, you can enable the “Find My Device” feature. Here’s how to protect your phone from being hacked by following below instructions:

• Open Settings on your phone.
• Next, go to the Password & Security section and select the System Security option.
• Then, select the Find My Device option.
• Now, toggle on the button for Use Find My Device.

Method 2: Disable Google’s Personalization

Google keeps an eye on your every activity. Well, hindering Google from following you around completely is not possible. But you can disallow some of the activities on your Google account to maintain privacy.

Here are the detailed steps:

• Go to your phone’s Settings app.
• Next, head to the Privacy section.
• Here, select the Advanced option and click on Activity controls.
• Now, tap on the Turn off option under Web & App Activity.

Method 3: Disable Location Tracking

Disable the location tracking feature on your Android phone or only allow apps that require your location to access it.

You can simply turn off the location on your device by clicking on the Location icon in the shortcut menu. This is one of the important ways how to secure your Android phone from hackers.

Method 4: Use VPN Service

A VPN encrypts your internet traffic and protects your online privacy by masking your IP address. So, here we suggest you use any reliable and best Android VPN app to secure privacy on your phone.

Also Read: How to use VPN on Android?

How Do I Secure My Phone from Hackers? – Preventions

To protect privacy on your Android phone, must take the below-mentioned precautions.

Update Software Regularly

Make sure to update your Android phone regularly to have the latest security features and patches. To check the updates, follow the below instructions.

• On your Android phone, open Settings.
• Next, go to the Software Update section.
• Here, check for any available updates.
• If available, tap the Download Now button to install the latest update.

Review the Default Apps

Everyone knows Android phones open certain sorts of files by certain applications. Thus, reviewing the default apps means you must ensure that your device has already chosen the trusted application as a default.

Below are the steps to do so:

• Go to Settings on your phone.
• Then, head to Apps or Application Management.
• Select Default apps and see which applications your phone uses for each type of file.

Do Not Install Apps from Unknown Sources

Installing apps from unknown sources can risk your personal data on your device. So, avoid downloading apps from unreliable or unknown sources. However, you can use the Google Play Store to install apps.

Use Secured Wi-Fi Connection

Be cautious when connecting to Wi-Fi networks. Use only trusted networks and avoid public and open connections. Hackers might set up fake networks to intercept data.

Beware of Phishing Attacks

Do not open suspicious links or requests for personal data on unsolicited text messages and emails. Legitimate organizations never ask for sensitive information via text or email.

Avoid Public Charging Stations

Avoid using public charging stations as they might be compromised with malware. Ensure to carry your own charger or a portable power bank.

Device Encryption

Make sure to encrypt your device to safeguard your data. It protects your data from being readable by others when stolen or lost, ensuring your personal information remains protected.

Install Anti-Malware Software

Consider installing anti-malware software on your Android phone to protect your privacy on Android from viruses or other threats. There are various antivirus apps are available over the internet. You need to install a reliable app.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

What's the best way to create a strong password?

It is best to use a combination of alphabet, numbers, and special characters to create a strong password. Avoid keeping password related to you as they are easily guessable choices.

Are all Wi-Fi networks safe?

No, all Wi-Fi networks are not safe. Some networks are compromised by hackers. So, ensure to use the trusted networks and try using a VPN when connecting to the public Wi-Fi.

How do I control privacy on my Android phone?

If you are wondering how to protect your phone from being hacked, make sure to perform the following privacy securing tips: Disable personalized ads, perform privacy check up on your Google account, keep an eye on the clipboard, and turn off location when not required.

How do I make my phone screen not visible to others?

To make your phone screen not visible to others, enable screen pinning. You can do so by following the below steps.

• Open Settings on your phone.
• Next, head to the Password & security section.
• Here, select the System security option.
• Scroll down and click on Screen pinning and toggle on the button for it on the next screen.

Does a VPN provide privacy?

The answer is yes. A VPN (Virtual Private Network) gives you online privacy & anonymity by creating a private network from a public network connection. Besides, it offers secure & encrypted connections to helps greater privacy & keeps your online actions private.

Conclusion

So, this is all about how to protect your phone from being hacked. Now, follow the tips step-by-step and keep your personal data safe.

I hope the article has everything covered to answer your question well. In case of further doubts or queries, feel free to comment us on Twitter.