Android Protection: 4 Common Android OS Issues, And How to Nip Them All

Google hit the goldmines with its development of Android. Seeing as this is the choice operating system on no less than 2 billion devices out there today, that is no overstatement.

However, the Android market is that big means it is a huge goldmine for hackers too. This is why the average Android user should be put on alert and always make a move to ensure their safety and security at all times.

If you’ve also got an Android device on your hands, here are some vulnerabilities you could be exposed to – and how to nip them all in the bud.

Issue #1 – System Vulnerabilities

No matter how great a piece of software is, there will be some bugs and leaks in the code.

This should be expected for a long body of code that will guide the entire operations of a device. That is not to mention the fact that this single canopy of code was developed by a team of coders, and there could be human errors from each and every part of the board.

When a big company like Google is developing, they try to make sure these issues are as minimal as possible. Even at that, though, it happens.

What to Do

-          System patches will always be sent out to fix issues, in the form of software updates. Google now publishes these security fixes once a month. Ensure you always download and install them as soon as you get them so you are always running on latest security protocols

-          Purchase your units from a manufacturer who has a track record of sending out security fixes. Do your research into this before committing to buying at all

-          Download and install system upgrade packs whenever they become available too.

Issue #2 – App Vulnerabilities

Applications are yet another way by which hackers could gain access to your data and information. The interesting thing here is that app vulnerabilities can happen in a variety of ways.

The first and most common stems from downloading apps from sources other than the Google Play Store. Since they were never on the store, there is a risk that they contain malicious codes that have not been screened out by Google’s engineering and development team.

On the other hand, even trusted apps on the Play Store can be compromised for the wrong reasons. Even WhatsApp was recently a target of such, so the possibility should not be ruled out

What to Do

-          Never sideload apps. If you are not getting the app through the official Play Store, you are better off not getting the app at all

-          Download app updates as soon as they are out. They could be there to fix patches in the system (like in the case of WhatsApp mentioned above)

Issue #3 – Public Wi-Fi connections

You must be wondering what this has to do with anything.

While public Wi-Fi networks bring the sure convenience of browsing the web without incurring data costs, they might be costing you more than you know.

Due to their lack of encryption, these networks have become a haven for hackers to pounce on. All the way from installing malware on the network (which gets into your device without your knowledge) to perpetrating man-in-the-middle attacks, there seems to be no end to how hackers can take minimal to complete control of your units this way.

What to Do

-          The most obvious answer is to stop connecting to public Wi-Fi networks altogether. They are not healthy for your data privacy

-          If you must connect to them, consider having a VPN installed on your Android phone to keep your connection encrypted.

Issue #4 – App Permissions

One thing that Google improved on the Android software from the v5 Lollipop is app permissions, and for good reasons too.

There was a time when apps could set the permissions they required to work on your device, and you had to agree to them. Now, you can edit the apps to have just the permissions you need.

That is helpful in ensuring an app doesn’t have too much access to your personal life and data than needed.

What to Do

-          Check all your apps and see that they have appropriate permissions to work, and no more. For example, a messaging app might require access to your contacts, but that is not same for a third-party camera app.

-          If an app fails to work unless you give it certain permissions (which it doesn’t need), uninstall it in favor of others. Trust us: The Play Store is full of alternatives than allowing yourself to be held ransom by one app.

Credits to @TechWarn.com