Protecting your Android device doesn’t have to cost you a fortune. Why spend more for its protection when there are free ways to do it? Our guide will help you find ways to safeguard your phone or tablet without having to spend a lot.

Protecting your Android device from digital risks and theft should be a priority as most hackers continue to exploit Android’s vulnerability. However, you don't need to purchase expensive software to safeguard your device. Most of the best protection against common Android threats is available for free.

Here are ways to secure your Android devices.

Buy devices from vendors who release Android patches quickly

Beware of handset makers who don't immediately release Android updates. By delaying the patches, these vendors allow your device to be vulnerable for the time being.

Always keep your software updated

Google releases security patches fairly regularly, and most newer phones automatically inform you of updates. Update your device and apps as soon as security patches are released.

Make sure to lock your screen

You can lock and unlock your Android device's screen in multiple ways. These provide an extra layer of protection as they require you to unlock a device with either a unique code, pattern, or face recognition.

The simplest way is to use a personal identification number (PIN); however, make sure you don’t use 1-2-3-4-5 or some easy-to-guess combination. For newer Android devices, you can set up a fingerprint unlock.

Downloads apps only on Google Play Store

Google Play is the safest place to download apps for your device. Third-party sites may offer an interesting lineup of apps, but these can be malicious and certainly not worth the risk.

Sometimes bogus apps make it into the Google Play Store, so always read reviews before downloading apps. These will usually tell you if an app is legitimate.

Use Google Play Protect

Google has a built-in malware scanner that monitors apps in the Play Store and in your device. Make sure it’s on by going to Settings > Google > Security > Play Protect.

Use on-device encryption

This feature encrypts all your device’s sensitive data, rendering them unreadable until you enter your PIN or passcode. Activate it by going to Settings > Security > Encrypt Device.

Use a virtual private network (VPN)

When connected to public Wi-Fi, there’s always a possibility that someone connected to the same network is intercepting your connection. Using a VPN encrypts your information, so even if someone steals it, it’s protected.

There are numerous VPNs on the Google Play Store that are free and simple to use. Compare their rankings and reviews before picking one.

Use two-factor authentication (2FA)

Aside from protecting your Android device, you must also protect your Google account. Add another layer of protection to your account by enabling 2FA. Just go to My Account > 2-Step Verification, then follow the prompts. You can choose to get verification codes on your phone via SMS or voice.

Keep an eye on your device as you would your valuable items

Thieves are always on the lookout for potential victims. Treat your device as you would your cash, jewelry, and other valuables. Avoid using your device in crime-prone areas so as not to attract attention and get robbed.

Exercise vigilance in opening emails and avoid shady websites, as hackers may be phishing for your personal data such as login information or credit card details.

Keep these tips in mind to safeguard your phone or tablet from physical and digital risks. You don't want your device and the sensitive data in it to end up in the wrong hands.

If you have any comments, suggestions or questions about your Android device, call us now. We are here to help.

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In small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), some 50 to 150 workers access the net daily through the company network via browsers. That’s why any SMB must secure its browsers to keep its data safe from data theft and other forms of cyber attacks. To do so, follow these simple steps.

Prevent browser tracking

If you don’t like the idea of a third party (reputable or otherwise) being able to track your browsing habits, enable private browsing using built-in tools in your internet browser such as Chrome’s incognito mode. This offers protection against tracking by blocking third-party cookies as well as malware. Some browser extensions also boast secure Wi-Fi and bandwidth optimization and can guard against tracking and data collection from social networking sites such as Twitter and Facebook.

Block adverts

While online ads may seem harmless, the truth is they can contain scripts and widgets that send your data to a third party. A decent ad blocking program will stop banner, rollover, and pop-up ads, and prevent you from inadvertently visiting a site that may contain malware.
Many blockers contain additional features such as the ability to disable cookies and scripts used by third parties on sites, the option to block specific items, and options to “clean up” Facebook, and hide YouTube comments.

Consider setting up a virtual private network (VPN)

Unfortunately, browser tracking and adware are not the only internet nasties that you need to be concerned about. Hackers can intercept sensitive data between two parties, allowing them to steal and corrupt valuable information such as bank details, login credentials, and other personal information. Installing a VPN can help solve this problem. VPNs encrypt your internet traffic, effectively shutting out anyone who may be trying to see what you’re doing.

Install antivirus and anti-malware software

Finally, it goes without saying that having antivirus and anti-malware software installed on your PC, tablet, and smartphone is crucial if you want to ensure your online safety. These software programs are your first defense against malicious parties intent on stealing your data.

Is browsing at your workplace secure? Would you like a more comprehensive security system for your business? We can tell you all about it and help protect your business from online threats. Get in touch with us today.

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With over three billion internet users around the globe totaling roughly 40% of the population, the internet is rife with opportunities for hackers to steal users’ information. And with technology constantly evolving and the internet growing, it’s not likely to get safer anytime soon. It therefore pays to take extra precautions when surfing the web. We’ve compiled these three easy tips that can amp up your online security.

Tip #1: Use HTTPS

Short for Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure, HTTPS indicates that a website has an extra layer of security for its users. This layer encrypts data exchanged between a user’s browser and the web server that delivers the data that the user requests. To use a simpler comparison, imagine someone tapping your landline, but instead of getting to listen in on your conversations, they’ll hear people speaking in tongues instead.

In August 2014, Google Chrome, the world’s most popular browser, announced that having HTTPS makes your website rank higher in its search algorithm. And since October 2017, the browser began flagging non-HTTPS websites as not secure whenever users try to fill out something as simple as a contact form on it. In July 2018, Chrome started showing a “not secure” warning on any website that does not implement HTTPS, whether or not users are filling out a form there.

Because of Google’s measures, the security protocol has been widely adopted. Even if your website does not contain or ask for sensitive information, implementing HTTPS on it engenders trust and a sense of security among internet users, while staying left behind security-wise will make web visitors abandon or avoid you sooner or later.

Tip #2: Embrace multifactor authentication (MFA)

Since account credentials can be easily stolen via phishing attacks, username and password combos are no longer enough to keep bad actors at bay. To ensure that the one accessing an account is truly that account’s owner, additional identity authentication steps must be implemented.

These steps can involve the use of the account holder’s device — the one logging in must first verify their phone number, receive a one-time password on their smartphone, then enter that code in the access portal before the validity of the code lapses. Alternatively, MFA may ask for a face, retina, voice, or fingerprint scan for authentication. MFA can be a bit of a hassle for your internal and external users, but a little inconvenience is a small price to pay for immensely effective cybersecurity.

Tip #3: Update browsers and devices

Did you know that dated versions of browsers, operating systems (OSs), and even other software packages can create an easy entry point for hackers? Often, new updates are created specifically to fix security holes. And hackers are ever aware that people can be lazy, saving that update for another day that never seems to come. They’ll often try to take advantage of this, searching for outdated devices to infiltrate while their victims watch YouTube on last year’s version of Firefox.

Yes, installing an update might take 15 minutes of your time. But it can pay dividends in preventing a security breach that could cost you or your business thousands.

Looking for more tips to boost your internet security? Get in touch to find out how we can help.

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These days, the security of various IT systems is constantly being called into question. From attacks on mobile devices to ever-increasing types of malware, many businesses are struggling to stay on top of their security. One of the best ways to stay protected is to be aware of common cybersecurity issues. To that end, here are five common ways your security can be breached.

#1. You are tricked into installing malicious software

One of the most common ways a system’s security is breached is through downloaded malware. In almost every case where malware is installed, the user was tricked into downloading it.

A common trick used by hackers is planting malware in software hosted on warez and torrent websites. When users visit the site, they are informed that they need to download the software in order for the site to load properly. Once downloaded, the malware infects the system. In other cases, hackers send emails with a malware-infected attachment.

There is a nearly limitless number of ways you can be tricked into downloading and installing malware. Luckily, there are steps you can take to avoid this:

• Never download files from an untrusted location. If you are looking at a website that is asking you to download something, make sure it’s from a company you know and trust. If you are unsure, it’s best to avoid downloading and installing the software.
• Always look at the name of the file before downloading. A lot of malware is often disguised with names that are similar to legitimate files, with only a slight spelling mistake or some weird wording. If you are unsure about the file, then don’t download it. Instead, contact us so we can verify its authenticity.
• Stay away from torrents, sites with adult content, and video streaming sites. These sites often contain malware, so avoid them altogether.
• Always scan a file before installing it. Use your antivirus scanner to check downloaded apps before opening them. Most scanners are equipped to do this by right-clicking the file and selecting Scan.

#2. Hackers are able to modify the operating system (OS) settings

Many users are logged into their computers as admins. Being an administrator allows you to change all settings, install programs, and manage other accounts.

If a hacker manages to access your computer with you as the admin, they will have full access to your computer. This means they could install other malicious software, change settings, or even completely hijack the machine. The biggest worry about this, however, is if a hacker gets access to a computer used to manage the overall network. Should this happen, they could gain control of the entire network and do as they please.

To avoid this, limit the administrator role only to users who need to install applications or change settings on the computer. Beyond this, installing security software like antivirus scanners and keeping them up to date, as well as conducting regular scans, will help reduce the chances of being infected, or seeing infections spread.

#3. Someone physically accesses your computer

These days, it seems like almost every security threat is trying to infect your IT infrastructure from the outside. However, there are many times when malware is introduced into systems, or data is stolen, because someone has physically accessed your systems.

Let’s say you leave your computer unlocked when you go for lunch and someone walks up to it, plugs in a malware-infected USB drive, and physically infects your system. They could also access your system and manually reset the password, thereby locking you out and giving them access.

Secure yourself by setting up a password to control access to your computer. You should also lock, turn off, or log off from your computer whenever you step away from it.

Beyond that, disable drives like CD/DVD and connections like USB if you don’t use them. This will limit the chances of anyone using these removable media to infect your computer.

#4. Someone from within the company infects the system

We’ve seen a number of infections and security breaches that were carried out by a disgruntled employee. They could delete essential data, or remove it from the system completely. Some have even gone so far as to introduce highly destructive malware. The most effective way to prevent this, aside from ensuring your employees are happy, is to limit access to systems.

Your employees don’t need access to everything, so reexamine what your employees have access to and make the necessary adjustments. For example, you may find that people in marketing have access to finance files or even admin panels. Revoke unnecessary access rights and ensure that employees only have access to the files they need.

#5. Your password is compromised

Your password is the main way you can verify and access your accounts and systems. The issue is, many people have weak passwords. And with the steady increase in the number of stolen user account data, it could only be a matter of time before they can crack your password and compromise your account.

To add insult to injury, many people use the same password for multiple accounts, which could lead to a massive breach. Therefore, you should use strong and different passwords for your accounts.

To further enhance your password security, utilize multifactor authentication (MFA), which uses more than one method of verifying a user’s identity, such as a fingerprint or a one-time code.

If you are looking to learn more about securing your systems, contact us today to learn how our services can help.

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