5 Android privacy and security apps you must get in 2019

5 Android privacy and security apps you must get5 Android privacy and security apps you must get

Mobile phone use has grown massively in the last couple of years—so much so that it has surpassed PC use. People use mobile phones to access the internet, browse the web, shop online, transfer money, manage their bank accounts, etc.

However, despite this large scale use, the security of mobile phones, especially, Android phones, is still not at the level it should be. A recent study by the University of Cambridge noted that on average, 87.7% of Android devices are vulnerable to roughly 11 known security risks.

With such a statistic, it is clear that every Android user should take matters in their own hands and do their very best to enhance the security of their device. To help with this, here are the top five Android security apps.

1. An antivirus

The first thing to note is that contrary to popular belief, Android viruses are not as prevalent as most will have you believe. They exist for sure, but most of these viruses hide behind dubious apps and Google is constantly at the forefront removing any dodgy app that finds its way to the Google Play Store.

That said, most Android users tend to install apps from third-party sources. Moreover, most Android users will root their phones to allow them to install software that the manufacturer wouldn’t normally allow.

If you intend to root your phone or install apps outside of Google Play Store, then it follows that you must install an antivirus app. The app will not only identify viruses and deal with them; it will also flag suspect third-party apps. To find the best antivirus app, just search for the highest rated one on Google Play Store.

2. App locking apps

App locking applications help in securing your privacy. They protect your messages, videos, and pictures with a pin, thumbprint or pattern. Therefore, if anyone gains access to your phone, they will still be unable to access your photo gallery or messaging apps.

Once you download an App locking app, it will ask you to set a pattern and after doing so, ask for your email address. The email address is to allow the app to send you the pattern or pin in case you forget it. As a result, you never have to worry about losing access to your files.

Depending on the particular App locking app you choose, you can secure as many apps as you wish. That includes your file manager, which is a big plus if you have sensitive documents on your phone.

3. A private search engine

A private search engine does not keep track of your search activities or location. Consequently, ISPs or organizations that collect data about your habits on the internet are deterred. A private search engine mostly protects your privacy although it also provides security against malicious people who use your search habits to determine your location.

One of the best private search engine according to most people is DuckDuckGo. It is a powerful search engine that sources search results from over 300 sites. Moreover, it allows you to enable TOR browser—a private browser that ensures ads and third-party trackers cannot follow you.

4. A VPN

An Android VPN is paramount to devise security. It encrypts all your communications over the internet which in turn prevents unauthorized people from accessing any sensitive data.

In addition, when on a public Wi-Fi, hackers who would otherwise have an easy time accessing your device, infecting it with all manner of malware not to mention stealing information are unable to do so. That is because the encryption acts as a wall between your device and the open public Wi-Fi.

5. A password manager and password generator

Studies indicate that some of the worst data breaches in the recent past are as a result of weak passwords. In particular, a study by a respected security firm noted that approximately 19% of enterprise professionals use weak or poor quality passwords.

To avoid data breaches as a result of weak passwords, you must of necessity use a long, unique and random password for all your accounts. Note that this is not an easy thing to do considering how many accounts an individual has--from social media accounts to email accounts and e-commerce website accounts, the list is endless.

To ensure you have unique passwords for all these accounts, you must have a password generator that doubles up as a password manager. The password generator will generate the required passwords, and the manager will store them which means you do not have to worry about memorizing the passwords.

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