Do's and don'ts for securing your Android

Here is a list of tips and some resources to help you secure your Android phone. The list may seem long and you may not be able to do all of these, but that is OK. No device or app can ever be 100% secure. Every step you take to lock down your smart phone and reduce your online footprint improves your defenses against attackers.

Do:

• Enable screen lock (in Settings)
• Employ app locks where possible: (1) Password-protect your apps: http://www.pcadvisor.co.uk/how-to/google-android/how-password-protect-android-apps-3340783/, and/or (2) use AppLock from Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.domobile.applock&hl=en_GB
• Use protected backup (http://www.pcadvisor.co.uk/how-to/google-android/how-back-up-android-back-up-phone-or-tablets-photos-video-more-image-meem-3606330/)
• Use device encryption (in Settings) - this may slow down operations a bit
• Enable parental controls (if applicable): : http://www.pcadvisor.co.uk/how-to/google-android/parental-control-on-android-image-3461359/
• Set up remote tracking and wiping (install the "Find my Device" Android Device Manager by Google: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.adm&hl=en_GB; see http://www.pcadvisor.co.uk/how-to/google-android/how-use-android-device-manager-3500315/)
• Use a secure messaging app (e.g., Signal Private Messenger and WhatsApp both employ end-to-end encryption)
• Know how to configure app permissions (in Settings: http://www.pcadvisor.co.uk/how-to/google-android/how-use-app-permissions-android-marshmallow-3629978/)

Don't:

• Download apps outside of Google Play
• Connect to unsecured Wi-Fi
• Allow application installations from unknown sources (this is the default configuration in Settings)
• Share too much on social media

Also, as with any computing device, be sure to keep your operating system updated (in Settings), as well as your apps 

(ensure your apps are set to auto-update over Wi-Fi in Google Play > Settings)