Android and Security: Viruses, Problems and Tips

With this material, we continue to discuss the issues of data security on modern mobile devices. The article "iOS Device Security: Viruses, problems and Solutions" has already been published on the site.

Android's main problem is fragmentation. The fact is that it is used on a variety of devices by manufacturers from all over the world. At the same time, the difference in their technical characteristics is sometimes significant. Not only the screen sizes may differ, but also resolutions, processors, RAM volumes and much more. Inevitably, there are differences in the installed systems. As a result, the Android OS used on Samsung or Sony smartphones is very different from the one installed on some Chinese-made model.

In addition, manufacturers often supply the installed system with all kinds of add—ons and pre-installed applications, which can eventually cause a wide variety of problems - from simple "brakes" to security holes (this topic was raised in more detail in the article "Which of the branded shells for Android smartphones is better?").

According to statistics, Android is most susceptible to the threat of malware, despite the fact that many have not had to deal with this

But the main problem of fragmentation is the lack of normal support from manufacturers. It often happens that users do not receive updates for their devices (or receive them very late), as a result of which they are forced to go with outdated versions of the system containing whole sets of identified vulnerabilities. This is especially true for owners of devices from little-known manufacturers. Quite large companies usually tend to release updates, at least for top-end solutions. But even they are often simply unable to cover their entire model range, sometimes including dozens of models.

As a result, Android smartphones cannot compete with Apple's creations in security issues. But on the latter side there is a limited model range, the problem of fragmentation cannot arise simply by definition, as there are no problems with timely updates. In addition, Apple has a very strict policy that restricts many user actions, preventing them from performing some potentially dangerous actions. The creators of Android cannot do this by definition, because then they will have to abandon the ideas inherent in the very psychology of this system. Do not forget that many users choose it precisely as a solution that does not limit their capabilities, does not keep them in strict limits.

But additional freedom also implies additional responsibility. Accordingly, some attention will have to be paid to security issues. After all, the vast majority of problems are usually associated with incorrect user actions.

What you need to do to not be afraid of anything

There is a statement according to which the main virus is sitting behind a computer monitor. The same can be said about modern smartphones. But a little care and some simple settings will allow you to avoid most security problems.

Before installing the mobile application, carefully study the list of resolutions

Well, finally, we note that issues related to Android security are no longer as relevant as they were a few years ago. Other users can do without the procedures described above and at the same time never face problems and data theft. A lot here depends on the value of the data. And if corporate users really should be afraid of hacker attacks, then ordinary people who use a smartphone only for communication and games do not need to worry too much. However, additional precautions have not bothered anyone yet.

Smartphones with maximum protection

The Turing Phone smartphone comes with special software to increase user security

Knowing that many modern users are very concerned about security issues, some smartphone manufacturers produce models with a high level of protection. For example, Turing Robotics Industries (TRI), a little-known company in our latitudes, recently introduced the Turing Phone.

The smartphone comes with pre-installed software specifically designed to enhance user security. Be prepared to have to constantly enter passwords and deal with encrypted data. It is also interesting that the device is well protected not only inside, but also outside — the case has protection from moisture or dust penetration and is made of special alloys capable of withstanding solid loads.

It's hard to say how popular Turing Phone will become. Nevertheless, it is quite possible to expect the appearance of a number of similar devices in the future. After all, the more we begin to depend on the Internet, the more data security is valued.