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Android Experts Say These 3 Security Features Will Protect Your Personal Data And Stop Hackers

January 27, 2025 by Lisa Cupido

 
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Even though Apple gets more credit for its built-in features that protect its users from data breaches and hackers, Android is no slouch. The operating system also boasts a few smart tricks up its sleeve: features that can keep your data and security as tight as possible.

Some of these features are cleverly built into your phone’s system, while others will require that you enable them. Android experts say these three security features will protect your personal data and stop hackers.

1. Google Play Protect


So many problems can stem on Android from downloading apps that have suspicious (and malicious) creators. Once you download the app from a source other than the Google Play Store, it can infect your device with malware and spyware that steal your most personal data, such as banking account numbers and identification information. Google Play Protect is a security feature built into Android that scans apps on your phone to check them for malicious behavior and signs of malware and will even scan links that you click on to ensure they lead to websites that are safe to visit.

2. Fingerprint and Biometric Identification


Setting biometric identification on your Android, including your fingerprint, face, and iris scans, is a more convenient AND secure way of accessing your phone. These forms of ID are far more difficult for a hacker to gain access to than pin numbers and passwords. To enable fingerprint recognition on Android, go to Settings > Security > Fingerprint and add your fingerprint.

3. Two-Factor Authentication


Whenever possible, enable two-factor authentication so that various apps and websites require you to enter your traditional password as well as a code sent to your phone or email. Enable 2FA on your Google Account and the other apps that support it by heading to Settings > Google > Manage Your Google Account > Security > scroll down to Signing Into Google > tap Two-Step Verification >  tap Get Started > enter your Google account password.

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