Millions of users use their mobile devices daily to carry out their daily activities. For that reason, our phones store a massive amount of personal data. Sensitive information that, in a worst-case scenario, can end up in the wrong hands.
Android mobiles have a great presence all over the world. In fact, it is considered the most widely used operating system. But nevertheless, this makes you a prime target for attackers. If your device is vulnerable, your privacy could be at risk.
Blackmail, identity theft, scams, theft of bank information or passwords, are just some of the evils that an unprotected mobile phone can face. For this reason, it is essential to increase security, so we are going to tell you several tips to improve security on your Xiaomi.
Tips to improve the security of your smartphone
Given all the private information they contain, our mobile devices become objects of the highest value. That is why many users worry about maximize protective measures to back up your personal data. Although, it is worth mentioning that there is still a large percentage of people who ignore it.
Users assume that their devices are protected by default settings, or that an attacker will not be interested in the information on them. Both thoughts They can be harmful in terms of security vulnerabilities.. Everyone, at any time, is exposed to a cyber attack.
As we just mentioned, mobile devices have their own security settings. In this case, the main protection measures available to phones with Android operating systems are the following:
- Operating system update: Android devices periodically provide software updates to fix potential security flaws. Users are advised to keep their mobile updated at all times to keep it safe.
- Google security settings: The Android operating system benefits from Google Play services, so it also benefits from its protection methods. The user receives alert notifications against unauthorized access attempts. In addition, it gives you the possibility to block the device from which they tried to enter your account.
- Access limitation: Today, mobile devices have security measures such as strong numeric passwords, fingerprint recognition, facial recognition, PIN, or pattern tracing. It is essential to have any of these assets, or the combination of several.
Fortunately, there are many other alternatives to avoid the presence of malicious applications, and make access even more difficult for third parties. Next, we are going to compile some recommendations to improve the security of your smartphone to the maximum.
1. Keep access always blocked
No matter where you are, it is essential to keep your Xiaomi locked at all times. Use the pattern and password to have a double security barrier. Try to make a fairly elaborate pattern, but not complicated enough to forget it. This way you prevent third parties from entering your terminal.
Too it is recommended to use a six-digit security PIN to increase the protection of the mobile, since the most common passwords to be compromised are those with four digits. Not to mention that many users resort to the traditional “1234” as their password.
To configure a password, pattern or PIN in our Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO we just have to go to Settings> Passwords and security> Password.
2. Download applications from the official store
Many users turn to APKs when they can’t find a particular app. But nevertheless, downloading a program on the Internet may pose a risk to your privacy. If you enter an unreliable portal, the downloaded software is likely infested by malware. Malware is malicious programs that can steal your information or render your terminal useless.
For that reason it is recommended download applications only from Google Play Store. The Android store is in charge of checking all its Apps to determine which ones can be harmful in order to eliminate them from its catalog.
Another advisable alternative, when wanting to download new software, is to enter the device’s security settings. Find in which section the box “Allow downloads from unknown sources”And uncheck it. This way you make sure you have reliable applications.
3. Be careful with app permissions
Mobile applications usually request permissions to access the WiFi connection, contact directory, text messages, calls, internal storage, among others. However, you must make sure that your Apps are not requesting permissions that they should not.
For example, if you have downloaded a photo editor from an unofficial source, and it requests access to your Xiaomi messages or call logs, it is time to become suspicious. Android and MIUI users can remove the permissions from the settings of the application in question addressing:
- Settings> Applications> Permissions> Permission manager
4. Do not save passwords on your mobile
The best option will always be to memorize complex passwords. If not, you can use a password manager.
On some occasions, users choose to store their passwords in the browser or even write them down in the notepad. This in order to streamline web browsing, or to be able to access your accounts more easily. Nevertheless, in case of theft or loss, anyone would have access to your terminal profiles. Social networks, online stores, bank accounts.
For that reason it is recommended not to save passwords on the mobile. If you see the need to do it, download a password manager to protect your passwords with a passkey.
5. Make frequent backups
Theft or loss are not the only evils that a mobile device can face. Damage to the hardware or software of the mobile can also be harmful. Especially when the phone is in the state of “Brick“, That is, unusable by touch or physical buttons.
Backups allow you safeguard your information to be able to send it to another device or to the computer. Likewise, you can also export your contacts to have them on hand at all times. With the help of Google Drive you can store your photos, videos, messages, browser data, applications, among other things in the cloud.
If you want make a backup of your Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO, you can do it in the following way:
- Settings> About phone> Backup and restore
- Once inside, we can make a backup copy of our Xiaomi on the mobile device itself, on the computer or in the Xiaomi cloud, that is, Xiaomi Cloud.
6. Avoid public WiFi networks
One of the main places where you can be attacked is through a public WiFi network. Open networks do not encrypt user data, leaving you at the mercy of a possible hack.
Connecting to a public network involves a very high level of risk. Anyone can easily perform a MITM attack.
Attackers can intercept the signal, acting as an intermediary (MITM) and gaining access to the device. That is why we advise you turn off the WiFi signal when you leave home.
7. Use a VPN connection
The acronym VPN belongs to the term Virtual Private Network, which translates as “Virtual private network.” It is a program that takes care of encrypt and protect user data while browsing the Internet. Ideal when you have to enter a public WiFi network.
There are multiple VPN apps, each offering different benefits. You can check the Google Play Store to find one that suits your needs. As a free option we recommend the browser Opera which includes a VPN, while if you are looking for something more professional and secure, NordVPN It is paid but it is worth it.
8. Activate device location
If your mobile has been stolen, or you have lost it, having the active location allows you to locate the phone’s location in real time. Likewise, it also gives you the options to perform a remote lock or delete all data from a distance so that it does not fall into the wrong hands.
The different brands of mobile phones, such as Xiaomi or Samsung have location services. Similarly, Google also has this option to be able to locate the device and thus take action on the matter.
9. Do not save sensitive information on your mobile
This is probably the most feasible recommendation of all. If you don’t have sensitive information on your Android device, you don’t have to worry about possible attacks or data leaks.
Save your banking information, passwords, personal data, addresses and others in other places that are more secure. Leave your mobile for everyday tasks.
