Cybercriminals often use Bluetooth channels as a way to invade peoples’ smartphones. For user convenience, iPhone and Android devices automatically leave Bluetooth on. So to avoid receiving unwanted AirDrop spam, remember to always switch Bluetooth (and Wi-Fi) off when you’re done using it.

What would you do if your Android device were lost or stolen? The web-based Find My Device (find my android) service makes it relatively straightforward to manage these situations. If you lose your phone you can log into the Google account associated with the device(s) and then locate and remotely wipe all of their data […]

Depending on the device and OS version, it may be possible to sideload apps in Android. This simply means installing an app without going through an official app store. Sideloading can be dangerous since the app in question isn’t automatically vetted for security flaws or updated with the latest patches and fixes.

Updates are integral to keeping all networked software secure. You can ensure updates are installed automatically, which is in fact the default for apps on Android and iOS, or schedule a big installation – like an OS update – in advance. These options are better and safer than having to apply updates manually.

If you’re overwhelmed by the volume of risky calls to your number, one measure worth considering is call screening. This functionality is available through some third-party services and is built into many Android devices via the Phone and Google Assistant apps. It will force each caller to work through a prompt before being allowed to […]

Android is the world’s most popular consumer operating system, powering billions of phones, tablets and other internet-connected devices. Since its earliest days, though, the OS has had a reputation for being less secure than its primary competitor, Apple iOS. The main reasons behind this perception have included the extensive permissions in the Android API that […]