iOS and Android are both evolving constantly to protect your privacy and to be more secure. However, that doesn’t ensure they cannot exploit a little help here and there.
Google Playstore on Android has more vulnerabilities compared to iTunes on iOS. There are millions of corrupted apps. Google Playstore is an open-source platform and anyone can submit an app without going through strict checks. In the past we have seen, many apps found a source of virus-like Trojan submitted on Google Playstore and infected millions of users. Most of these apps include games, song downloads, social and refacing apps.
There are also apps on both iOS and Android to protect your device. To help our readers, we have compiled a list of six useful security apps for your mobile right here that complement the standard of best apps for security and anonymity. These are lesser-known options that can make a real difference to how well-protected your data and phone is.
We know that this list is skewed towards Android because of iOS and Android’s nature. Apple has more control over the iOS security, whereas Google lets 3rd party apps to step in. iOS apps are not allowed for virus scan, detailed networks analysis, reconfigure user permissions, or access other software hooks that any serious security app would require.
Access Dots
iOS 14 has added a latest feature to iPhones that depicts an alert (on screen) if an app is attempting to use the device’s mic or camera. The feature is like an ‘active’ light that may be beside the webcam of a laptop. Access Dots provides the same function to Android; easily and quickly. By downloading this app, you can make sure that if any app is trying to use your mic or camera without having your concern.
This app has got little to offer, but it’s quite useful. You will see the indicator on the status bar if the app has enabled the mic or camera secretly. You can make a donation for the app’s development, and also you can change the size and position of the indicator dot too.
Jumbo
Privacy settings for social networks are tricky to understand and they keep changing constantly. However, Jumbo can put all the required efforts when we talk about ensuring you are not sharing much about yourself. Jumbo can help you in keeping your social media accounts locked down.
This app directly connects to your online social accounts to give you a range of useful services and protects your data on your device.
The services include deleting older tweets automatically, blocking Google from collecting several pieces of information about you, restricting advertisement customization on Facebook, and more. Always remember, the data you delete or back up with Jumbo is then linked to the app, and the app provides no way to export it to use in other apps.
GlassWire
GlassWire carefully monitors app data usage. Also, you can observe which apps on your mobile phone are consuming data the most (both in terms of downloads and uploads), receive instant alerts whenever any new app communicates with the internet, and more.
Whether you feel worried about a data plan while you have to go away from the home Wi-Fi or you need to ensure some apps are not throwing data back to base when they are supposed to do the opposite; GlassWire can lend you the help. There is an integrated firewall inside the app too. This is an excellent app which takes very light space on your device but offers you great protection.
Norton App Lock
Passcode lock apps blow an extra security layer beyond the primary lock screen on your smartphone. It can come in handy if you constantly share your device with a partner, colleague, or young relative; they seal-off part of your mobile effectively.
You can get different apps for your mobile privacy, but our preferred app privacy choice on Android is Norton App Lock (as it is the product of a brand you can trust). It is easier to use, and it’s completely free. Also, it supports passwords, PINs, and patterns for app unlocking.
Fing
Do all of your home devices use your network, or your neighbors make use of your broadband too? Fing is the app that can tell exactly what you have on your network whenever you want. This is helpful for troubleshooting issues along with keeping your Wi-Fi at home secure.
It has loads of different strings to its bow too. Fing can test the speed of your internet connection, try to find a hidden cam in your room or hotel, warn you regarding internet outages. In addition, Fing can tell you about the latest devices connecting to your network, and more.
Alfred Home Security Camera
Do you have any idea about what is the right mobile app to repurpose your tablet or old phone into a security camera? Whether you need to track on a sleeping baby or the back yard, Alfred Home Security Camera is there for you. It makes it simple to configure and set up everything.
Off-course you will need more than one gadget here; one for conducting video recording and another to see the feed from wherever you are logged in. However, Alfred provides all the required features, including two-way audio, motion detection, and a built-in siren.
Conclusion
Other than the privacy apps mentioned above, it is highly recommended that you constantly follow general security principles. These include disabling notifications for lock screen, strong alphanumeric passwords, active antivirus which you keep updating with every new update, minimum storing of data on phone which is highly sensitive in nature, and attempting to restrict individual permissions to apps. In the last decade a number of highly-trusted companies like Yahoo, Google, Sony have already been victim of data theft and most of their compromised data has been stolen from mobile users.
Privacy for mobile is something you need to strive for or else you would end up with nothing. Believe me, the cost of losing your privacy is very high.