Basic Security Setup for Android Devices

List of sections on this page:

1.1 Access to your phone
1.2 Device Encryption
1.3 Network Settings
1.4 Location Settings
1.5 Caller Identity

1.1 Access to your phone

Step 1. Set up Sim Card Lock, found under System -> Security -> Sim and Lock Settings. This will mean that you must enter a PIN number in order to unlock your SIM card each time your phone is switched on.

Step 2. Set up a Screen Lock, found under System -> Security -> Screen Lock, which will ensure that a code, pattern or password needs to be entered in order to unlock the screen once it has been locked. We recommended using the PIN orPassword option, as these are not restricted by length. You can find more information on creating strong passwords in 3. How to create and maintain secure passwords.

Step 3. Set the security lock timer, which will automatically lock your phone after a specified time. You can specify a value which suits you, depending on how regularly you are willing to have to unlock your phone.

1.2 Device Encryption

Step 4. If your device uses Android version 4.0 or newer, you should turn on device encryption. This can be done in Settings -> Security -> Encryption. Before you can utilise device encryption, however, you will be required to set a screen lock password (described above).

Note: Before starting the encryption process, ensure the phone is fully charged and plugged into a power source.

1.3 Network settings

Step 5. Turn off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth by default. Ensure that Tethering and Portable Hotspots, under Wireless and Network Settings, are switched off when not in use.

Step 6. If your device supports Near Field Communication (NFC), this will be switched on by default, and so must be switched off manually.

1.4 Location settings

Step 7. Switch off Wireless and GPS location (under Location Services) and mobile data (this can be found under data manager -> data delivery).

Note: Only turn on location settings as you need them. It is important not have these services running by default in the background as it reduces the risk of location tracking, saves battery power and reduces unwanted data streams initiated by applications running in the background or remotely by your mobile carrier.

1.5 Caller Identity

If you want to hide your caller-ID, go to Phone Dialler -> settings -> Additional Settings -> Caller ID -> hide number.