Application Safety#

Android Application Safety

In order for your device to be safe, keep your Android version updated to the latest version supported by your device to ensure you have the newest security protections.
Most android phones running Android 12 or newer show a green dot in the top right corner that signals when an app is using the microphone, camera, or both. Pay attention to this indicator and make sure these are not active when you are not using them. Swiping down on the green dot reveals which app is accessing them.
All modern Android phones display a location indicator in the status bar when an app or system service is actively accessing your location. If it appears when you are not using any location-based features, you can tap the location indicator to see what app is accessing location and modify permissions if it is an unwanted application.
In most phones, swiping down opens the Notification Panel/Quick Settings, where you can add the locations services toggle button. Keep location turned off when it is not needed.

Application Permissions

Keeping track of the permissions you give to each application is an important part of making sure that your device is safe.
If an app that you rarely use or an app that has permissions it should not have like the calculator app having access to location, choose “Don’t allow” in the app settings.
For apps that do require access, select “Ask every time” or “Allow only while in use”.

Application Use

After using an app, close it from the Recents menu/App Switcher. (You might either have to swipe up from the bottom of your screen and pause or you might have a square navigation button).
Closing apps does not always stop background services so the permission control is more important.
Only install apps from trusted sources like the google play store. Avoid APK files, cracked apps, and third-party app stores.
Keep your apps updated to receive the latest security fixes.

Red Flags to Watch Out For

If your phone experiences, fast battery drain, overheating, high data usage, slow performance, unfamiliar apps, pop-ups, phone waking up on its own, there may be malicious software/unwanted permissions on your device.