The best privacy and security apps on Android. With many high profile security breaches and hacks in the news, privacy and security are hot topics for many Android users. The concerns aren't just about emails; All your data is at risk, including photos, text messages, files, and browser history. Protecting your data from hackers and prying eyes is more important than ever.
Many of us manage our lives through smartphones. This device packs a lot of power and staying on top of mobile security is essential. Here are mobile apps you should consider downloading to keep your communications, financials, and other private information safe. It is important to download these apps from a trusted source such as Google Play Store.
Advice: All the apps below should be equally available regardless of the company that manufactures your Android smartphone, including Samsung, Google, Huawei, Xiaomi, etc.
The best privacy and security apps on Android
Messaging and Email
For maximum security when sending text messages and emails, end-to-end encryption is essential. Encrypting a message means that only the sender and receiver can read it. even the courier company itself cannot decrypt them. With end-to-end encryption, you don't have to worry about private messages being passed on to other parties or the police to gain access to your data by subpoena. However, your device is still susceptible to being hacked or stolen. So take other precautions, like installing a virtual private network (VPN), monitoring your possessions, and using Android Device Manager to track or tinker with your phone if it's lost. or theft.
Signal Private Messenger got a Twitter endorsement from Edward Snowden, which is no surprise considering it's a free, ad-free app that uses end-to-end encryption to store your messages and your voice. private chats It doesn't even require an account; you can activate the app via text message. Once you're set up, you can import messages stored on your phone into the app. You can also use Signal Private Messenger to send unencrypted messages to non-Signal users, saving you the hassle of switching between apps. You can also make encrypted and unencrypted voice calls from the app. Keep in mind that texts and calls made using Signal usage data, consider your data limits and use Wi-Fi (with a VPN) if possible.
Telegram works the same as Signal Private Messenger, but offers additional features including stickers and GIFs. There are no ads in the app, and it's completely free. You can use Telegram on multiple devices (but only on one phone) and you cannot send messages to non-Telegram users. All messages on Telegram are encrypted, but you can choose to store the messages in the cloud or make them accessible only on the device that sent or received the messages. This last feature is called Secret Chats, which can be programmed to self-destruct.
Wickr Me – Private Messenger by Wickr Inc. Wickr Me also offers end-to-end encrypted text, video, and photo messaging, as well as voice chat. It has a shred feature that permanently removes all deleted messages, pictures and videos from your device. Like Signal and Telegram, Wickr Me is free and ad-free. It has stickers, as well as graffiti and photo filters.
ProtonMail – Encrypted Email A Swiss-based email service, ProtonMail requires two passwords, one to log into your account and the other to encrypt and decrypt your messages. Encrypted data is stored on the company's servers, which are housed under 1 meters of granite rock in a bunker in Switzerland. The free version of ProtonMail includes 000MB of storage and 500 messages per day. The premium ProtonPlus plan bumps up storage to 150GB and the number of messages to 5 per hour or 300 per day, while the ProtonMail Visionary plan offers 1000GB of storage and unlimited messages.
Browsers and VPNs
DuckDuckGo Privacy Browser is a search engine with a mascot and a twist: it doesn't track your search activity or targeted ads based on your data. The disadvantage of the search engine not collecting information about you is that the search results are not as relevant as those of Google. It comes down to choosing between personalization and privacy.
You can also enable Tor, a private web browser, in DuckDuckGo. Tor protects your privacy by preventing websites from identifying your location and preventing individuals from tracking the site you are visiting. However, you will need an accompanying application, such as OrBot Proxy by Tor to encrypt your internet traffic.
Ghostery Privacy Browser Have you ever noticed that something you were looking for, like a pair of sneakers, appeared as an ad on another website? Ghostery helps you minimize access to your data by ad trackers and other tools. You can view all trackers on a website and block some that you are not comfortable with. It also lets you quickly clear your cookies and cache, and you can choose from eight different search engines, including DuckDuckGo.
Avira Phantom VPN and NordVPN If you often use Wi-Fi to save on data consumption, your security may be at risk. Open Wi-Fi connections, such as those offered in cafes and public places, are vulnerable to hackers who can tunnel in and capture your private information. A Virtual Private Network, such as Avira Phantom VPN or NordVPN, encrypts your connection and location to prevent scams. Both also allow you to choose a location in order to view regionally restricted content, such as a sporting event or TV show. Avira Phantom VPN offers up to 500MB of data per month and increases to 1GB if you register. Phantom VPN offers both free and paid apps. NordVPN is a paid app with unlimited data and three paid options. It offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Adblock Browser for Android Although ads help many websites and apps pay the bills, they are often intrusive, getting in the way of what you are trying to read or hindering a good user experience. This experience can be particularly frustrating on a small screen. Even worse, some ads contain tracking or even malware. As with its desktop counterpart, you can choose to block all ads and any whitelist sites you wish to support with this app.
Phone calls
Silent Phone – private calls. We've talked about encrypting your text messages, emails, and voice conversations, but if you're using your phone as a phone, you'll want to do the same for your phone. calls. Silent Phone not only encrypts your phone calls, but it also offers secure file sharing and has a self-destruct feature for text messages. A paid subscription includes unlimited calls and messages.
Files and applications
SpiderOakONE. Cloud storage is great for convenience, but like anything online, it's susceptible to hacks. SpiderOakONE boasts of being a 100% zero-knowledge application, meaning your data is only readable by you. Other cloud storage services can read your data, which means that in the event of a data breach, your information is vulnerable. The company offers several paid plans, but it offers a 21-day trial period and does not require a credit card on file. So you don't have to worry about unwanted charges if you try it and then forget to cancel.
AppLock When you hand over your phone to share photos or let your kid play a game, you probably feel like you're seeing something you don't want to see. AppLock lets you keep potential snoops out by locking apps with a password, PIN, pattern, or fingerprint. Locking your apps provides a layer of security if your phone is lost or stolen and someone unlocks it. You can also secure images and videos in your Gallery app. It uses random keyboard and invisible pattern to avoid giving your password or pattern. You can also prevent others from killing or uninstalling AppLock. Applock offers an ad-supported free option or you can pay to get rid of ads.
