Data security on Android

The biggest data generator is in our pockets - so securing it to protect privacy is the very first step to do before starting to use a device. Steps to secure Android

  • Remove all non-needed apps
    • Acquire root permissions on your phone (phone specific, use XDA forum)
    • Use Titanium Backup
      • Backup all your data
      • Freeze or uninstall all non necessary programs
        • Remove all which is vendor specific (Samsung, Sony, MIUI fork, …)
        • Remove all Google packages
    • Disable all unused or privacy wise dangerous services with Disable Services
      • If some vital functions are not working you can re-enable it
      • Regularly, apps with disabled services still work (e.g. disabling LocationAccess for Facebook app)

DisableServices DisableServices

Source: XDA Forum

  • * Use an alternative App Market
    • F-Droid’s community is providing open-source apps for download with basic code checks. The followings are suggested
      • Keyboard: Android stock keyboard
      • Firewall: AFWall+
      • Mail: K-9 Mail
      • Browser: Lightning
      • Sync with CalDav and CarDav servers: DavDroid

FDroid

  • * Install a Firewall (AFWall+)
    • Only allow the absolutely necessary apps to connect to the Internet (Browser, Email client, Sync client)

AFWall

  • * Install a Connection Monitoring Tool ([Network Connections](http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2471272))
    • Regularly monitor what tool sends data where

NetworkConn

  • +1 (Advanced): Use an alternative open-source Android distribution - still do all above steps
androidprivacy