6 ms·

Ask HN: How can I best secure an Android phone?

7 points by whitepoplar 5y ago

I'm a long-time iPhone user who has recently been using a Pixel 4a. I've always appreciated that iPhones are "secure by default" (more or less) and I want to replicate that, if possible, on Android. Are there any defaults that I must change, or any dumb settings that put one at risk? I'm having trouble finding up-to-date Android security recommendations from competent sources, that are not just security theater... Thanks!

Dah00n 5y ago
It depends on how you define security. Are you talking about privacy maybe? Because there are more 0-day exploits for iphones than pixels so for security you are already ahead.
giantg2 5y ago
You can use a security targeted distro, like copperheadOS. You can use the regular built in stuff, like device encryption, long pins, adjusting the privacy settings, and adding/removing apps for best security. Then there's this for general tips. https://anonymousplanet.org/guide.html https://anonymousplanet.org/guide.html
Raed667 5y ago
Really depends on your threat model. But here are some very generic steps: - Only use Google devices - Enabled disk encryption - Only use password unlock (instead of fingerprint or face unlock)
jkonline 5y ago
I concur with @Dah00n, it really depends on your definition of security. Another great security-focused distro is grapheneOS[1^] and HowToGeek has a good rundown[2^] of some fundamental security configurations (albeit a bit dated). (For comparison, I personally don't feel that "Only use Google devices" is security-forward. Quite the opposite IMHO). Then again, if an iPhone is something you consider more or less secure by default, then the above probably does indeed cut the mustard. [1]: https://grapheneos.org/ https://grapheneos.org/ [2]: https://www.howtogeek.com/366653/how-to-make-android-as-secure-as-possible/ https://www.howtogeek.com/366653/how-to-make-android-as-secu...

6 ms·

Ask HN: How can I best secure an Android phone?

7 points by whitepoplar 5y ago

Dah00n 5y ago
It depends on how you define security. Are you talking about privacy maybe? Because there are more 0-day exploits for iphones than pixels so for security you are already ahead.
giantg2 5y ago
You can use a security targeted distro, like copperheadOS. You can use the regular built in stuff, like device encryption, long pins, adjusting the privacy settings, and adding/removing apps for best security. Then there's this for general tips. https://anonymousplanet.org/guide.html https://anonymousplanet.org/guide.html
Raed667 5y ago
Really depends on your threat model. But here are some very generic steps: - Only use Google devices - Enabled disk encryption - Only use password unlock (instead of fingerprint or face unlock)
jkonline 5y ago
I concur with @Dah00n, it really depends on your definition of security. Another great security-focused distro is grapheneOS[1^] and HowToGeek has a good rundown[2^] of some fundamental security configurations (albeit a bit dated). (For comparison, I personally don't feel that "Only use Google devices" is security-forward. Quite the opposite IMHO). Then again, if an iPhone is something you consider more or less secure by default, then the above probably does indeed cut the mustard. [1]: https://grapheneos.org/ https://grapheneos.org/ [2]: https://www.howtogeek.com/366653/how-to-make-android-as-secure-as-possible/ https://www.howtogeek.com/366653/how-to-make-android-as-secu...