Some security suggestions for your (Android) phone

• PRISM BREAK.)
• Regularly back up data that is only present on your phone.
  • Alternatively, put data in the cloud, e.g. use Google Calendar and Google Contacts.
  • But beware of the limitations of the cloud (in the end, you are not in control of the cloud; if it is gone, it is gone)
• Set a PIN on your SIM card.
  • This will make it harder for others to (ab)use your SIM card.
• Set a security code/pattern to access your phone.
  • N.B. This is not the same as a PIN on your SIM card.
  • Keep the screen clean after use.
  • Otherwise, the security code/pattern will be easier to deduce from the smudges.
  • Alternatively, also touch/swipe the screen in patterns other than your security code/pattern to mask the correct code/pattern.
• Set owner info to display on the lock screen.
  • In that info, include alternative ways to contact you, such as, email address, home address, home phone.
  • Otherwise, if you lose your phone a (hopefully honest) finder has no clue what to do (because you blocked access to your phone, didn't you?).
• Activate 2-step verification for your Google account.
  • Reduces the possibilities of losing control over your Google account.
  • Do you understand the risks you run when someone 'hacks' your Google account?
• Use Shush to silence your phone temporarily.
  • Otherwise, whenever you mute your phone and lose it (this happens, trust me), no one (including you) can hear it ring or receive messages.
  • With Shush, the muting is undone automatically after the set expiry time.
  • Free download
• Install and activate the Android Device Manager app.
  • Free download
  • You must activate it (see Help)
  • Can remotely locate the device
  • Can remotely ring (at full volume), even when it was muted
  • Can remotely lock the device
  • Can remotely wipe the device
  • Operate from Android Device Manger website
• [NO LONGER SUPPORTED] Install and activate Track & Protect app. (I'm not sure it is still actively supported.)
  • Free download
  • You need to buy "credits" to have full protection.
  • Buy credits before you lose your phone.
  • Remote operation of phone is by encrypted SMS, so it does not need internet access for that.
  • Operate from the Track & Protect website
• Install and configure Big Brother GPS.
  • Free download
  • You need the ability (and skill) to configure a web server.
    See e.g. my server setup instructions.
  • This way, your phone will regularly (you choose the frequency) report its position to your server.
  • Your phone needs internet access.
  • Alternatively, use Google Lattitude, and activate the Google Location History feature.
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