Secure your tablet, just like a computer or a smartphone, well. After all, you don’t want others to have access to your personal photos and data.
Security on a tablet
We don’t know any better with a computer, but with a tablet, good security sometimes falls short. While a tablet often contains all kinds of important data, private photos and personal files. Even if you usually use the tablet at home, it is still wise to opt for different protections. Be ahead of thieves and snoopers.
Password or other screen lock
To prevent anyone from being able to unlock your tablet just like that, it is wise to set a lock. With many tablets, it is standard that only a swipe is needed. But rather use a pin code, pattern, or even better: a password. The more characters, and the more variety in numbers, characters, and letters, the better.
How to change the password or unlock form:
- Open the Settings.
- Tap on lock screen.
- Tap on Screen lock type.
- Now choose one of the options.
Do you want a strong password? Then read the article ‘Creating and remembering a secure password’.
Update operating system
Android regularly releases new updates. In addition to new features, it also contains improvements and security updates. Vulnerabilities found are also addressed. So it is wise to always download the latest update. Then you can be sure that your security is up-to-date.
This way you can check whether the operating system needs to be updated.
- Open the Settings.
- Tap on software update.
- Tap on Download and install.
- If it says ‘Your software is up to date’, you don’t need to do anything. If an update is available, tap Install now. The installation starts immediately, this can take quite some time.
Only apps from the Play Store
Another way to keep the tablet safe is to only download apps from the Play Store. These apps are all checked by Google and therefore safe. So don’t just follow a link to another place on the internet to download something there. You then know less well what you are getting. But if you download an app from the Play Store, take a critical look at the permissions that the app asks for. Want a game access to your contacts and the ability to record sound? Skip that app and look forward to a game that only asks for what is needed.
In addition, it is also important for apps to update regularly. The app developers regularly tighten security. To check for an update for your apps:
- Open the Play Store.
- Tap the three horizontal bars at the top left.
- Tap on My apps and games.
Here is an overview of apps that can be updated and apps that have recently been updated.
- Tap on Update all. If it isn’t there, everything is already up to date.
Additional actions
In addition, pay attention to the following:
- Be alert to phishing and never open attachments of an email that you do not fully trust. A virus could also end up on the tablet.
- Make regular backups. If you lose the tablet, you still have (part of) your files available. Read more about that in the article ‘Backing up on Android devices’.