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Is the Samsung Galaxy Hack-Proof? A Security Deep Dive

ByHarold Hisona

Samsung Galaxy devices come with strong security features, but no device is entirely hack-proof. This guide explores various security measures and how you can enhance your device’s protection against hacking attempts.

1. Enable Samsung Knox for Maximum Security

Samsung Knox provides military-grade protection by securing sensitive data and blocking unauthorized access.

  1. Open Settings: Go to the “Settings” app on your Samsung Galaxy.
  2. Navigate to Biometrics & Security: Scroll down and tap on “Biometrics and Security.”
  3. Select Secure Folder: Tap on “Secure Folder” to set up a protected space for sensitive files and apps.
  4. Enable Knox Vault: If your device supports Knox Vault, turn it on for additional security against malware and unauthorized access.
  5. Regularly Update Knox: Keep Samsung Knox updated to benefit from the latest security patches.

2. Keep Your Software and Security Patches Up to Date

Regular software updates patch security vulnerabilities that hackers could exploit.

  1. Open Settings: Navigate to “Settings” on your device.
  2. Go to Software Update: Tap on “Software Update” and select “Download and Install.”
  3. Enable Automatic Updates: Toggle on “Auto Download Over Wi-Fi” to receive security updates as soon as they are available.
  4. Check for Security Patches: Ensure that your device is running the latest Android security patch by visiting “Settings > About Phone > Software Information.”
  5. Restart After Updating: Restart your device to apply the latest security features effectively.

3. Use Strong Passwords and Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Stronger authentication methods make it harder for hackers to gain access to your device and accounts.

  1. Set a Strong Lock Screen Password: Go to “Settings > Lock Screen > Screen Lock Type” and choose a strong PIN, password, or pattern.
  2. Enable Biometrics: Use fingerprint or facial recognition under “Biometrics & Security” for extra security.
  3. Turn on Two-Factor Authentication: For your Samsung account, go to “Settings > Accounts & Backup > Manage Accounts > Samsung Account” and enable 2FA.
  4. Secure Online Accounts: Enable 2FA on apps like Google, banking apps, and email accounts to add an extra security layer.
  5. Use a Password Manager: Consider using a password manager to generate and store complex passwords securely.

4. Disable Unnecessary App Permissions

Restricting app permissions prevents unauthorized apps from accessing sensitive data.

  1. Go to Settings: Open “Settings” and tap on “Apps.”
  2. Select an App: Choose an app and tap on “Permissions.”
  3. Review and Revoke Permissions: Disable unnecessary permissions, such as location, microphone, and contacts, for apps that do not require them.
  4. Enable Permission Manager: Go to “Settings > Privacy > Permission Manager” to review and manage permissions for all installed apps.
  5. Use App Permission Monitoring: Enable “Alert When Apps Access Permissions” under “Privacy” settings to receive alerts when an app accesses sensitive data.

5. Avoid Public Wi-Fi and Use a VPN

Public Wi-Fi can expose your device to hacking attempts, but a VPN adds an extra security layer.

  1. Turn Off Auto-Connect to Public Wi-Fi: Go to “Settings > Connections > Wi-Fi > Advanced” and disable “Auto Connect to Public Networks.”
  2. Use a VPN: Install a trusted VPN app from the Google Play Store to encrypt your internet traffic.
  3. Enable Secure Wi-Fi Feature: Some Samsung devices offer “Secure Wi-Fi” under “Connections,” which provides encrypted browsing on public networks.
  4. Avoid Entering Sensitive Information: Refrain from logging into banking apps or entering passwords while connected to public Wi-Fi.
  5. Turn Off Wi-Fi When Not in Use: Disable Wi-Fi when not needed to prevent automatic connections to unsecured networks.

6. Install Apps Only from Trusted Sources

Downloading apps from unverified sources increases the risk of malware and hacking attempts.

  1. Use Google Play Store and Galaxy Store: Only download apps from these official stores to reduce security risks.
  2. Disable Unknown Sources: Go to “Settings > Apps > Special Access > Install Unknown Apps” and ensure no apps are allowed to install from unknown sources.
  3. Check App Reviews and Ratings: Before downloading an app, read user reviews and check for suspicious behavior reports.
  4. Use Play Protect: Enable Google Play Protect under “Google Play Store > Play Protect” to scan for harmful apps.
  5. Uninstall Suspicious Apps: Regularly review installed apps and remove any that you don’t recognize or no longer use.

7. Activate Find My Mobile for Remote Security

Samsung’s Find My Mobile helps track, lock, or wipe your device if it’s lost or stolen.

  1. Open Settings: Go to “Settings > Biometrics & Security > Find My Mobile.”
  2. Enable Remote Controls: Turn on “Remote Controls” to allow remote access if your phone is lost.
  3. Activate Offline Finding: Enable “Offline Finding” to locate your phone even when it’s not connected to Wi-Fi or mobile data.
  4. Log into Samsung Find My Mobile Website: Visit findmymobile.samsung.com to track, lock, or erase your device remotely.
  5. Enable Google’s Find My Device: Go to “Settings > Google > Find My Device” as a backup option for locating your phone.

8. Encrypt Sensitive Data with Secure Folder

Samsung Secure Folder provides an extra layer of encryption for confidential files and apps.

  1. Go to Settings: Navigate to “Settings > Biometrics & Security > Secure Folder.”
  2. Set Up Secure Folder: Sign in with your Samsung account and set a secure lock type (PIN, pattern, or password).
  3. Move Apps and Files to Secure Folder: Open Secure Folder and tap “Add Apps” or “Add Files” to store sensitive data.
  4. Enable Auto-Lock: Set Secure Folder to auto-lock when not in use under “Secure Folder Settings.”
  5. Hide Secure Folder: Toggle “Show Secure Folder” off if you want to keep it hidden from plain view.

9. Enable Anti-Malware and Security Scanning

Samsung devices come with built-in security tools to scan for malware and threats.

  1. Open Settings: Go to “Settings > Battery and Device Care > Device Protection.”
  2. Enable Device Protection: Turn on “Device Protection” to scan for malware automatically.
  3. Run a Manual Security Scan: Tap “Scan Phone” to check for malicious apps or files.
  4. Use Google Play Protect: Go to “Google Play Store > Play Protect” and ensure it’s turned on for automatic app scanning.
  5. Install Additional Security Apps: Consider using reputable anti-malware apps like Malwarebytes or Bitdefender for extra protection.

10. Block Phishing and Spam Calls

Hackers often use phishing calls and messages to trick users into revealing sensitive information.

  1. Enable Caller ID and Spam Protection: Go to “Phone App > Settings > Caller ID & Spam Protection” and turn it on.
  2. Block Suspicious Numbers: Manually block numbers under “Phone > Recents > Tap on Number > Block.”
  3. Use Samsung’s Smart Call Feature: Activate “Smart Call” under “Settings > Call Settings” to identify and filter spam calls.
  4. Be Cautious of Unknown Links: Avoid clicking on links in emails, texts, or messages from unknown sources.
  5. Report Phishing Attempts: Forward spam messages to 7726 (SPAM) or report them via Samsung’s security settings.

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