Hardening and Securing Android?

[Threadripper]

Apart from the usual screen lock, updates, antivirus and VPN advice, is there anything else that can be done to secure and harden Android? Also sharing security/privacy related apps that aren't antiviruses seems beneficial.

 

[Ink]

Suggestions:	Are 3rd party options available?
Latest Google Android OS
Monthly Security updates
Google Play Protect
Find my Phone (Anti-Theft)
Trusted and Reputable Antivirus for Android (optional)
6-digit PIN or Biometric (Iris or Fingerprint)
Chrome: Enable SafeBrowsing and flags for enhanced security
Privacy-focused browser (ie. Firefox Focus)
Tempered glass screen protector (not flimsy plastic)
Bumper case with lip (armored)

Some ideas.

 

[ichito]

There are not so common but I think useful apps that I'm using on my Xiaomi
- NoRoot Firewall

Top 5 No Root FireWall Apps to Secure Your Android-Dr.Fone

In this article, we will talk about the Top five No Root Firewalls Apps which help to secure your Android.

drfone.wondershare.com

- Wi-Fi Privacy Police

Wi-Fi Privacy Police | F-Droid - Free and Open Source Android App Repository

© 2010-2019 F-Droid Limited and Contributors

f-droid.org

 

[HarborFront]

Security - To prevent your phone from being hacked and malware infection. Besides those mentioned

1) Choose a browser that you can improve upon its security/privacy settings with extensions e.g. FF
2) Have a good AV
3) Use a good dedicated VPN with a Kill Switch in always-connected mode. Surf only HTTPS sites for end-to-end encryption which the VPN cannot provide
4) Sandbox using Island, Shelter etc

Privacy - To prevent your personal self and data from being exposed or stolen

1) Privacy settings and extensions in the browser will help here. Can also consider a privacy-focused browser
2) Try as much disable Google apps and prevent them calling home in your phone without jeopardizing its operation
3) Do NOT use social media apps like FB, WhatsApp, Instagram, Twitter, WeChat etc
4) Control the app's permissions to prevent unnecessary calling home
5) Use a firewall to control what apps need outgoing connection
6) Download apps' apks from Non-Google Play Store e.g. apkmirror, apkpure, F-Droid, Aptoide, apkmonk etc
7) Change to a more privacy-focused search engine like Searx, Startpage, DDG etc
8) Data encryption
9) Use BlackFog Privacy - going to release soon

Note that android supports only one VPN at any one time. As a user you'll need to decide to choose only one of the below

1) a good dedicated VPN
2) a system-wide adblocker like adguard, blokada, dns66 etc
3) a dedicated firewall like noroot firewall, netguard etc
4) privacy apps like Lumen Privacy Monitor, Recon etc

 

[RXZ6Q]

There are not so common but I think useful apps that I'm using on my Xiaomi
- NoRoot Firewall

Top 5 No Root FireWall Apps to Secure Your Android-Dr.Fone

In this article, we will talk about the Top five No Root Firewalls Apps which help to secure your Android.

drfone.wondershare.com

- Wi-Fi Privacy Police

Wi-Fi Privacy Police | F-Droid - Free and Open Source Android App Repository

© 2010-2019 F-Droid Limited and Contributors

f-droid.org

I tottally agree with NoRoot Firewall - DEFINITELY install it !

Security - To prevent your phone from being hacked and malware infection. Besides those mentioned

1) Choose a browser that you can improve upon its security/privacy settings with extensions e.g. FF
2) Have a good AV
3) Use a good dedicated VPN with a Kill Switch in always-connected mode. Surf only HTTPS sites for end-to-end encryption which the VPN cannot provide
4) Sandbox using Island, Shelter etc

Privacy - To prevent your personal self and data from being exposed or stolen

1) Privacy settings and extensions in the browser will help here. Can also consider a privacy-focused browser
2) Try as much disable Google apps and prevent them calling home in your phone without jeopardizing its operation
3) Do NOT use social media apps like FB, WhatsApp, Instagram, Twitter, WeChat etc
4) Control the app's permissions to prevent unnecessary calling home
5) Use a firewall to control what apps need outgoing connection
6) Download apps' apks from Non-Google Play Store e.g. apkmirror, apkpure, F-Droid, Aptoide, apkmonk etc
7) Change to a more privacy-focused search engine like Searx, Startpage, DDG etc
8) Data encryption
9) Use BlackFog Privacy - going to release soon

Note that android supports only one VPN at any one time. As a user you'll need to decide to choose only one of the below

1) a good dedicated VPN
2) a system-wide adblocker like adguard, blokada, dns66 etc
3) a dedicated firewall like noroot firewall, netguard etc
4) privacy apps like Lumen Privacy Monitor, Recon etc

I would definitely go for noroot firewall on unroteed phones.