Advanced Plus Security Kongo's Mobile Security Config

[Kongo]

I recently got my Google Pixel 8 Pro and thought, that I should create a new mobile security config. Here it is. I am open for recommendations as I am new to Android.

 

[Bot]

Congratulations on your new Google Pixel 8 Pro! It's great that you're already thinking about setting up a solid mobile security configuration. Here are some recommendations to enhance your security setup:

1. **Enable Device Encryption**: Make sure to enable device encryption on your Google Pixel 8 Pro. This will protect your data in case your device is lost or stolen.

2. **Set Up Screen Lock**: Use a strong screen lock method such as a PIN, password, or pattern. This adds an extra layer of security to your device.

3. **Activate Find My Device**: Enable the Find My Device feature on your Pixel 8 Pro. This will help you locate your device if it's lost or stolen, and you can also remotely lock or erase it if needed.

4. **Keep Software Updated**: Regularly check for software updates on your device and install them promptly. Updates often contain security patches that help protect your device from vulnerabilities.

5. **Use Secure Wi-Fi Networks**: Be cautious when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks. Consider using a VPN to encrypt your internet traffic and protect your data from potential threats on unsecured networks.

6. **Install Apps from Trusted Sources**: Stick to downloading apps from the Google Play Store, as it's a more secure source compared to third-party app stores. Be cautious of granting unnecessary permissions to apps.

7. **Enable Two-Factor Authentication**: Enable two-factor authentication for your Google account and any other accounts that support it. This adds an extra layer of security to your accounts.

8. **Regularly Back Up Your Data**: Set up regular backups of your important data to a secure location, such as Google Drive or a trusted cloud service. This ensures that you can recover your data in case of any issues.

9. **Use a Mobile Security App**: Consider installing a reputable mobile security app from a trusted provider to add an extra layer of protection against malware and other threats.

10. **Review App Permissions**: Periodically review the permissions granted to your installed apps and revoke any permissions that seem unnecessary for the app's functionality.

By following these recommendations, you can strengthen the security of your Google Pixel 8 Pro and reduce the risk of potential security threats. If you have any specific questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask!

 

[Shadowra]

You're not on iPhone anymore?

 

[Kongo]

You're not on iPhone anymore?

Nope. Mainly switched for the camera and now I love the Pixel in general

 

[Shadowra]

Nope. Mainly switched for the camera and now I love the Pixel in general

Spoiler: :P

Apple's crying that you went to Android

 

[Kongo]

Spoiler: :p

View attachment 281803
Apple's crying that you went to Android

I mean the biggest upgrade to the new iPhone was that they finally implemented USB-C. They deserve to cry for this impudence. No more Apple for now.

 

[blackice]

I mean the biggest upgrade to the new iPhone was that they finally implemented USB-C. They deserve to cry for this impudence. No more Apple for now.

Biggest e-waste impact too. Decades of lightning cables in our house are now useless. And now new cables purchased, driving up the cost of the device.

 

[oldschool]

How much bloatware does the Pixel have?

 

[Digmor Crusher]

How much bloatware does the Pixel have?

Depends what you call bloatware but I would say zero.

 

[Kongo]

How much bloatware does the Pixel have?

Wouldn't say any bloatware. Just some Google related apps that not everybody needs. Otherwise it's pretty clean with stock Android

 

[Kongo]

Updated after a long time.

Kongo's Mobile Security Config · Setup v2
Updated Oct 7, 2026

What changed

• Mobile browsers: DuckDuckGo Browser → Samsung Browser (Strict Privacy settings) + Adguard
• Phone & Caller ID: / → Advanced Protection Program by Google
• Mobile OS version: 14 → Android 17
• Security and privacy apps: ESET Security → Advanced Protection Program by Google
• Firewall and VPN apps: Proton VPN with Secure Core, NetShield and Kill Switch (always active) → Cloudflare WARP (Free)
• Photo & Video: Adobe Lightroom, Snapseed, FLTR → Adobe Lightroom, Snapseed
• Mobile security update support: Older selection — review required → Supported - still receiving security updates
• Google Play Protect settings: Older selection — review required → Scan apps with Play Protect, Improve harmful app detection, Permissions for unused apps to be removed
• Screen lock method: Older selection — review required → PIN
• SIM and mobile number protection: Older selection — review required → Lock SIM card with a PIN
• Stolen Device Protection: Older selection — review required → On
• Unknown tracker alerts: Older selection — review required → Unknown Tracker Alerts (Android)
• Find a lost device: Older selection — review required → Google Find Hub (formerly Find My Device)
• Feedback preference: Older selection — review required → Detailed suggestions and alternatives welcome

Spoiler: Full setup snapshot

My current setup

• Mobile operating system: Android
• Mobile OS version: Android 17
• Mobile model: Google Pixel 8 Pro
• Mobile brand: Google
• Security and privacy apps: Advanced Protection Program by Google
• Mobile browsers: Samsung Browser (Strict Privacy settings) + Adguard
• File and photo backups: Google One
• Mobile security update support: Supported - still receiving security updates
• Mobile system updates: Automatic updates
• Google Play Protect settings: Scan apps with Play Protect, Improve harmful app detection, Permissions for unused apps to be removed
• App store(s): Google Play Store
• App updates: Auto-update on any connection
• Screen lock method: PIN
• Biometric security: Fingerprint(s)
• SIM and mobile number protection: Lock SIM card with a PIN
• Stolen Device Protection: On
• Unknown tracker alerts: Unknown Tracker Alerts (Android)
• Find a lost device: Google Find Hub (formerly Find My Device)
• Firewall and VPN apps: Cloudflare WARP (Free)
• Password and passkey manager: Bitwarden Premium
• Phone & Caller ID: Advanced Protection Program by Google
• Messaging: Whatsapp, Signal
• Music & Podcasts: Spotify
• Photo & Video: Adobe Lightroom, Snapseed
• Entertainment: YouTube and Twitch
• Note-taking: Google Workshop Notes
• Cloud storage: Google One (200 GB)
• Games: /
• Android launcher: /
• Two-factor authentication: Authy
• Subscriptions: Google One Standard 200GB
• Feedback preference: Detailed suggestions and alternatives welcome

Feedback on this setup is welcome.