If you use a Android Smartphone (other Mobile-OS same) you should take a minute to get back your privacy and security!
This points helps to prevent, but there is no warranty for 100% protection!
- First every Smartphone offers a Factory Reset, search it on Settings and DO it! This prevent you from Firmware Spam by the Reseller! (Samsung, HTC..)
- Boot the Phone without inserting a SIM card, create a fake account to get Updates and Software over a PUBLIC WIFI Network (Coffee Shop, Freifunk)
- Install wanted Apps, then go to Settings now to accounts, PURGE the fake account.
- Disable / Purge Apps on the Settings, of Apps that you never will use.
- Check on Settings which App is running by timer, if not needed disable it.
- Check Webbackup Apps and disable or prevent them from calling home, (Default builtin Android Firewall)
- DON’T setup your REAL Email Account which is used for Home Banking or Online Shopping, CAUSE the OS is open like a Swiss Cheese with holes! (Less Updates by Manufacterer) or to PROTECT your phone from being hijacked by a E-Mail Virus
- Encrypt the Phone, and SET Screenlock with Password longer than 8 Digits, same on SIM Unlock Code!
- Backup the Smartphone by USB Cable Monthly to a full encrypted PC!
- If you are not a newbie, look for Browsers like icecat-apk on the Open Source F-Droid Shop which are more secure
- Try Tor Browser later! For more Security!
- DON’T Enter words, names, numbers who are CONFIDENTIAL! Cause Smartphones are like papers on a public table without real protection!
- Try to use the “Quick Switches” of the “Screen Pull Down Menu” of the Home Screen where Data, Autosync and Flightmode can be used.
- If you use Messenger Apps check their Settings to disable Download of “Video, Images, Files” this can be a Backdoor too!
- Disable “Video Autoplay” on Apps like G+ or Facebook.
- Use every App with a own fake Account.
- NEVER leave your Phone on a public table, cause the USB Port is always open and AUTO Connect every plugged in Cable!
- Put a black Strip on the Camera lens if you don’t need them! especially the Front Camera!
- Call your Phone Provider, to disable the transmission of MMS/SMS! This prevent Messages with bad links.