Android security: Analysis, advice, and next-level knowledge

Expand your Android security knowledge with this comprehensive collection of level-headed resources.

It's tough to talk about Android security without venturing into sensational terrain.

A large part of that is due to the simple fact that the forces driving most Android security coverage are companies that make their money by selling Android security software — and thus companies with strong interests in pushing the narrative that every Android phone is on the perpetual brink of grave, unfathomable danger. Plus, let's face it: A headline about 70 gazillion Android phones being vulnerable to the MegaMonsterSkullCrusher Virus is far more enticing than one explaining the nuanced realities of Android security.

In actuality, though, Android security is a complex beast — one with multiple layers in place to protect you and one that almost never warrants an alarmist attitude. I've been covering Android security closely since the platform's earliest days, and I've busted more myths and called out more shameless publicity stunts than I can even count at this point.

So allow me to be your guide in navigating the ever-changing arena of Android security and the misleading halo of information around it. From practical advice to in-depth analysis, you can find all my current Android security coverage in the frequently updated sections below.

The most important thing to take away from this? Take a deep breath. Regardless of what you may have read elsewhere, there's rarely any reason to panic — and things are almost certainly going to be OK.

Android security tips and advice

9 Android settings that'll strengthen your security

Android's own native security options aren't always obvious — but they're absolutely worth your while to embrace and understand.

Android security audit: An 11-step checklist

Android security doesn't have to be a source of stress. These easy-to-follow steps are all you need to keep the boogeyman at bay.

The best privacy and security apps for Android

Forget malware scanners or over-the-top security suites: These are the apps that'll actually improve your security and protect your privacy on Android.

Facebook's data debacle is a wake-up call for Android users

Attention, Android users: Whether you use Facebook or not, now's the time to proactively assess how much access you're giving to different apps. All the info you need awaits within.

Find My Device: How Android's security service can manage your missing phone

Android's Find My Device feature makes it easy to track down and deal with a missing phone. Here's everything you need to know.

Android security knowledge

Before you panic: 6 things to remember about Android security

The next Android security scare will seem a lot less scary with these six critical facts in mind.

Which Android phones get regular security updates? Here's a hint

A rare clue about the big picture of security update performance across the Android ecosystem.

Android 8.0 in-depth: Oreo's not-so-obvious security enhancements

Some deep-dive details on significant security upgrades introduced with Google's Android 8.0 Oreo release.

Android P in depth: An up-close look at what's new with security

An exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the most meaningful privacy and security changes on the way with Google's Android P release.

Android security deep dives and analysis

The big secret behind Google Play Protect on Android

There's one detail rarely mentioned about Google's splashy new Android security effort — and it's a critical point for everyone to understand.

When Google Play Protect fails

Google's system for keeping malware off Android phones is mostly effective — so how does it sometime stumble so spectacularly?

Behind the scenes: The anatomy of an Android security flaw

An in-depth look at what actually happens when Google discovers a vulnerability — and why alarmist headlines frequently fail to tell the full tale.

The Android malware monster will never die

But here's the dirty little secret security software vendors don't want you to know: There's really no reason to be scared.

BlackBerry's Android upgrade track record should give anyone pause

BlackBerry markets its phones as being business-friendly and security-first, but the company's Android upgrade performance is fiercely at odds with that message.

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