android device – PSafe Blog https://www.psafe.com/en/blog Articles and news about Mobile Security, Android, Apps, Social Media and Technology in general. Thu, 19 Jan 2023 14:49:21 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.5.3 https://www.psafe.com/en/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/cropped-psafe_blog_purple-shield-32x32.png android device – PSafe Blog https://www.psafe.com/en/blog 32 32 <![CDATA[Your Guide to Childproofing an Android Device]]> https://www.psafe.com/en/blog/guide-childproofing-android-device/ Sun, 16 Apr 2017 18:00:14 +0000 https://www.psafe.com/en/blog/?p=10009 You don’t want your child sending off gibberish emails to your co-workers again, right? You only want your young child playing with your phone some of the time, to keep him or her busy, perhaps. Click below to keep your children — and everyone else — out of your favorite or more sensitive apps.

lock-your-apps
DFNDR’s Applock feature lets you lock sensitive apps with a password, even if your phone’s home screen is unlocked. You don’t have to lock down every app, either, meaning that you can keep your child-approved apps running. But that’s not all you can do. The following will explain how you can further childproof your phone.

Read More: The 6 Best Apps to Keep Toddlers Busy

Lock Your Screen

Add a screen lock to your phone so your child can’t get into it if you leave it somewhere. To add a lock screen, go to “Settings.” Here, choose “Security” and then “Screen Lock.” You can then choose to add a PIN or a pattern to lock your phone settings. Your child would have to be a genius in order to figure out how to get through those.

Restrict Access to the Google Play Store

One of the biggest worries about your child getting into your phone is buying anything from the Google Play store. But Android comes already-equipped with restrictions. To turn these on, tap “Settings” on the Play Store side menu. Click the option to always require a password when making in-app purchases.

Set Web Browser Limits

The Mobicip app lets you set controls for how long your child can browse the Internet. To use, you first set up a parental account that lets you set, monitor, and change browsing length controls. You can also block out websites that you don’t want your child accessing.

Separate Your User Profiles

The most current Android devices (due to a function on the Lollipop operating system and up) lets you create separate user profiles for different family members. As part of this feature, you can create restricted profiles for your kids. This profile lets you lock down apps and set parental restrictions on what might be unsuitable content.

To create a new profile, navigate to “Settings.” Next, click on “Users” and “Add user or profile.” After that, click “Restricted profile.” Once there, click “New profile” to change it to your child’s name. In the profile, you’ll see every app downloaded to your phone. You can block or unblock apps based on your intended level of restriction.

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<![CDATA[Rootnik Malware and What It Means For You]]> https://www.psafe.com/en/blog/rootnik-malware-means/ Wed, 08 Mar 2017 20:00:25 +0000 https://www.psafe.com/en/blog/?p=8617 There’s a new type of malware infecting Android devices. It’s being called “Rootnik” and it has infected Android users in multiple different countries. Unfortunately, it is being hidden across many different free apps that can be found on the Google Play Store. Wi-Fi Analyzer, Open Camera, Infinite Loop, HD Camera, and many other applications have been found to have Rootnik embedded within them — and these are just the apps that we know about. Many other apps could also have Rootnik hidden inside of them. It could even be inside an app that you’ve already installed without you even knowing about it — that’s how little is known about it.

Whenever you download a new app, be sure to scan your device for viruses after. This is especially important because of malware like Rootnik, where the number of infected apps is unknown. DFNDR’s Security Scan feature will monitor the various threats as you interact with different websites or attempt to install new applications. It’s able to protect you from threats by preventing them in the first place. It provides this protection to your device storage and your SD card so you’re always protected and never in danger. Click here to run a full virus scan on your device, and check your apps for Rootnik:

Security Scan
How Does Rootnik Work?

Rootnik works in a few different ways. The first thing it does after being installed is to exploit a few different Android vulnerabilities which will allow it to install and uninstall apps without users giving permission or being aware of what it’s doing. It will then install multiple new APK files in the system files. It will steal user information and Wi-Fi and location information, in addition to having the ability to download executable files from distant and remote servers. It can do all of this without you even being aware of it.

Your mobile device is convenient because it’s connected to everything — your private network, email, banking apps, social media, etc. — and contains everything you need to have access to at a moment’s notice. The downside to this is, however, the fact that malicious websites and malware like Rootnik can also infect your device without your knowledge and steal all of this information to profit from it at your expense. It’s not a hopeless situation though; as long as you have a great security app, you can protect yourself from malware like Rootnik.

 

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<![CDATA[How to Scan Your Android Device for Viruses]]> https://www.psafe.com/en/blog/scan-android-device-viruses/ Wed, 30 Nov 2016 20:00:13 +0000 https://www.psafe.com/en/blog/?p=6178 Sometimes, it can be difficult to tell if your Android has a virus. Your phone might behave seemingly normally, despite a few glitches like performance issues or random notification alerts. However, there are some obvious signs of malware. If your smartphone’s battery is suddenly and frequently drained, you aren’t running any new programs or apps, and your cell phone bill is unusually high, it’s possible malware has been installed onto your device. Luckily, all types of malware are pretty easy to remove with antivirus software.

Download Antivirus Software

The main way to get rid of a virus on your device is by downloading antivirus software. Download PSafe Total to scan your device for any malicious threats. PSafe Total offers unbeatable, 24/7 antivirus protection, whether you’re browsing online or downloading an app from the Play store. The app is AV-Test certified, and has been rated one of the best Android antivirus programs in the world.

Read More: How Updating Your Software Can Increase Your Security

PSafe Total excels in protection and usability: it detects more malware than the industry average, does not drain your phone’s battery, and does not alter your phone’s performance. It actually works to enhance and optimize your device, so that your phone behaves like new. As a bonus feature, the app offers a Applock password option and anti-theft protection, which includes remote-lock, locate, and remote-wipe options in the case of a lost or stolen device. With PSafe, the protection of your personal information comes first.

Protect Your Device with Safe Habits

Just because antivirus software will protect your Android against malware, doesn’t mean that you should disregard safe online habits. Here are some habits you should practice:

  1. Be aware of what you download, whether you’re downloading apps, files, programs, or even antivirus software. Only download from a trustworthy source. For apps or programs, pay attention to the design, language, and reviews. If the design and language seem suspicious, or there are few or no reviews, don’t download the app or program. It isn’t worth the potential risk — the app could install spyware or malware onto your device.
  2. Never shop online, sign into any accounts, or check your bank account on public Wi-Fi. This goes for emails, too. Assume anyone could be spying on your behavior on a shared network. If you want to use public Wi-Fi, restrict your online behavior to blogs or articles.

Be cautious of attachments or links from suspicious-looking emails, even if they claim to be from a store you frequent.

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<![CDATA[Your Guide to Disabling Autocorrect on Nearly Every Device]]> https://www.psafe.com/en/blog/guide-disabling-autocorrect-nearly-every-device/ Fri, 14 Oct 2016 13:19:18 +0000 https://www.psafe.com/en/blog/?p=4641 Autocorrect: sometimes it can be a lifesaver, but other times it can be a serious inconvenience. If you’re someone who would rather get rid of autocorrect all together, here is how you can turn it off across multiple devices.

iPhone
If you’re tired of autocorrect on your iPhone changing things for you, it’s very easy to turn off.

  1. Go into Settings on your iPhone or your iPad.
  2. Select “General,” which is a part of the third grouping (below Do Not Disturb).
  3. Scroll down to find Keyboard, which is below the “Date & Time” option.
  4. Press the slider to right of “Auto-Correction.”

Read More: How to Set Up Fingerprint Authorization For Google Play

Android Devices
If you have the Google Keyboard, which the majority of Android devices do, this is a very quick fix.

  1. Navigate to your Android device’s Settings menu.
  2. Select “Language & input,” which is near the “Accounts” menu item.
  3. Find the “Google Keyboard” entry and select it.
  4. Towards the bottom of the screen, select “Text correction.”

Windows 10
Windows has gotten into the autocorrect game with the addition of the feature in Windows 10. As with the other devices/operating systems above, however, it can easily be disabled.

  1. Press the Windows key and the letter I at the same time to open the Settings app.
  2. Click on Devices, and then on the left hand side of the screen, click “Typing.”
  3. On the right, click the slider below “Autocorrect misspelled words.”

Apple Computers
Apple’s auto correct isn’t only for its iDevices — it is enabled on their laptops and desktops as well. To turn off the feature…

  1. Within the Apple Menu, go to System Preferences.
  2. Select “Keyboard.”
  3. Click the Text tab, and then uncheck “Correct spelling automatically.”
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<![CDATA[The Future of Augmented Reality for Your Android]]> https://www.psafe.com/en/blog/future-augmented-reality-android/ Fri, 07 Oct 2016 12:27:36 +0000 https://www.psafe.com/en/blog/?p=4476 Google Glass is considered a failure. Maybe the technology was ahead of its time, or maybe it was because no one could afford to buy it. Either way, tech companies are rapidly investing in augmented and virtual reality technology, counting on it to be the way of the future. As technology for this type of reality improves, and this technology becomes more commercially available, will these types of realities become the main way we “see” the world?

What is Augmented Reality?
Consider augmented reality to be exactly as it seems: “expanded,” or “supplemented,” reality. It offers a new way to interact with the real world in real-time. Through a device, you can “supplement” your reality with virtual video, sound, animation, or GPS data. Two examples that you may already be familiar with are Pokémon Go and Snapchat. Pokémon Go is an augmented reality game that allows us to “see” and catch Pokemon around us. Snapchat utilizes filters that enhance our reality by placing flower crowns on our heads, or turning us into animals or monsters.

Read More: PokémonGo and Your Privacy: What You Need to Know

What Can We Expect in the Future?
The future of augmented reality is more than just games. Snapchat, an app that has dabbled in augmented reality, will be releasing Snapchat glasses this fall. They’re called “Spectacles.” While similar to Google Glass, they are much more affordable, at about $130. This, of course, will increase their chance of success. These glasses will allow you to record 10-second video clips from the perspective of the wearer. Currently, the glasses are intended to record the world in a way that more accurately shows what their user sees. But if Snapchat’s interest in augmented reality is any indication, these glasses may soon have the ability to supplement our reality with similar Snapchat “filters.”

Augmented reality “glasses” already exist — think of Microsoft’s HoloLens headset in addition to Google Glass — but they are not widely available or popular. Or in the case of Oculus Rift, they’re used for gaming. Snapchat could change that — eventually. But not without the help of other companies investing in augmented reality. Facebook is currently working on augmented and virtual reality glasses, counting on them to be the ultimate way we see and interact with one another in the future. Over the next ten years, Facebook hopes to make these glasses commercially popular. They could potentially replace smartphones, televisions, cameras, GPS devices, and more. They could even become a type of a virtual reality assistant — a piece of technology to aid us in daily tasks such as driving. But is the world ready to accept augmented and virtual reality as an alternate way to see the world? If Snapchat and Pokémon Go offer any indication, we’re warming up to the idea.

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<![CDATA[Everything You Need to Know About the Galaxy Note7 Recall]]> https://www.psafe.com/en/blog/everything-need-know-galaxy-note7-recall/ Wed, 05 Oct 2016 22:51:52 +0000 https://www.psafe.com/en/blog/?p=4431 Are people’s phones really catching on fire? In short: yes. It’s true that users have reported their Note7s actually catching on fire and — in some cases — exploded, prompting the current recall. Read on to see what the deal is and whether your phone is affected.

What Happened?
Samsung has released an official statement blaming faulty battery cells used in some Note7s for the problem. These defective battery cells become overheated when used heavily and charged for long periods. Reports indicate that a manufacturing error caused too much pressure to be placed on plates inside the battery cells. Because of this, positive and negative poles inside the cells came into contact with one another, which created the excess heat.

Read More: The Benefits of Upgrading Your Hard Drive

How Do I Know Which Phones are Affected?
All Samsung Galaxy Note7 phones that were purchased prior to September 15, 2016 are included in the recall. While retailers have been instructed to remove the defective phones from their shelves, there is a chance some could still be on the market. Before you buy a new Note7, examine the packaging closely. If the box has an “S” mark and/or a black square on the label, it is a new phone deemed safe by Samsung. If you don’t see either of those indicators on the label, do not purchase the phone. If you’re not sure, talk to the salesperson. If you already have a Note7, you can enter your phone’s IMEI number on Samsung’s recall website to find out if it’s a defective model.

What Do I Do If My Phone Is Affected?
If you do have one of the recalled Note7s, turn it off immediately and do not plug it in to charge. Take it back to the retail store where you purchased it as soon as possible. Or, you can call Samsung directly at 1-800-SAMSUNG. Samsung is offering affected customers the option to trade their old Note7 for a new, fixed Note7. As an alternative, you can choose to trade in your Note7 for a Galaxy S& or S7 Edge (and Samsung will refund the difference in price between the devices). You can also exchange your Note7 accessories for new or equivalent products.

If you haven’t done so yet, return your recalled Note7 right away. Should this whole situation make customers wary of purchasing Samsung devices in the future? Not necessarily. The company has a great track record, and the swift response to the current situation is a good indicator that they are committed to making it up to their customers going forward.

Whether you have a Note7 or a different smartphone, do what you can to keep it cool with PSafe Total’s CPU cooler.

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<![CDATA[A Brief Overview of the Samsung Galaxy Note 7]]> https://www.psafe.com/en/blog/brief-overview-samsung-galaxy-note-7/ Tue, 27 Sep 2016 21:23:16 +0000 https://www.psafe.com/en/blog/?p=4172 The Samsung Galaxy Note 7 exploded in popularity upon its release. Literally. In mid-September, Samsung recalled the device because the battery cells were combusting and exploding in customers’ pockets. Samsung will reimburse all users with money or a new, unaffected Note 7 if they trade in their phones beginning on September 21.

Despite this daunting flaw in the device, there are several pros that are worth noting. First of all, while it has been proven that the phone isn’t fireproof, it is water resistant and won’t short circuit if exposed to liquids. Moreover, the phone is a thing of beauty. It contains a sleek wraparound glass and a stylish stylist called the “S pen” that comes attached to the phone.

Read More: How Emergency Location Services Can Save Your Life

Moreover, the storage has increased 2x from the Edge. While the Edge only contains 32GB of storage space, the Note 7 has 64GB. There is also an ocular iris scanner that is used to unlock your phone. This is a much more efficacious security system, as the PIN number you usually use is susceptible to hacking. There is also a fingerprint scanner if you wish to use your finger in lieu of your eye to unlock your device. Lastly, Samsung flaunts the long lasting battery life that comes with the Note 7.

Unfortunately, there are also some cons to the device that are important to assess — other than catching on fire. First of all, the price tag alone is enough to turn away a good number of customers. Some of the versions of the phone exceed $900! Plus, the iris scanner has been reported as faulty. Several Note users complained about the complexity of this new technology, and they much prefer the simplicity of the PIN number.

Now that I’ve got my phone, how can I make it run at optimal speed?
Download the PSafe Total app. This application contains a variety of tools that will ensure your device is running at its best potential.

For example, The App Manager removes applications that you do not want to keep on your device. It uninstalls the application with just one click and allows you to make a backup.

Moreover, The Game Booster allows for a better experience with device gaming. With this tool, you can allow PSafe Total to optimize your downloaded games whenever you start playing.

Want to learn more about Android technology? Visit the PSafe blog!

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<![CDATA[New LG V20 Smartphone: What We Know and What to Expect]]> https://www.psafe.com/en/blog/new-lg-v20-smartphone-know-expect/ Mon, 26 Sep 2016 21:54:14 +0000 https://www.psafe.com/en/blog/?p=4152 Cell phone technology is improving by the day. It seems like just yesterday the Motorola Razor was at the top of the market. Well, over 8 years have passed since then, and the innovation has yet to cease.

The LG V20 is a paradigm of the ever improving cell phone technology. With a high tech dual camera lens, military grade drop protection and Android Nouget 7.0, the LG V20 is creating quite the buzz in the world of cellular devices.

Read More: Don’t Let Your Kids Infect Your Wi-Fi with the Latest Virus

Last year, the LG V10 impressed users with its high functioning capabilities, but its bulky design was enough to turn away a high volume of potential customers.

With a new, shiny black rubbery texture and a vibrant looking exterior made of aluminum alloy, this phone is going to be so beautiful you’re going to want to frame it and hang it in your kitchen.

LG has also taken advantage of new materials to make the phone lighter and more efficient. The top and the bottom of the phone appear to be metal, but they are actually made of a material called Silicone Polycarbonate, which is a very durable type of plastic. According to LG, this new form of plastic can absorb shocks 20 percent better than the LG V10.

LG promises a 20 percent more efficient battery life in the V20 compared to the V10. It includes fast charging, so juicing up your phone should be a breeze.

The camera on the V20 will basically antiquate the usage of a selfie stick. The selfie camera in the phone has a wide angle mode that is optimal for selfie lovers. Plus, the sets of dual lenses in the front and back combine to make the picture quality nearly HD.

LG also flaunts the Android Nouget 7.0 system that will come with the V20. This is apparently Google’s most efficient operating system yet that will allow users to surf their phones at laser fast speeds.

In sum, you should expect nothing but great things from the LG V20. The phone has a demanding reputation to live up to, but with its top of the line operating system and sleek design, any customer should be confident in their purchase of the LG V20.

Want to learn more about Android phones? Visit the PSafe blog!

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<![CDATA[How to Use Your Android Device Like a True Techie]]> https://www.psafe.com/en/blog/use-android-device-like-true-techie/ Tue, 20 Sep 2016 19:07:38 +0000 https://www.psafe.com/en/blog/?p=3886 Techies always have the best ways to hack the pieces of technology you thought you understood. Same goes for the Android. Even if you’re on your phone day and night, there are still pro tips you could start using to make it work even better. Here are our favorite ways to use your Android like a techie.

Read More: Smartphone Safety Tips and Tricks

Only Let Important People Call or Text You.
Here’s how to turn on “Priority Mode.”

1. Click the up or down volume button.
2. When the screen pops up, click on “Priority Mode.”
3. You can set the length of time you want the mode on.
4. You can also click “Settings” to add contacts who you want to be able to contact you.

Unlock Your Phone When You’re Not Worried About Someone Looking at it.
When you’re in a safe place, you don’t need your phone to prompt you for your PIN or password. To do this, follow these steps.

1. Navigate to “Settings” and then “Security.”
2. Find “Smart Lock.”
3. Click on Trusted Places and add your current location. The phone will then recognize when you’re in that safe place and unlock your phone when you’re there.

Zoom in on any screen.
To make sure you can zoom on every screen, follow these steps.

1. Navigate to “Settings” and “Accessibility.”
2. Go to “Magnification Gestures” and switch to “On.”
3. To magnify, you then triple tap on any page you want to. You can also adjust your zoom by using two-finger drag to zoom in and two-finger pinch to zoom out.

Want a couple more pro moves to impress your friends? Download PSafe Total. Along with professional grade anti-virus and memory booster features, DFNDR also has features we bet your friends won’t have. PSafe’s Game Booster optimizes your downloaded game for peak play, and its Private Gallery — only accessible to you — lets you store photos you don’t want to be visible in other photo galleries.

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