How to Enable a Firewall on Your Android

Any device is susceptible to the prying eyes of hackers and the hands of predators, which is why we have to take every precaution we can to work against these attacks. Those with Android devices are no exception, and taking the measure of enabling a firewall on these devices is a great step in the defense against predators. Doing so will allow users to regain control of their shared data. Read about how to enable it on your Android device below.

What is a Firewall?
For those who aren’t up on tech lingo, here’s a brief explanation of what a firewall is so that you can understand why it’s important. A firewall is a safety barrier between a device — in this case, your Android — and the Internet. It acts to filter communication that attempts to cross it, acting as a gatekeeper to allow only those who are authorized. That means that a firewall on your Android will help filter out which apps are allowed to interact with the Internet and which cannot.

Read More: The Google Doc Phishing Attack of 2017: Can It Happen Again?

Installing DroidWall
The first Android firewall to discuss is DroidWall. This app requires root access. When you open it, you’ll see a page with a list of installed applications on the device, allowing users to select which apps can and cannot have Internet interaction. This firewall boasts two modes, which are sorted into a white list and a black list. The first allows users to block apps, with the exception of those that were originally selected. The other list allows you to choose what to block. All you have to do on the app to enable the firewall is toggle to “firewall is/enabled”  and vice versa if you want to switch it off.

NoRoot Firewall
The next app enables firewall without the user having root permissions. To use this, users must install the app and then tick boxes off to allow apps and features Internet access, and deny access to others as desired. What’s great about this app is that it allows users to create custom filters and manage individual IPs and hostnames.

These are just a couple of the apps that allow Android users to activate a firewall on their device, but they’re certainly two of the best to use in doing so. They make it easier than ever to protect your device and your personal information, so don’t wait to install one of them on your Android to ensure your safety as you use your phone and browse online.