android apps - PSafe Blog

Always Update Your Android Apps: Start With dfndr security

PSafe Newsroom — Wed, 27 May 2020 17:34:29 +0000

One of the drawbacks people perceive for having a great phone and lots of wonderful apps is the need to keep all them updated. The more apps you have, the more often you’ll receive reminders about them. Even though truth be told, most apps update pretty fast these days, it can seem like a bit of a bother.

However, there’s one great reason to always stay on top of things and update your Android apps whenever they offer one. And it may just be the best reason of all: SECURITY.

“Most apps will update for a variety of different reasons, but one of the most common reasons is security,” says Emilio Simoni, Research Director at dfndr lab. “Engineers are always testing and discovering vulnerabilities in their apps, so even if an update has no new features, for your own good, you should make it a habit to update. Or, set your device to update apps automatically.”

Why You Should ALWAYS Update dfndr security

dfndr security’s main objective is to keep you safe. That is the reason why you should always do updates with dfndr security immediately when you receive notice of them. Our antivirus database is constantly being updated, often with the defense against the latest, most widespread threats – so if there’s ONE app you want to keep up to date, make it dfndr security.

Why not take a moment and check now to see if your drndr security is up to date?

Follow the instructions from Google below to make sure your dfndr security app always updates automatically:

Open the Google Play Store app.
Tap Menu > and then > My apps & games.
Select dfndr security as the app you want to update.
Tap More.
Tap Enable auto update.

dfndr security will then update automatically when updates are available. To turn off automatic updates, just uncheck the box. This is what the Enable Auto Update looks like when selected:

Set Your Android Apps To Update Automatically

Android lets you control automatic updating so that it always occurs only when you’re connected to WiFi. Setting to Auto Update with WiFi is a great way to make sure all your apps are always up to the second. Here’s how to make that happen:

Open the Google Play Store app.
Tap Menu, Menu and then Settings.
Tap Auto-update apps.
Select the Over Wi-Fi only option to automatically update apps only when connected to Wi-Fi.

If you need to do an emergency update and you have no WiFi you can override this setting.

Viruses, Hackers, and Malware Are Out There. Keep them OUT!

“We’re seeing lots of aggressive activity among hackers since the start of the Coronavirus Pandemic,” Emilio reminds us, “If you keep your dfndr security always app up-to-date it’s going to give you the best protection we have to make sure you can use the web safely.” Simoni concludes: “And right now, with social distancing still in effect in so many places, you want to make sure your access to the web is safe and secure.”

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Here Are the Pros and Cons of Find My Friends

PSafe Newsroom — Tue, 01 Jan 2019 22:00:51 +0000

Some people really love the Find My Friends app because the app can help you find your friends whether or not they contact you. You don’t need to wait around for your friend to text you back to see where they are or what they’re doing. But there are some downsides to this app because hackers and thieves can hack into your Find My Friends account and possibly locate you without your permission. Imagine, too, if your phone falls into the wrong hands. Try out the anti-theft feature in dfndr security before thieves have your phone in the event of loss or theft:

Pros of Find My Friends
This app makes it easy and fun to locate where your friends and family are. All you have to do is request for them to add you as a contact on the app, and once you accept, you will be given access to where they are.

There are also many privacy controls on the app that are very helpful. If there’s a moment where you don’t want certain friends to see where you’re located (maybe a surprise party or you’re on a date and don’t want to be bothered), you can mute those friends and they won’t be able to see you. The app is also great because it can help you keep your friends safe. If you’re concerned about a friend’s well being and haven’t heard from them in a while, you can simply use the app to see where they are.

Cons of Find My Friends
One downside to the app is that it does cost money to use. Find My Friends has a small, one-time fee of 99 cents. This fee may deter many people from downloading the app, so the app does have a smaller user base than other popular apps like Twitter and Facebook. Another negative aspect of Find my Friends is that you may get requests from people you don’t know and people you don’t want to have access to your location. This isn’t a big deal often, but it is a bit of a hassle to constantly reject strangers from accessing your location.

Finally, this app has a major downside because hackers can access the app, hack your personal information, and be able to locate you. Once the hackers have your location, they may have access to your address. Think about the pros and cons before downloading this app.

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NSA Whistleblower Releases Security App for Android

PSafe Newsroom — Sat, 10 Mar 2018 13:00:27 +0000

Knowing whether your devices have been compromised can be a challenging task to accomplish. Allowing your computer or smartphone to become breached can result in private information becoming public. In some circumstances, an attacker may even be able to monitor your environment, infiltrating the most private aspects of your life.

NSA whistleblower, Edward Snowden, has released an application that allows a spare Android device to act as a security system for your gadgets. The app, Haven, enables users to oversee the device’s environment for intrusions. First, however, you must ensure that your machine isn’t being compromised from the inside. An AV-TEST approved app such as dfndr security can be your watchdog against viruses, malicious content, and infected applications.

Once you are all set internally, you can take a deep dive into Haven’s abilities. A spare Android device can be set up with the app, monitoring data from your smartphone’s cameras, light sensors, accelerometers, and microphones. Leave the smartphone with your computer in a hotel, dorm room, or other environments, and it will let you know if someone has intruded upon the space. Just set the device down on a desk and go.

Haven is aimed at anyone who may want to keep close tabs on their stuff, such as journalists, activists, and security personnel – one of the reasons Snowden developed the app in connection with the Freedom of the Press Foundation. However, the Android creation is also a way to ensure roommates aren’t accessing your machine, parents aren’t snooping on your content, and hotel maids aren’t getting too curious.

Once the application notices a possible intrusion, Haven will store the data locally while also transmitting a real-time notification via either an encrypted message or standard SMS text. Instantly hear what your device has heard, see what your smartphone has seen, or know if it has been moved.

Your spare Android device doesn’t need to have active phone service, but the feature would enable the device to work anywhere there is cell service and communicate via text message. Otherwise, you can connect your device to a trusted Wi-Fi network to get the job done.

Something to remember is your device should be secured both inside and out. The Haven app is one way to help protect your device and, as the application matures, it can provide an efficient way to monitor your surroundings.

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Learn How Android Antivirus Apps Are Tested

PSafe Newsroom — Wed, 21 Feb 2018 20:00:43 +0000

If you’re going to use antivirus software, it’s common sense to make sure that it works and that it’s the best possible option. Luckily, the Internet is full of sites that compare and contrast different antivirus systems. Many of them assign scores to individual programs, which makes finding the top one easy. But what isn’t always apparent is exactly how they’ve come up with the scores.

Testing apps is just like any scientific experiment, and like an experiment, you want to make sure there is only one variable (in this case, the app itself). In order to ensure this, testers need to ensure that the phones they are using to test the product all run the same way, that they have an equal amount of processing power, free memory, etc. After setting the constants, the testers download the apps, and the real testing begins.

Learn More: The Most Common Viruses of 2017 and How to Stop Them

How Successful Is the Antivirus Program?
Generally, the folks running the experiments are looking for two things. The first is obvious: Can this app successfully detect and prevent malware? This is tested by targeting the phone with numerous types of popular malware. It’s important to offer both quantity and variety. A score of 100 out of 100 is obviously better than 10 out of 10. Testers want to ensure the app is able to catch different types of malware, so nothing slips through the cracks. It’s also important to run normal programs in this stage, to see how accurate an app is. Sometimes apps will recognize a perfectly normal app, web page, or file as malware when in truth it’s totally safe, and this can affect the app’s score.

How Does the Antivirus Program Function?
The second important thing to test for is how well the app runs alongside other apps. Antivirus apps have to run alongside a lot of other apps, constantly ensuring the apps aren’t somehow letting malware in the backdoor. But you don’t want the antivirus app to slow down the other apps. It’s great if your Internet is safe, but if keeping your Internet safe means it’ll take an hour to load a web page, it’s hardly worth it.

Finally, there is going to be some subjectivity. Different apps may offer features that others do not, and it’s impossible to perfectly score each app on the same things. Some people may prefer added features at the cost of usability, and some might not. Some may prefer user-friendly interfaces, and some may prefer higher levels of security, even if it grants them less control. At the end of the day, it’s best to do as much research as you can into how testers tested the apps they’re recommending.

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Here Are the Smart New Additions to Google’s Gboard

PSafe Newsroom — Sat, 27 Jan 2018 13:00:32 +0000

As far as keyboard apps go, Google’s Gboard can hold its own against the rest of them. It is one of the highest-rated keyboard apps available from the Play store, and for good reason — it has plenty of exciting built-in features like Google Search, Glide typing, voice typing, emoji search, and Google Translate.

As technology for smartphones has increased in many areas, Google has added new features to their Gboard, which is making everyone excited about the new accessibility they have when using it. With many of these new features being top of the line and made for usability, they continue to add new features that will make life a bit simpler — and more fun! Continue reading to learn more about some of the latest features to come to the Gboard messaging app.

YouTube
YouTube provides users with the ability to choose video clips and send them to those that they’re messaging. These are beneficial for multiple reasons, but they make searching for that funny video to share a breeze.

Google Maps
Want to share your location with those on the other end of the phone? This new Gboard feature allows you to do so. Instead of having to ask them where they are, they can turn their location sharing services on and you will always know.

Phrase Suggestions
As with many messaging apps, phrase suggestions are common. You now only have to type out a short bit of what you want to say and Google will give you phrase suggestions. If they match what you want, you can click on them and send the message without having to type it all out.

Drawing Capabilities
Want to doodle with your friends? This new feature allows users to doodle and then send their friends messages. Draw an emoji and you will send them one from the emoji keyboard. Some like to draw with their fingers, others enjoy using a stylus for this new, cool feature.

Google Gboard is a great way to get more usability out of the messaging that you love. If you want to make your texts more personal, this is the best app for the job. Android users now can enjoy multiple additions that make messaging more user-friendly, exciting, and fun. If you’re looking for a new keyboard app for your Android, don’t hesitate to give Gboard a go.

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Best Dating Apps for Solo Travelers

PSafe Newsroom — Thu, 25 Jan 2018 13:00:54 +0000

When you’re on a solo adventure in a new place, it can be fun, exciting, and even a little bit intimidating. We all want to meet new people and try new things when we venture to new areas of the world, and luckily, technology today allows us to do just that. If you’re traveling solo, there are so many apps out there that make it easy to meet people.

The following rounds up the best dating apps to use as you travel. These apps will allow you to meet interesting people in your location that could end up being the perfect match for you.

MissTravel
You don’t necessarily have to travel alone anymore, thanks to this clever app! MissTravel matches you with singles who want to see the same places and who have similar travel interests. This is a great way to find people that you can easily meet up with on trips, so that you know ahead of time you’ll have a buddy when you want one!

MileHi Messenger
While many apps focus on helping you meet people once you actually make it to your destination, this one is unique. Unlike other apps, MileHi connects you with singles on your flight, making it easy to meet someone from the very start of your trip. This allows you to arrange for ride shares once you land to cut costs where you can. Convenience and fun are all rolled into one app!

Ventoura
Similar to the popular dating app Tinder, this selection allows you to connect with fellow tourists or even locals wherever your travels take you. This can be great for dating or even finding people who can show you around to hit all the best spots! What we love about this app is that you can actually start chatting with people before you leave and make plans ahead of time. Or you can fly by the seat of your pants — it’s up to you!

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Best Apps for Book Lovers

PSafe Newsroom — Sat, 20 Jan 2018 13:00:28 +0000

If you love to read, then you probably have a long to-read list that grows longer by the day. It’s time to quickly make it through your reading list with the following apps for book lovers. These apps are the perfect go-to when you have a long subway commute, travel plans, or even a night to yourself.

Goodreads

This is definitely one of the best apps for keeping track of your reading, because the app will update with how far you are in your book. Goodreads also has a social aspect so you can see what your friends are currently reading. It’s great if you want recommendations because you can simply scroll through the books that your friends and family are reading now, and find out what they’ve read in the past. You can also take part in virtual book clubs that have monthly discussions. Goodreads even has the occasional giveaway where you set yourself a reading goal for the year to enter to win a prize.

Libib

Have you ever wanted to have a better organizational system for the mess of books on your bookshelf? Libib is the perfect solution to your problem because it is an app with an easily searchable database of books. This database even has a bar code scanner feature so you can look up what books you have. With Libib, you can virtually catalogue your books, so if you lend a book to someone, you will know exactly where it goes and who has it.

Scribd

Fair warning, this app isn’t free. But many believe that the small subscription fee is worth it. If you’re the forgetful type of reader who always forgets to bring a book anywhere you go, then Scribd is perfect because it gives you access to tons of books all on your phone. It even has a great selection of audiobooks and magazines.

Serial Reader

So, you love to read, but you can’t seem to find the time to read. You can never say you don’t have time to read if you have this app on your Android. With Serial Reader, you get daily bite-sized passages from classic books. Each of these short passages can be read in 20 minutes or less so it’s sure to fit into a busy schedule. This app is perfect because many people are too intimidated to read classic books because they’re too long or too confusing. Serial Reader boils down these classic books into easy-to-read paragraphs.

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Best Apps for Staying Informed in the Era of Fake News

PSafe Newsroom — Sat, 13 Jan 2018 13:00:32 +0000

With recent revelations that Russia purchased bots and spread thousands of dubious articles on Facebook and Twitter before last year’s election, staying informed seems like a greater challenge than ever. The news stories on even the most heavily-trafficked social media platforms might be skewed by algorithms and misinformation.

Fortunately, there are better apps for us to get news delivered to us than social media. Best of all, some news-aggregating apps will cater the news they deliver to each individual user, meaning everyone can rest assured they are receiving reliable news from sites without partisan slants they might be at odds with.

Feedly
Feedly allows users to decide which news outlets they trust, and add blogs and YouTube channels to their assortment of more traditional journalistic sources. The result is a decidedly modern take on receiving news, combining the prowess of your favorite journalists with commentary from your favorite bloggers and YouTube channels. For the business-minded, Feedly also allows users to include industry journals and secure access to information from company sources, meaning it doubles as useful for staying up-to-date with work.

Inoreader
An up-and-coming app, Inoreader has pre-created topics users can choose to follow. These pre-made feeds make it an excellent fit for users who might not know which sources to follow on certain topics. Similarly, it is an excellent option for users who want reliable news but do not want to go through the work of curating which sources and topics they want to follow. It might also serve as a great complement to other news aggregating apps, introducing users to new sources they otherwise would not have thought to add to their personally-curated aggregators. The result is a less fussy, more streamlined app that otherwise provides an experience comparable to that of Feedly.

Flipboard
One of the most visually-appealing news apps on the market, Flipboard offers a customized news-reading experience with an interface that re-creates the experience of reading a magazine or flipping through a newspaper. Best of all, the breadth of topics available makes it an outstanding app to receive feeds from various specialized topics, from the entertainment industry to the latest advances in science. One unique feature is a channel dedicated to articles about leading a more productive life, helping to ensure users will not get so drawn into the experience that they lose track of time. The sleek, flashy design and enormous breadth of topics makes Flipboard a delightful choice among news aggregators.

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How to Block Permissions to Individual Apps

PSafe Newsroom — Thu, 14 Dec 2017 13:00:07 +0000

When it comes to the personal information on your device, you want to make sure that it remains safe and out of the wrong hands. When you download apps from the Play store, many of them will ask for certain permissions from your phone, such as access to the camera app or your microphone. But what happens if one of these apps is malicious, and you’ve just given the app access to your camera app? In addition to thoroughly checking the app’s description for errors or suspicious language, make sure to try to run the security scan feature from dfndr security on your phone after downloading any new apps.

For individuals looking for a more customized approach to security on their digital devices, it can be helpful to manage the preferences of specific applications. You can decide what you will and won’t share with each third-party app on your phone. Many users are often unaware of which permissions they give to applications to use, and how that can affect battery usage and memory storage as well. Savvy digital users will often customize which permissions are given to third-party apps so they know that sensitive information like their photos, location, or documents remain secure.

If you’re wondering how to grant specific permissions, block specific permissions, or decide what information your device gives out to third-party applications, learn how to do so below. On Android devices, the Google Play store has already issued clear instructions on what to do with regards to auto-updates.

How to Block Permissions to Apps
Before blocking access to certain apps, be aware that doing so may cause the app requesting access to not run properly. If you have Android 6.0 or later, you’ll be able to easily block certain permissions to apps, or edit these permissions later if you change your mind. To block or manage your permissions, go to Settings > Apps > App Permissions. You can then choose “Calendar” or “Camera,” for example, and disable permissions.

The Importance of Strong Security
While it may not seem like an important aspect of data management, making sure that your information doesn’t fall into the wrong hands is important for securing your information and devices against hackers and the latest threats. The app store is often the place where third-parties can get access to your data, and then your information isn’t just in your hands, it’s in the hands of all the providers. Your security is only as strong as your weakest link, especially if you reuse passwords or don’t have other programs monitoring your behavior for protection.

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The Pros and Cons of Pattern Lock Vs. Pin Code

PSafe Newsroom — Tue, 12 Dec 2017 13:00:35 +0000

If you want to make sure that the private information on your phone is always safe, use the Applock feature to protect apps on your phone with an additional password. Applock will keep the personal information that’s stored in your apps safe from hackers and prying eyes. With Applock, you can lock any of the apps that you want, such as social networking or email apps with sensitive data. Click here to protect your apps now:

Pattern Lock
The best part of a pattern lock is that there are many different options, and it can be difficult for hackers to guess your pattern. Say you start at the middle circle and then move around the phone to connect to 5 other circles. This means that there are 6 different points in your pattern. If you have 6 different points in your pattern, that means that there are over 60,000 options for what your pattern could be. This means that your lock is very, very secure because no hacker in their right mind is going to sit and guess over 60,000 different lock patterns.

The downside of using a pattern lock is that many people do not have long or confusing patterns. Many people opt to have a short 3 to 4 point unlock pattern so that it’s easy to draw and unlock their phone whenever they need to. This means that, although people hypothetically can have difficult lock patterns that hackers won’t be able to guess, the majority of people have short and easy to remember lock patterns. So if you want to keep your private data on your phone safe, use a 5 to 6 digit lock pattern.

Pin Code
A major benefit to having a pin code is that it’s harder for a stranger to figure out your code by looking over your shoulder. Research shows that a stranger can figure out your pattern lock if they peek over your shoulder roughly 60% of the time. However, having a pin code for your phone makes it much harder for someone to see; people only guess pin codes roughly 10% of the time if they happen to see you type it in. The only draw back is that it may be slightly more difficult to type a pin code in than a pattern lock. To truly improve the security of your device, try using a pin code and Applock together.

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