12 Best Android Apps for Security and Privacy

Android running devices have gone through the roof, with over 1.5 billion users preferring this OS to any other competitor. Because no particular hardware manufacturer creates Android phones etc., it is way much easier to purchase a device that covers your needs and is within your budget. Not just personal use, Android can increase productivity as well.

Along with the popularity of Android, though, comes trouble. The truth is that there are frequent security vulnerabilities on the table regarding Android. This makes security and privacy precious and at the same time raises concerns. That’s why Android security apps are of utmost importance now, more than ever before.

For thorough protection against online threats, antivirus software does not cut it. Although it is a necessary addition, Androids also need extra Android privacy apps such as VPNs to help them out in this aspect. Take a moment to think of the multiple requirements (data privacy, app permissions, third party information, blacklisted calls, encryption and data backup); you will see how complicated the matter is.

Here is what has driven the creation of this article. Below, I am going to show you the 12 best apps for security and privacy of Android devices. Let’s get started!

1. Signal Private Messenger
   

   Claiming the title of the best Android security app, Signal is free and open source. This means that techies and security experts always verify the level of security. It involves the end to end encryption, the key to encrypt Android and private communication. There is no need for you to sign up for its services.

   Instead, it uses your very own phone number and address book. It allows you to enter encrypted group chats, an excellent way to keep in touch with many of your friends at once. It is quite fast, and it helps you to talk to whomever you want, without any cost whatsoever.

2. Crypt4All Lite

   Another privacy app for Android, Crypt4All Lite uses 256 bit AES encryption, and it secures the privacy of the files after the encryption. It offers you the opportunity to place a password in Unicode, which is great. Passwords can be up to 100 characters long, with a minimum of 6 characters.

   The app is available in multiple languages, making it easier for the whole world to use. It is free, and there have been no complaints as to the speed of the app (although they do claim that the speed is mostly subject to the speed of SD card).

3. Orbot: Proxy with Tor

   This is a free and open source app, offering a truly private connection. In short, the Tor features that we have all loved along the way are now available for Android users. It offers private chat messaging, private web surfing, as well as privacy over the apps you use. It is a reliable solution for those who are concerned about data leaks and security vulnerabilities. It is easy to use, and there is constant support from their official website.

4. AppLock

   This is a security app with over 100 million users. It is available in 24 languages, and it can help you remain safe, even when your Android device has been stolen. It can lock your accounts on Facebook, Gmail, WhatsApp, Messenger and any other app you want. It can also hide pictures of yours that you do not wish others to see. With random keyboard and invisible pattern lock, worrying about losing your password is not an option.

5. App Ops

   This is an app that will enable you to block permissions to specific apps. In this way, you will not need to worry about third parties acquiring the information you do not want them to get. Instead of settling for a full agreement to the permissions for an app, you can change them yourself and adjust them.

   You get support for Android 5.0, and you need to root your device if you wish to use the app on Android 4.4.2. It is a reliable solution for those who use lots of apps and do not want to lose their privacy.

6. LastPass Password Manager
   

   As its name suggests, this is a password manager and generator. It stores all your passwords in a vault, and you only need to remember the password to open the vault. You can use the fingerprint password activation feature for extra security.

   In addition, you may choose to up your own safety with Google Authenticator, YubiKey & Duo Security Emergency Access. With the use of the app, you can check the strength of your passwords and change them accordingly. The vault enables AES 256-bit encryption, which is powerful.

7. K-9 Mail

   K-9 Mail is free and open source app. It supports IMAP IDLE for the purpose of push messaging. You send and receive emails with the help of encryption.

   So, you do not need to worry about data leakage along the way. They are still searching for developers, towards making this app even stronger than it is. It is light in weight and functional, without any sophisticated features that would put some Android users off.

8. Android Device Manager

   This is a cool app that may help you find your phone if it is ever misplaced. Apart from that, it will allow you to reset the PIN on your screen. As a result, nobody will be able to access the content of your Android running device. If you are sure that someone has stolen your phone, another feature of the app will be of use; the app will erase all the data from your device and hence keep you safe and your privacy intact.

9. DuckDuckGo Search & Stories
   

   This one is a search engine app. If you think that it is not necessary, you should consider the tracking that other search engines allow. In this case, you do not need to lose sleep over tracking. With the help of smarter searches, fewer clicks will be required for you to find what you are looking for.

   Plus, there are stories from dozens of countries that you can find according to your preferences. Last, you can now save URLs as your favourites for even greater convenience.

10. 360 Security

    Over 200 million people use this antivirus boost on their devices. It will scan your apps and data, delete the files that you do not use with Junk File Cleaner, free space in your RAM for greater performance and save power. It is also an anti-theft tool that helps you locate your device or even wipe all the data from your phone. It offers real-time protection with live scans and is available in multiple languages.

11. Hide pictures – Privary Vault

    If you are serious about your photos and other data on your Android running device, this is the app for you. It offers you the chance to make them invisible. The image locker works with a secret PIN, which is only available to you. It uses AES encryption and provides support for both mobile phones and tablets. You get to choose your very own cover for each album of photos on your device, and you have full support for your SD card.

12. Hide pictures with LockMyPix

    This app serves a similar purpose with Privary Vault. It uses AES encryption to hide unlimited photos and videos from your Android device. With this best Android privacy tool, you also benefit from total privacy because the app is not in sight.

    Another app appears on your device, and you are the one to know the truth. Besides, with LockMyPix, there is a Fake Login in place for special situations. When somebody forces you to login to your pics and videos, you can use the Fake Login and display the pictures and videos that you want.

This is our list of the best apps, aiming at the security of Android devices. As you can see, they are different in their purposes, and they focus on various functions. All of the listed Android security apps are all equally compelling, though. They work towards providing a safe environment to all Android users in the world.

Make sure that you try out these security apps on your Android devices, to enhance your overall online protection. And of course, consider using a quality VPN like ExpressVPN on your Android device – to have the perfect Android security puzzle in place. Stay safe!

Top/Featured Image: By C_osett / Flickr