A smartphone contains huge amounts of personally identifiable information, and they also happen to be easy to lose. Android and iOS have different ways of going about device security, with Android devices taking a more DIY approach and iOS being more straightforward. There are well-known security practices like PIN and pattern locks, but both platforms let you go further. Whether you just want to keep nosy friends out, or your device contains sensitive business information, here’s what you need to know.
Device access
First thing’s first: You need to set up a lock screen. Yes, your device makers might have designed a really useful interface for the non-secure lock screen, but if you want to keep prying eyes from your data, sacrifices must be made. Since the early days of Android, the pattern lock has been a part of the platform. Not so fast, though. It might not be the best option for you.
Android Pattern LockHead to your device’s Security options, and you will see various options for locking the device. The pattern lock will show a 3×3 grid of dots, which you must use create a pattern that will be used to unlock the device. This is a good, but perhaps casual level of security. When your device is unlocked, everything is open for business, and the oils on your finger can leave tell-tail smudges that make your pattern easier to guess.
Both PIN and password locking are more secure, but more of a hassle when you need to wake up your device. Face unlocking is only available on Android 4.0 devices, but it is probably the easiest way to unlock the phone. Unfortunately, it is also the least secure. Enabling Face Unlock will require you to look at the device so it can learn your face. After that, it has you set up a backup passcode in case the device cannot recognize you. The security menu also offers you the option to train Face Unlock to recognize you in different lighting situations. All it takes to circumvent this locking method is a picture of you, though.
Apple’s iOS doesn’t have as many options for locking your device, with the most common being the Simple Passcode. This is a 4-digit code that must be typed in before a device can be unlocked. For those very worried about the integrity of data on the iPhone, there is a toggle on this screen to limit passcode tries. Turn on Erase Data, and 10 incorrect guesses will reset the device. Your data will be gone, but no one else will get it either.
Apple lets you go one step further in the Passcode Lock menu. If you want something a little more robust, just disable Simple Passcode. This will allow you to pick a password using numbers, letters, and special characters. It will be harder to enter, but it’s far more secure.
Application store access
Android Market PINThe Android Market is a multifaceted beast these days with music, movies, and books in addition to apps. That is a lot of digital media to access, and you don’t want to leave that honeypot wide open when your credit card is attached to Google Wallet. Strangely, the default on Android is to do just that, making the Market easier to use. Being that we’re interested in security, that’s not going to cut it.
Head into your Market app, and open the settings menu. As long as you are on the newest version of Android Market (and it should have been pushed to all devices by now), there will be a section called “User Controls.” The “Set or Change PIN” option here will let you set a 4-digit PIN, and by toggling one of the options in that same menu, you can require that PIN for all purchases. Any content restrictions are also kept locked down until the PIN is entered, so it’s useful if you have little ones running around. Don’t forget the PIN, though — there is no way to retrieve it.
Apple has been on top of this from the start, and requires users to enter their Apple ID on the phone for app purchases. Users don’t have to worry about an unscrupulous individual getting access to the phone and buying apps. On the flip side, you have to type that password in fairly often.
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