Android offers many options to keep your device secure and private, which is important given that a 2025 study by the Pew Research Center found nearly 75% of Americans have experienced some form of online scam. These scams are becoming increasingly complex, with AI-powered deepfakes and adaptive malware making attacks more dangerous and harder to detect.

One of the easiest ways to protect yourself is to keep your Android phone updated. Check your version by opening Settings > About Phone, and install any available OS updates when prompted. You can also update apps through Google Play by tapping your profile picture and selecting Manage apps and device. Enable auto-update apps based on your data plan preferences.

Enable two-factor authentication on your Google account by visiting your Google Account management page and selecting Security & sign-in. Also turn on automatic backups in Settings > Google > Backup to protect your data if your device is lost or stolen. Use the Find Hub app to locate, ring, or erase your device remotely.

Android includes anti-scam features like Scam Detection, which uses Gemini's AI models to identify potentially malicious calls and texts. Enable these tools to stay protected against evolving threats.