How to Secure Your Mobile Apps

Your smartphone contains your entire life - banking apps, personal photos, private messages. Here’s how to keep it safe.

Before You Begin

Make sure you have:

• 15-20 minutes of uninterrupted time
• Your phone fully charged
• Access to your email for verification codes

Step 1: Update Everything

Outdated apps are the #1 way hackers get in.

On Android:

1. Open Google Play Store
2. Tap your profile icon (top right)
3. Tap Manage apps & device
4. Tap Update all

On iPhone:

1. Open App Store
2. Tap your profile icon (top right)
3. Scroll down and tap Update All

💡 Enable Auto-Updates

Turn on automatic updates so you never miss critical security patches. This is the single most important thing you can do.

Step 2: Review App Permissions

Many apps ask for permissions they don’t need. A flashlight app doesn’t need access to your contacts!

Check Your Permissions:

On Android:

1. Go to Settings > Apps
2. Tap any app
3. Tap Permissions
4. Remove unnecessary permissions

On iPhone:

1. Go to Settings > Privacy & Security
2. Review each category (Location, Camera, Microphone, etc.)
3. Disable access for apps that don’t need it

Key Permissions to Watch:

Permission	When It’s OK	Red Flag
Location	Maps, Food delivery	Games, Calculators
Camera	Video calls, Banking (for KYC)	News apps, Weather
Contacts	WhatsApp, Truecaller	Shopping apps
SMS	Banking apps	Any unknown app

🚨 SMS Permission Warning

If a random app asks for SMS permission, it may be trying to steal your OTPs. Only banking and essential communication apps should have this permission.

Step 3: Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Add an extra layer of security to your important apps.

Priority Apps for 2FA:

1. Banking apps - Critical
2. Email (Gmail, Outlook) - Critical
3. UPI apps (PhonePe, Google Pay, Paytm) - Critical
4. Social media (WhatsApp, Instagram) - High
5. Shopping apps (Amazon, Flipkart) - Medium

How to Enable 2FA on Common Apps:

Gmail:

1. Go to myaccount.google.com
2. Click Security
3. Under “Signing in to Google”, click 2-Step Verification
4. Follow the setup wizard

WhatsApp:

1. Go to Settings > Account > Two-step verification
2. Tap Enable
3. Create a 6-digit PIN (remember this!)
4. Add a recovery email

Step 4: Remove Suspicious Apps

Delete apps you don’t recognize or no longer use.

Apps to Delete Immediately:

• Apps you don’t remember installing
• Apps from unknown developers
• “Cleaner” or “Booster” apps (most are malware)
• Apps that promised free money or rewards
• Duplicate apps (fake versions of real apps)

How to Identify Fake Apps:

1. Check the developer name (is it the official company?)
2. Look at reviews (are they generic or fake-sounding?)
3. Check install count (official apps have millions of downloads)
4. Verify the app icon matches the official one

⚠️ Be Careful with APK Files

Never install apps from APK files sent via WhatsApp or downloaded from random websites. Only use Google Play Store or Apple App Store.

Step 5: Secure Your Lock Screen

Your phone’s first line of defense.

Best Practices:

• Use a 6-digit PIN minimum (not 4-digit)
• Better: Use fingerprint or face unlock
• Set screen to lock after 30 seconds of inactivity
• Disable lock screen notifications for sensitive apps

Hide Sensitive Notifications:

Android:

1. Settings > Lock screen > Notifications
2. Choose “Hide content”

iPhone:

1. Settings > Notifications > Show Previews
2. Select “When Unlocked”

What’s Next?

Now that your apps are secured, continue with:

• Secure Your WhatsApp - Specific WhatsApp settings
• Set Up a Password Manager - Stop reusing passwords
• Monthly Security Audit - Regular checkups

Need Help?

If you suspect your phone is compromised:

1. Turn on Airplane mode immediately
2. Follow our After Scam Call checklist
3. Call Cyber Crime Helpline: 1930