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Here's how you can give your Android device an extra layer of security

Although there are a few important caveats to keep in mind before you do.

YOU CAN NEVER be too safe with your smartphone, and for some, they will want to take as many steps as possible to ensure it’s secure.

On top of the usual passwords and PINs, encrypting your information means all the data that’s saved onto your phone is now presented in an almost unreadable format.

It’s perfect for those with sensitive data as it will prevent anyone from deciphering your data and gaining access to it. However, it’s not for everyone and there are some caveats to keep in mind before going ahead with it.

What to keep in mind

The kind of price you pay depends on your smartphone and the type of user you are, but it boils down to three main factors.

Speed: Accessing encrypted information takes a little bit longer than normal so opening up apps or services will see a delay, but the older the phone, the longer it takes.
Accessibility: When you set up, you’re required to enter in a password or PIN any time you want to unlock it. You won’t be able to use pattern or face unlocking when it’s encrypted so keep that in mind.
No going back: The only way you can return it to normal after encryption is to perform a factory reset. This will wipe out all your data and bring you back to square one.

It’s very important that before going ahead with this, you should back up all your data on your computer first in case you have to perform a factory reset.

Encrypting your device

If that doesn’t deter you, then go into Settings -> Security -> Encrypt Phone. Again, it’s worth stressing that you have your data backed up first before you proceed (there’s a reason why we’re repeating this).

Your phone’s battery must be at 80% and be connected to the charger before you can begin.

The process will take roughly an hour, meaning it’s better to perform this at night or during a quiet period as you won’t be able to use it while it’s reformatting.

Encrypt phone TheJournal.ie TheJournal.ie

Again, we cannot stress enough that if you’re unsure about any of this, don’t do it. It’s a very handy security feature to have, but it’s not the end of the world if you don’t.

A strong password, activating Android Device Manager so you can wipe your data remotely, and turning off Bluetooth and NFC when not in use are some ways to keep your smartphone safe should you decide not to go ahead with it.

Read: These freaky self-assembled robots build themselves from flat pack >

Read: Wonder who can see your Google Drive files? This will show you >

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24 Comments
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Clarevirtually
    Favourite Clarevirtually
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    Mar 5th 2017, 8:38 AM

    Hurry up Trinity. I’ve only 50gig left on my laptop!

    130
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    Mute Donal Proctor
    Favourite Donal Proctor
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    Mar 5th 2017, 8:38 AM

    Well done TCD for bringing such talent to ireland for us to learn from.

    55
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    Mute Denis Moynihan
    Favourite Denis Moynihan
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    Mar 5th 2017, 11:07 AM

    Well done to the buckos. Best leave the maths to them though; 1000 times more isn’t 1000%. I know it’s been a while since maths week but it should be more like 100,000%

    42
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    Mute Sean
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    Mar 5th 2017, 8:53 AM

    @thejournal Ladz you need a new bank of images for yez er stories – http://www.thejournal.ie/paedophiles-cybercrime-netherlands-3270279-Mar2017/

    41
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    Mute Keith D'Arcy
    Favourite Keith D'Arcy
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    Mar 5th 2017, 8:52 AM

    Latency would be a major issue on a mechanical drive at that capacity and it isn’t mentioned.

    29
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    Mute Early Cuyler
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    Mar 5th 2017, 9:23 AM

    @Keith D’Arcy: Finally got an SSD and now it’s a laugh hearing the storage drives spin up… Can’t justify an upgrade for at least another year or so.

    Supercooled solutions rarely catch on unless there’s a crucial application. Maybe we can use them for archiving stuff in space?! For other impractical solutions see holographic, chlorine and liquid storage. That’s not to diminish the discovery, lest we fall into the trap of futurism. All of the ones I’ve mentioned are incredible feats of engineering.

    10
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    Mute Elma Phudd
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    Mar 5th 2017, 9:40 AM

    The point here is that it operates at room temperature. I’m sure it would fit nicely into a tiered storage scenario where the high IOPS and often accessed data could sit on Flash. It’s bloody amazing in my head anyway.

    19
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    Mute David Mac Shite
    Favourite David Mac Shite
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    Mar 5th 2017, 10:01 AM

    Pffft….. they did this on Blue Peter 30 years ago using toilet rolls and double sided sticky tape.

    28
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    Mute Richard Brady
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    Mar 5th 2017, 9:24 AM

    I would fear that the use of these drives as the norm is nearing its end date. Solid state drives are becoming cheaper by the month. All this may be at the very best be a few years to late. Great science all the same, well done lads and lasses.

    7
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    Mute Tony Canning
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    Mar 5th 2017, 10:22 AM

    Not really. Solid state might be the way forward in personal computing but for servers etc a mechanical drive with 1000 times the capacity for say 10 times the cost is pretty attractive.

    14
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    Mute The Crant
    Favourite The Crant
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    Mar 5th 2017, 10:01 AM

    All in the computer and nothing in the head

    6
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    Mute Conor Power
    Favourite Conor Power
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    Mar 5th 2017, 1:37 PM

    More Vapourware to get hopes up and then it never materialises. Ill file with the articles from 10 years ago about breakthrough batteries that will have laptops running 50 hours on a charge

    3
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    Mute winston smith
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    Mar 5th 2017, 6:14 PM

    These research breakthroughs are constantly trumpeted from cancer cures, driverless this and that, space travel, robots and super computers and then we never hear anymore years later!…maybe each claim should come with a fact check and likely launch date if any.

    2
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    Mute Clive Jackson
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    Apr 6th 2017, 10:05 AM

    Need for speed????
    I’m still on my 13 year old laptop, running winXP (win95 if I could). Google Chrome tells me to update. It’s as slow as a wet day but I get by.
    It does all I need it to do >> most times.
    It’s me that needs more speed not the PC

    1
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    Mute John O'Driscoll
    Favourite John O'Driscoll
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    Mar 5th 2017, 9:27 PM

    Good for a new Nassau Street care might be ‘YottaBites”. Customers could find it magnetic. Molecular gastronomy. Sorry. This is the age of big data. Autonomous cars alone will likely 4000 GB a day. Timely invention and huge credit to the researchers and university.

    1
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    Mute John O'Driscoll
    Favourite John O'Driscoll
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    Mar 5th 2017, 9:28 PM

    @John O’Driscoll: sorry meant good name for a cafe. tablet keyboard

    1
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