Securing Mobile Devices
Given our daily reliance on mobile devices, it’s essential to prioritize security and privacy. The following are some tools and resources to aid in this endeavor.
Signal is an open-source, end-to-end encrypted messaging and calling app. This feature ensures that only the parties involved in the communication can read the messages or listen to the calls. With Signal, privacy isn’t optional - it’s intrinsic. You can learn more about Signal on their official website.
The Aurora Store empowers users to download any app from Google Play without needing a Google account. It also allows managing the existing apps on your device through a user-friendly interface.
F-Droid is a catalog of FOSS (Free and Open Source Software) applications designed for the Android platform. This client makes it easy to browse, install, and track updates on your device. Notably, the Aurora Store can be installed through F-Droid.
Here are some services that offer free phone numbers for receiving text messages online:
By using your computer, you can remove pre-installed apps, known as bloatware, that are typically difficult to uninstall via the Android interface. A comprehensive guide for removing Bixby can be found here. For a list of Samsung bloatware that is safe to remove, click here.
It’s advisable to periodically review the app permissions granted on your device. You might unknowingly allow permissions to cameras, microphones, contacts, etc., to apps that don’t necessarily require them. AVG provides a useful guide for managing these permissions. Please note that while AVG’s software is promoted in the guide, its use is a matter of personal preference and is not endorsed here.