By We all have at least one handheld gadget in our possession or in our house. You might even be reading this article on one. Whether it is Android based or not, these phones and tablets have become part of our everyday lives. We simply can’t live without them. But even so, there are a couple of things that we tend to neglect, as they are not talked about enough.
One of those neglected aspects would be cyber security, especially on our phones. Just as much as our data can be stolen from our PCs, it can just as well be stolen from our phones. Spam messages, phishing emails, they are all out there to trick us into leaving our data in the wrong hands. Not only that, but emails, along with all the dangerous links can be opened through our phones as well. In this article we will talk about the best text messaging app for Android and some runner ups which you could consider as well.
Choosing the Best Text Messaging App for Android
Let’s be honest, how many messaging apps do you have on your phone installed right now? A good three to five, right? Each one of them serves their own purpose. The most common being Facebook’s (Meta’s) Messenger app, Viber, WhatsApp, and Telegram, most people even use the Instagram app to message each other on a daily basis.
You notice the wide variety of apps that you have been using the most, when it comes to switching to a new phone. It takes at least half an afternoon to install everything again and have all of the apps up and running perfectly. Not to mention if you get locked out of a couple of them because of two factor authentication.
Each type of app has its own user base. People have different preferences and things they enjoy about each app. How easy it is to use them, what type of media or information is shared throughout the app, how its interface looks like etc. But as it has been mentioned before, people take cyber security for granted when it comes to it on their phones. They trust that each app developer or brand has everything patched up and without a doubt they are not in danger of being breached any time soon. Let’s see which apps are the best if you are conscious about cyber security on your phone.
Signal
Signal has made a name for itself with strong security measures and its privacy features. The app uses end-to-end encryption, which allows only the intended recipients to be able to read the messages. It is open-source, which makes regular security audits possible and is a top choice for privacy conscious users. Signal also has cross platform support, making it available on both Android and iOS. Its self-destructing messages make it possible for the messages to disappear after a set time. Signal’s features also make group chats and conversations secure.
Telegram
Telegram is also a noteworthy contender when it comes to cyber security. The app is recognized for its ease of use and security features as well. Not many know it, but it provides cloud-based messaging, not to mention a feature called “Secret Chats”. Of course all of which is end-to-end encrypted. Some of the most relevant features are that cloud storage allows you to access your messages from any device. Telegram is community friendly, as group chats can contain up to 200,000 members. The customizable and programmable bots and channels make it really easy to manage and obtain a community of any size and shape.
An app which has gained in its popularity these last couple of years, WhatsApp has become a worthy contender. It is one of the most widely used messaging apps globally. Just as the previously mentioned apps, it provides end-to-end encryption and it integrates seamlessly with phone contacts. WhatsApp is both used for personal and professional communication as well. Just make sure you can separate the two from each other, as it would be a bit awkward to message the wrong group chat about your friend’s birthday present, now would it?
The Best Apps to Prevent Cyber Attacks
We can look at a cyber attack as the following: an attempt at stealing and or damaging your digital information. Which could be login information, details about your contacts, credit card information etc. These attacks can come in a lot of different forms, most well known are: phishing, malware and ransomware. Protecting yourself against these threats requires a combination of common sense and the use of the right software. By common sense it is meant that you don’t open suspicious links, not fall for those good ol’ blinking and sound playing ads and most importantly not believing that you have won a free prize by guessing Elon Musk’s favorite color in the comments of a Facebook post. Yes, posts like that do exist and people fall for them on a daily basis. But let’s get down to what are the features you should be looking for when searching for the best app to prevent cyber attacks.
Bitdefender Mobile Security
Bitdefender has secured itself as one of the best known brands in cybersecurity over the years. It offers comprehensive features to save you from a headache or two when it comes to cyber threats. Some of the noteworthy features are: real-time protection, anti-theft features, app lock and web security. Each of them are meant to save you and your data from harmful websites and various phishing attempts. Bitdefender also has a very user-friendly interface, making it an excellent choice for users who seek reliable and comprehensive mobile security.
Norton Mobile Security
Yet another well known name when it comes to cybersecurity. Norton Mobile Security offers a wide range of features and options against various cyber threats. Its features include: scanning apps for privacy risks and vulnerabilities, Wi-Fi security alerts, remote locating and locking capabilities and shields that protect you from malicious websites and phishing scams.
Malwarebytes Security
As its name suggests, Malwarebytes is effective at detecting and removing malware. Its mobile version provides real-time protection and can scan your device in order to keep it safe from threats. Along with the usual suite of offering scans, real-time protection and of course malware protection, Malwarebytes can identify apps that may compromise privacy and can guard against ransomware attacks as well.
Conclusion
It is just as important to protect ourselves and our data on our mobile devices as it is on our personal computers. It is also crucial for everyone to have secure and reliable means of communication on their Android devices. Apps like Signal, Telegram, and WhatsApp are all excellent at providing secure messaging, while Bitdefender, Norton, and Malwarebytes offer protection against cyber threats.
By looking into what features each app offers and combining it with your everyday needs, you can make a well informed choice, enhancing both your communication experience and overall digital security. Always keep an eye out for what is happening in the cyber world and stay safe while being connected.
