What is Rooting?
Rooting is the Android equivalent of jailbreaking, a means of unlocking the operating system so you can install unapproved apps, deleted unwanted bloatware, update the OS, replace the firmware, overclock (or underclock) the processor, customize anything and so on.
Rooting brings a lot of advantages to all the Android owners. With root access full customization of a device is possible. But rooting also makes the operational system too vulnerable to malware attacks, data breach, and other threats. How to protect your device after rooting? Read the post and find out.
Best Ways To Keep Your Rooted Phone Safe
The main issue Android users are worried about when rooting their phones is the vulnerability of the system. Indeed, root access “open the doors” to malware and many other threats that may attack the operating system. But keeping the rooted phone protected isn’t an impossible task.
You can make your rooted device even safer than it was before. Discover the best ways to keep your phone safe after the root.
First things first. Backup!
There IS a risk of losing all your data when rooting. Many users back up their files before getting root on the devices. But backup is also necessary after rooting.
Root access enables users to remove old bloatware (default manufacturer apps that you never use) and free up the space of their phones. The risk of deleting critical system files is exceptionally high. Not only can you accidentally remove system configurations, but you can also erase your precious memories depicted on photos.
To avoid such situation, it’s better to perform the backup twice – before and after the rooting. Use Titanium backup app to save all your files. Or copy the data to the cloud storage.
Control your root access
Along with positive consequences, root access also brings risks. Some apps use root to customize your device; others may use it to steal your data. How to differ one from another? SuperSU app will help you handle the malicious software and grant root access only to trusted apps.
Apps you install on your device may require root. Since you have one, it won’t be difficult for you to install such apps. Every time such apps request to use your root access the SuperSU will notify you. You can grant or deny the access.
Check app permissions
Many apps get access to different capabilities of your phone such as microphone or WiFi and your data. No reasons to worry if your phone isn’t rooted. But if you have root access, many untrusted apps may reach for your information. It’s because we allow apps to get access to all features of the device.
How can you oversee permissions you allowed? Go to “Settings” of your device and choose “Apps.” Here click on the apps to see what permissions they have.
You can deny the allowed permissions if you consider it necessary.
Turn off the USB debugging
USB debugging allows the user to establish a secure connection between computer and Android device. USB debugging mode has to be turned on if you perform rooting with the help of PC.
But allowing USB debugging has a negative impact on your device’s security since it allows external devices to have system wide access to your device’s software. It’s better to turn off USB debugging when you don’t need it anymore.
Download apps from reliable sources
Google Play Store is the official Google store for Android applications. Google experts continuously examine apps for malware, software issues, and other problems.
Recently Google introduced Google Play Protect in their Play Store to further check all apps for malware, viruses and phishing elements that might compromise your device and the data on it.
Downloading suspicious APK files (Android Applications) can harm your device’s operating system. Such files may include viruses, key-logger, and other threats. If you don’t know the source of the app or the application seems odd, don’t install it.
Update the system regularly
Updates keep your system protected and secured. Though updates are not obligatory, they are useful. They will fix some errors, improve the efficiency of your device and also come with the latest security patches for guarding against the latest forms of virus and malware attacks.
Rooted devices can’t be updated automatically. Once the phone is rooted, its operating system is modified. So, it can’t be updated with the manufacturer’s software updates.
You can try to unroot your phone to update it. Or upgrade your device through Flash Fire. But don’t skip updates: they can optimize of your device performance and secure your operating system.
Source: techZim
