Although technological development makes life easier, it also increases security risks. Statistics show that the number of cyber threats targeting mobile app security worldwide is expected to rise by nearly 44% this year compared to last year. This means that security on mobile devices is becoming a more serious issue each day.
Even though such attacks may seem alarming, a few simple precautions can protect you to a great extent. Especially for mobile apps that contain sensitive information, taking just a handful of measures is enough to keep them secure. Below are seven essential security steps that can help.
1. Download Only From Trusted Sources
The first step to securing your mobile apps is downloading only apps you know are safe. The most reliable places to ensure this are the official app stores (App Store or Google Play).
If you are downloading an APK for your Android device, make sure you do it from the application’s official website. For example, if you want to download the 1xBet APK, the safest method is to get it directly from the official site. To download an APK:
- Go to the app’s official website.
- Download the application in APK format.
- Go to your phone settings and enable the option “Allow downloads from unknown sources.”
- Open the APK file and complete the installation.
Third-party or untrusted APK sources pose a security risk. Additionally, such apps do not update through Google Play but only through internal app updates.
2. Keep Your Operating System Updated
Frequent updates released by Android and iOS fix potential security vulnerabilities, offering significant protection. Not updating your phone makes it more vulnerable to cyberattacks. Therefore, you should install updates as soon as you receive them.
Just like your operating system, you should avoid leaving your apps outdated for long periods. Timely updates can also improve performance issues. To avoid forgetting updates, enabling automatic updates is often the more practical choice.
3. Enable Authentication Systems
In the past, mobile app security relied mainly on simple measures such as strong passwords. Today, however, most apps use much more advanced security procedures. This is especially common in apps used for financial transactions.
For example, users performing the 1xBet install process are offered two-factor authentication. When this feature is activated, users are no longer allowed to log in using only a password. They must also enter a verification code sent to their phone number or email address.
Some apps go even further by offering biometric authentication (fingerprint, facial recognition, etc.). Another common security measure is the security question system, where the user must correctly answer a personal question known only to them each time they log in.
4. Be Careful With App Permissions
Many apps on your phone request access to personal data and hardware features such as camera, location, contacts, and microphone. What matters here is distinguishing between necessary and excessive permissions.
For example, why would a simple photo-viewing app need access to your location? Such unreasonable requests should raise suspicion about the app’s trustworthiness.
Experts strongly recommend carefully reviewing each permission a mobile app requests. For every permission, ask yourself: “Is this permission essential for the app to function properly?” If the answer is no, avoiding that app is the safest choice.
5. Use the App-Hiding Feature
This feature is available only on certain Android models. It allows you to completely hide apps from your home screen. Anyone looking at your phone will not even know that the hidden app is installed. To enable this:
- Go to “Settings” and find the “Apps” or “Privacy” section.
- Activate the “Hide App” or “Hidden Folder” option.
- Set a password, PIN, pattern lock, or biometric authentication for the hidden folder.
The app-hiding feature is especially useful for protecting personal data on shared devices. For example, hiding your banking app, e-wallet, or photo storage app can almost completely prevent unauthorized access.
6. Install Mobile Antivirus Software
Besides the precautions you take yourself, you can install antivirus apps for additional protection. These apps act like security guards for your device, detecting malware, spyware, and viruses.
Many Android and iOS antivirus solutions offer free basic protection, while premium versions include more advanced features. Below is a quick comparison of four top antivirus apps:
| App | Main Features | Price |
| Avast Mobile Security | Virus, phishing, and spyware protection | Free (Premium about 1,000 TL/year) |
| Bitdefender Mobile Security | Real-time threat detection, identity protection, anti-theft | Free trial (about 750 TL/year) |
| Norton 360 Mobile | VPN, SMS fraud filter, device tracking | 349 TL/year |
| McAfee Mobile Security | Device cleaning, secure browser, anti-theft, identity monitoring | Free (Premium about 1,000 TL/year) |
7. Log Out of Apps You Are Not Using
Many users prefer leaving apps open rather than logging out. However, this habit can pose a major security risk, especially for apps containing personal or financial information. Logging out after you finish a session may seem minor, but it is one of the simplest and safest ways to protect your mobile security.
This is especially important for banking, email, online shopping, and social media apps. If sessions remain open, anyone who steals or finds your phone can easily access your personal accounts. Adding a password to your app login screen can further enhance your security.
