The security of an Android device is not just about adding a PIN lock. Here I will give you seven important tips to keep your Android smartphone or tablet secure from different perspectives.

(1) Add a Screen Lock:

Adding a screen lock is a primary measure for the security of your Android device. Today, the Android devices let you set a PIN lock, password lock, pattern lock, a fingerprint or an eye scanner as a lock screen. To get started, go to Setting> Security> Screen lock.

(2) Lock Individual Apps:

To further prevent unauthorized access to your individual apps, you can lock them with an app like App Lock. This app can lock Facebook, Whatsapp, Messenger, Gallery, Gmail, SMS, Settings, Contacts, incoming calls and any other app you want.

App Lock lets you set up a password, pattern or fingerprint lock (only works in Android 6.0+) for the individual apps.

(3) Download Apps From Trusted Sources:

By default, you are not allowed to download an app from other than Google Play Store in Android devices. But if you want to download apps from other platforms, go to Settings> Security> Device Administration and Tap Unknown sources.

It is worth mentioning that the apps downloaded from other than Google Play store are beyond Google's control. So always download apps only from trusted platforms.

(4) Manage App Permissions:

A major advantage of downloading an app from Google Play is that you are told that which permissions you would need to provide before installing it. Often, an app gets access to your files, contacts or other information for a good reason but if you believe that an app is unnecessarily asking you to allow a particular permission, do not install it.

In Android Marshmallow, you are not required to provide access to your stuff at once while installing an app, and instead, you will be asked to do so when you run it for the first time.

(5) Keep Android OS & Apps Up-to-Date

The updates of Android OS and apps, not only lets you enjoy new features, but also contain security bug fixes.

To keep your apps up-to-date, go to the Google Play Store and click the menu button. Now tap Settings> General> Auto-update and choose a suitable setting. Most of the Android users with limited data buckets prefer "Auto-update apps over WiFi only" option.

To install any new update in the operating system Go to Settings> About Phone> System updates.

(6) Use Secure WiFI:

When out of the home, your device catches WiFI signals at many public places – like in cafes, hotels, and pubs. But they are not safe to use. Even if a network is password protected, you'll be sharing it with many other people, which could put your data at risk. So always use a secure WiFI network.

(7) Use a Secure Messaging App:

Today, there are several instant messaging services out there but are all of them secure to use?

A secure messaging app is usually described as one which encrypts your messages even before they leave your device. No one other than the sender and intended recipient can read the encrypted messages, even if an interception occurs during the changes.

WhatsApp, Signal Private Messenger, Gliph, Wickr and Telegram are some of the popular messaging apps.