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People stream videos all the time, and it’s almost always on their computers, which are usually protected by antivirus software. But what about streaming videos on the phone? How safe is it?

Online streaming on the phone comes with some serious security threats. A potential hacker could track one’s online activity and discover their usernames and passwords. They could also gain remote access to a phone and all the accounts used on it. They can do so via public WiFi, or through an unencrypted streaming website, for instance.

How can you protect yourself? Here are the essential ways to safeguard your phone and continue to safely stream your favorite videos.


Install Antivirus Software

You wouldn’t dream of using your computer without protecting it with antivirus software, would you? Do the same for your phone if you don’t want malware finding its way to your device.

Antivirus software will block any malware, and alert you if you try to access any suspicious website.


Keep Your Android Software Up-to-Date

If your phone’s software is always up-to-date, you’ll additionally protect it. This is because software updates always come with the latest security patches, as well as any bug fixes.

You can check whether or not your phone’s system needs an update under System Update in your phone’s Settings.


Always Check the Security of a Streaming Website

If a website you visit has a secure connection, its URL will start with “https.” It means the website’s encrypted. If it starts with “http,” it isn’t safe.

Another telltale sign of a legit website is the padlock symbol at the beginning of a browser’s navigation bar. It shows that a site uses an SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificate, which means all communications are encrypted. If you don’t see the padlock, your connection isn’t secure, so leave the site.


Don’t Use Wireless Hotspots

Wireless hotspots aren’t encrypted, so your phone is open to potential hackers, especially if there’s no antimalware to protect it. Moreover, hackers create fake wireless connections, the so-called evil twins, that seem legit and collect usernames and passwords that way.

It’s tempting to use public WiFi because it’s free and you can save on data usage. But is it worth it? Not really. It’s certainly better to use a known network and reduce the risk of your data falling into the wrong hands.


Always Log Out of Your Streaming Sites

If you don’t log out of your account after your online streaming, anyone could continue your session. A potential hacker that perhaps monitored your online activity could easily get their hands on your username and password.

As a matter of fact, log out of all your accounts. It can be a bore logging in every single time, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. Be sure to empty your cache, and delete your history and cookies after streaming as well. Erasing all trace of your online activity and login credentials will protect you.


Never Root Your Phone

A lot of mobile users choose to root their phone to be able to change its software code. More commonly, they do it to install some third-party apps that a phone manufacturer doesn’t allow.

However, this leaves a phone susceptible to cyber attacks. If you root your phone, a streaming website that contains a hidden malware could infect it.

This is because you would modify its default security settings and leave critical data accessible by potential hackers. Apps that request root access could record keystrokes and collect your passwords, as well as copy or delete your data. They could also install apps that seem legit but, in fact, contain malware.


Use a VPN for Android

The best way to protect your phone if you want to stream videos is to use a VPN for Android. A VPN will protect your phone and your data at all times, not just while streaming.

A VPN for Android will encrypt your connection and hide your online activity, even from your mobile network operator. Every VPN replaces your IP address with a different one, virtually placing you in a chosen geographical location.

A VPN reroutes all your online activity, creating a high level of security that you need to browse the internet safely. So, find a reliable VPN provider as soon as you can, and protect your phone against cyber attacks.

Online streaming should be a pleasant experience, but it often does come with plenty of security threats. That’s why you should follow all the tips mentioned above and protect your phone from hackers. Whether or not you want to stream videos on your phone, these security measures are an absolute must. They will safeguard your data at all times.

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