best android firewall 2017
Title: The Best Android Firewall of 2017: A Comprehensive Review
Introduction:
In today’s digital age, smartphones have become an integral part of our lives. With the increasing dependency on these devices, it has become crucial to protect our personal information and data from potential threats. One effective way to enhance the security of your Android device is by using a reliable firewall. In this article, we will explore the best Android firewalls of 2017, highlighting their features, benefits, and limitations.
1. NetGuard:
NetGuard is a powerful and easy-to-use open-source firewall for Android devices. It allows users to block internet access for specific apps, both on Wi-Fi and mobile data. With its simple interface and lightweight design, NetGuard ensures that only the necessary apps have access to the internet, protecting your privacy and conserving data usage.
2. NoRoot Firewall:
NoRoot Firewall is a user-friendly firewall that does not require root access to function. It allows users to block internet access for specific apps, monitor network traffic, and create custom rules. While it lacks advanced features, NoRoot Firewall is an excellent choice for users who want a basic and hassle-free firewall experience.
3. AFWall+:
AFWall+ is a highly customizable firewall for rooted Android devices. It offers a wide range of features, including the ability to block or allow internet access for specific apps, create custom rules, and manage firewall profiles. AFWall+ also supports Tasker integration, allowing users to automate firewall rules based on various triggers.
4. NetPatch Firewall:
NetPatch Firewall is another open-source firewall for Android devices. It allows users to block internet access for specific apps, monitor network traffic, and create custom rules. NetPatch Firewall also offers a unique feature called “Active Apps,” which allows users to track currently active apps and their network usage in real-time.
5. Mobiwol:
Mobiwol is a non-root firewall that offers both basic and advanced features. It allows users to block internet access for specific apps, monitor network traffic, and create custom rules. Mobiwol also provides a user-friendly interface and the ability to view detailed statistics about network usage.
6. DroidWall:
DroidWall is a popular firewall app that requires root access to function. It provides users with the ability to block or allow internet access for specific apps and create custom rules. While DroidWall lacks some advanced features, it is a reliable option for rooted users seeking a straightforward firewall solution.
7. Firewalla:
Firewalla is a hardware-based firewall solution that can be connected to your Android device via Wi-Fi. It offers advanced features such as deep packet inspection, intrusion detection, and VPN server capabilities. Firewalla provides robust protection against cyber threats, making it an ideal choice for users who prioritize security.
8. AFWall+ (Donate):
AFWall+ (Donate) is the premium version of AFWall+, offering additional features and support for the continuous development of the original app. By purchasing the donate version, users can enjoy advanced functionalities, priority bug fixes, and prompt updates.
9. NetGuard Pro:
NetGuard Pro is the premium version of NetGuard, providing users with exclusive features such as ad-blocking, firewall notifications, and the ability to allow/block internet access on a per-domain basis. NetGuard Pro offers an enhanced firewall experience for users who want comprehensive control over their device’s internet access.
10. Avast Mobile Security:
Avast Mobile Security is a comprehensive security app that includes a firewall feature. Along with firewall functionalities, Avast Mobile Security offers a range of other security features, including antivirus protection, anti-theft tools, and app locking. It is an all-in-one solution for users who want to safeguard their Android device from various threats.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the year 2017 saw the emergence of several reliable Android firewalls that provided enhanced protection for users’ personal information and data. Whether you prefer an open-source solution like NetGuard or a hardware-based firewall like Firewalla, there are numerous options available to suit your needs. By choosing the best Android firewall, you can ensure the security and privacy of your device, allowing you to browse and use apps with confidence.
how to lock sms messages on android
In today’s modern world, privacy and security have become a growing concern for smartphone users. With the increasing number of messaging apps and the constant exchange of sensitive information, it has become essential to find ways to protect our text messages from prying eyes. This is where the need for locking SMS messages on Android devices arises. In this article, we will explore the various methods to lock SMS messages on Android and ensure the safety of our private conversations.
1. Why do we need to lock SMS messages on Android?
Before diving into the ways of locking SMS messages on Android, let’s understand why it is necessary. With the advent of smartphones, our lives have become intertwined with technology. We use our devices for various purposes, including communication. Text messaging has become an integral part of our daily routine, and we often share sensitive information through SMS, such as bank details, passwords, personal conversations, etc.
If our phones fall into the wrong hands, it can lead to a breach of our privacy and even financial loss. Therefore, it is crucial to secure our SMS messages from unauthorized access. Moreover, locking SMS messages also ensures that our private conversations remain private, even if someone has physical access to our device.
2. Methods to lock SMS messages on Android
There are various ways to lock SMS messages on Android devices, and we will discuss each of them in detail.
a) Built-in App Lock feature
Most Android devices come with a built-in App Lock feature that allows users to lock specific apps, including messaging apps. To enable this feature, follow these steps:
1. Go to your device’s Settings and tap on the ‘Security’ or ‘Privacy’ option.
2. Look for the ‘App Lock’ or ‘App Privacy’ option and tap on it.
3. You will be prompted to set a password, pattern, or fingerprint lock.
4. Once done, select the messaging app(s) that you want to lock.
5. Now, whenever someone tries to open the locked app, they will have to enter the password, pattern, or use the registered fingerprint to gain access.
b) Third-party App Lock apps
If your device does not have a built-in App Lock feature, you can always opt for third-party App Lock apps from the Google Play Store. These apps offer more advanced features and customization options compared to the built-in feature. Some popular App Lock apps are AppLock, Norton App Lock, and Smart AppLock.
To use these apps, download and install them from the Play Store, set a password or pattern, and select the messaging apps you want to lock. Some of these apps also offer additional features like hiding the locked apps from the app drawer, taking pictures of intruders, etc.
c) Using a secure messaging app
Another way to lock your SMS messages is by using a secure messaging app. These apps offer end-to-end encryption, which means that only the sender and receiver can access the messages. Some popular secure messaging apps are Signal, WhatsApp, and Telegram.
To use these apps, both the sender and receiver must have the app installed on their devices. Once installed, you can exchange messages without the fear of anyone intercepting them. These apps also offer features like self-destructing messages, where the messages get deleted after a specific period, ensuring more privacy.
d) Locking individual conversations
If you do not want to lock the entire messaging app, you can lock individual conversations on most messaging apps. This means that only the selected conversation will be locked, and the rest of the app will remain accessible. To do this, follow these steps:
1. Open the messaging app and long-press on the conversation you want to lock.
2. You will see a list of options, select ‘Lock’ or ‘Lock conversation.’
3. You will be prompted to set a password, pattern, or use your fingerprint.
4. Once done, the selected conversation will be locked, and you will have to enter the password, pattern, or use your fingerprint to access it.
e) Using a vault app
Another way to lock your SMS messages is by using a vault app. These apps allow you to store your sensitive information, including SMS messages, in a secure and encrypted vault. Some popular vault apps are KeepSafe, Vaulty, and Gallery Vault.
To use these apps, download and install them from the Play Store, set a password or pattern, and move your SMS messages to the vault. These apps also offer additional features like hiding the vault app from the app drawer, creating multiple vaults, etc.
3. Tips to enhance the security of your SMS messages
Apart from locking your SMS messages, here are a few tips to enhance the security of your private conversations.
a) Keep your device locked
Always keep your device locked with a password, pattern, or fingerprint. This will prevent anyone from accessing your messages, even if they have physical access to your device.
b) Avoid using public Wi-Fi
Public Wi-Fi networks are not secure, and anyone with basic hacking skills can intercept your messages. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid using public Wi-Fi networks while exchanging sensitive information.
c) Avoid clicking on suspicious links
Hackers can send malicious links through text messages, which can lead to a breach of your device’s security. Therefore, avoid clicking on links from unknown sources.
d) Regularly update your device
Keep your device’s software and apps updated to the latest version. This ensures that any security loopholes are fixed, and your device is protected from potential threats.
4. Conclusion
In conclusion, securing our SMS messages on Android devices should be a top priority to protect our privacy and sensitive information. With the various methods mentioned above, we can easily lock our SMS messages and ensure that they remain private and secure. Additionally, following the tips mentioned above can further enhance the security of our private conversations. So, take the necessary steps to safeguard your messages and have peace of mind knowing that your private conversations are safe from prying eyes.
how to track my girlfriends phone for free
Relationships are built on trust and communication, but there may come a time when you feel the need to track your girlfriend’s phone for free. Whether it’s because of suspicious behavior or just wanting to ensure her safety, knowing how to track your girlfriend’s phone can provide you with peace of mind. In this digital age, tracking someone’s phone has become easier than ever before. With the advancement of technology, there are various methods available to track your girlfriend’s phone for free. In this article, we will discuss the different ways you can track your girlfriend’s phone and the pros and cons of each method, so you can make an informed decision.
1. Use a Tracking App
One of the most common and effective ways to track your girlfriend’s phone is by using a tracking app. There are numerous tracking apps available on the market such as mSpy, FlexiSPY, and Spyzie, which offer different features and prices. These apps can be downloaded on your girlfriend’s phone, and they allow you to track her location, call logs, text messages, and even social media activity. Some of these apps also offer features like geofencing, which alerts you when your girlfriend enters or leaves a specific location. The biggest advantage of using a tracking app is that it provides real-time tracking, so you can always know where your girlfriend is. However, these apps do come with a cost, and some may even require a monthly subscription.
2. Use Find My iPhone/Google
If your girlfriend uses an iPhone or an Android phone, you can track her phone for free using the Find My iPhone or Find My Device feature. These features are built-in on most phones and allow you to track the location of your girlfriend’s phone as long as it’s connected to the internet. All you need to do is log in to the respective account and enable the feature. You can then track the phone’s location, and in some cases, even erase its data remotely. However, this method only works if the phone is connected to the internet, and if your girlfriend turns off the feature, you won’t be able to track her phone.
3. Use Google Maps Timeline
Another way to track your girlfriend’s phone for free is by using Google Maps Timeline. This feature allows you to see the location history of your girlfriend’s phone, as long as she has location services turned on. You can access this feature by opening Google Maps, clicking on the three horizontal lines on the top left corner, and selecting “Your Timeline.” However, this method is not real-time tracking, and you can only see the location history, not the current location.
4. Use a GPS Tracker
A GPS tracker is a small device that can be attached to your girlfriend’s phone or placed in her car. It uses GPS technology to track the location of the device and can provide real-time tracking. Some GPS trackers also offer additional features like geofencing and the ability to listen to phone conversations. However, this method can be expensive, and it requires physical access to your girlfriend’s phone or car to install the device.
5. Use Social Media
If your girlfriend is active on social media, you can use it to track her location. Most social media platforms have a feature that allows you to share your location with your friends or followers. If your girlfriend has this feature turned on, you can see her location on the map and even receive notifications when she posts from a specific location. However, this method is not reliable, as your girlfriend may choose to turn off the location-sharing feature or post from a different location.
6. Use a Phone Spy Software
Similar to tracking apps, phone spy software can also be used to track your girlfriend’s phone. These software programs can be installed on your girlfriend’s phone without her knowledge, and they allow you to monitor her activities remotely. You can track her location, call logs, text messages, social media activity, and even access her photos and videos. However, installing spy software on someone’s phone without their consent is considered illegal in many countries and can lead to serious consequences.
7. Use a Phone Network Provider
Another way to track your girlfriend’s phone for free is by contacting her phone network provider. Most providers offer a feature called “Family Locator” or “Family Tracking,” which allows you to track the location of your family members’ phones that are connected to the same network. You can contact your girlfriend’s network provider and request to add her phone to your family tracking plan. However, this method only works if your girlfriend is on the same network as you, and she may also receive a notification that her phone is being tracked.
8. Use a Reverse Phone Lookup
If you have your girlfriend’s phone number, you can use a reverse phone lookup service to track her location. These services use publicly available information to determine the location of a phone number. However, this method is not always accurate, and it only provides the general location of the phone, not the exact coordinates.
9. Use a Wi-Fi Router
If your girlfriend’s phone is connected to a Wi-Fi network, you can use the router’s IP address to track her location. This method requires technical knowledge, and it may not be accurate if your girlfriend is connected to a public Wi-Fi network.
10. Hire a Private Investigator
If all else fails, you can hire a private investigator to track your girlfriend’s phone. These professionals are trained in surveillance and have access to advanced tracking technology. However, this method can be expensive and may not be necessary unless you have strong suspicions of your girlfriend’s activities.
In conclusion, tracking your girlfriend’s phone for free is possible, but it comes with its own set of pros and cons. While some methods like tracking apps and phone spy software provide real-time tracking, they also come with a cost and can be considered an invasion of privacy. On the other hand, methods like using Google Maps Timeline and social media are free but may not provide accurate or real-time tracking. Before you decide to track your girlfriend’s phone, it’s essential to have an open and honest conversation with her about your concerns. Trust and communication are crucial in any relationship, and tracking should only be used as a last resort.