Oct 31, 2023
by Humera

Having a security lock to protect your Android smartphone makes you feel secure that nobody will be invading your personal space when you're not around. If you haven't set up a password, pattern, PIN, fingerprint, or face unlock on your Android phone yet, or if you're not sure which security technique or methods are best for you, here's how to do it.

We'll discuss five categories of security methods in this blog, which include pattern, PIN, password, face unlock/recognition, and fingerprint scanning.

1, Pattern

The pattern screen lock feature allows you to unlock your phone by sketching a custom pattern. There are 9 dots in the design (3x3), and you need to link together at least 4. Pattern locks are the weakest kind of smartphone security. Most people actually only utilize very simple, easy-to-guess patterns. About half of the time, the patterns begin in the top left corner, making the beginning of the pattern extremely predictable.

In addition, it's not hard to watch someone while they enter their pattern lock and memorize it; unique finger gestures are simpler to record than clicking on screen buttons. The markings left on the screen when entering patterns further increase the chances of a successful hack. Taking into account the foregoing, a pattern lock should not be used to safeguard your smartphone. Make sure it's a pattern you'll quickly be able to recall.

2. PIN

Using a PIN as your primary security measure makes unlocking your phone fast and simple. To prevent someone from acquiring unauthorized access to your device, you only need to select a strong password consisting of non-repeating numbers. Limiting the number of login attempts and lengthening the time in between new tries is a common security measure included in today's operating systems to prevent potential hackers.

3. Password

We recommend password-protecting your Android device for maximum security. You can secure your Android device with a complex password comprised of a variety of characters, just as you would with your email or social media applications. In this context, a secure password is one that combines diverse character types, such as uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.

Set a password that is difficult to guess, even by the person sitting next to you, but brief enough that you don't have to repeatedly enter it to unlock your Android throughout the day.

4. Fingerprint sensor

The fingerprint authentication on the majority of Android phones is dependable, quick, and secure. If your phone has a fingerprint sensor, you can enable it by placing your finger on the sensor without first activating the screen. That's all there is to it. If you frequently cannot activate your device due to a full right hand, you can create a second fingerprint using your left index finger.

We recommend always using a password to secure the essential information and privacy that is kept on your device. If you own an Android, you can use your fingerprint instead of a password to perform a wide variety of tasks. You can quickly and easily unlock your cellphone with the touch of your finger on the sensor.

5. Face unlock

Face Unlock/Recognition, the last biometric security feature we'll discuss, is available on Android devices. Face activation allows you to activate your device simply by looking at it. The 3D Face Unlock and Iris Face Unlock features found on some of the most cutting-edge Android flagship devices provide an additional layer of security. However, the majority of mid-range and low-priced Android devices use the front-facing camera exclusively, which poses a security risk.

Even if you upgrade to an Android phone that supports facial recognition for purchases, that doesn't mean the software is more secure. I agree with Google's recommendation that all Android smartphone users refrain from using facial recognition as a way of unlocking their devices.

Additional options for your Android's lock screen

  • Make sure that your screen locks automatically after a predetermined period of inactivity.
  • Some Samsung models allow you to reset your Android device to factory settings after a specified number of unsuccessful login attempts.
  • Utilize a unique password or PIN for each application that supports this feature.
  • After you've set up your preferred screen and biometric identification method, you'll need to select or change the speed at which your phone locks. Alternatively, you can configure the power button to automatically secure the screen.
  • Secure the data on your Android device by configuring a strong authentication method. Maintain a vigilant watch over it. Ensure that the security measure you select is both effective and manageable, so that it does not become a burden over time.

Benefits of a fingerprint phone lock

A fingerprint is significantly more secure than a PIN because a bystander cannot simply observe you entering the number. Therefore, fingerprint locking on mobile devices is the most secure option. It is a straightforward method for enhancing security. It is also a quick authentication method, making it an excellent option. Typing a PIN code repeatedly to activate your phone may become tedious. Those who check their phones frequently would benefit more from a biometric scanner.

Fingerprints are also useful for assisting individuals with memory problems. However inconvenient it may be to misplace your PIN, your digits are never misplaced. With this feature, you will spend less time shutting off your phone and more time using it. There is a reason why they have stood the passage of time and continue to be the gold standard in smartphone security.

Disadvantages of a fingerprint phone lock                                     

Since every individual has a unique fingerprint, it is tempting to believe that no one could ever take your information. Nonetheless, numerous academicians and hackers have devised methods to circumvent the fingerprint scanner.

There may be additional techniques that have received less consideration. Even though biometric scanners are more secure than PIN entry fields, every smartphone has both.

Benefits of a password and PIN code on a phone

A password-protected lock screen secures the data and applications on a user's device. This includes extremely sensitive information such as telephone numbers, email addresses, photographs, and bank account information.

In contrast to biometrics, PIN codes can be altered. There is little you could do to prevent someone from duplicating your print exactly. If your personal identification number (PIN) is ever compromised, it is simple to alter it and proceed.

Disadvantages of a password and PIN code on a phone

If there are no other security measures in place, a PIN can be deciphered in a short amount of time. Regardless of how long it took, an infinite number of guesses would guide any person or computer to the solution.

There are a limited number of possible four- or six-digit PIN combinations. Pattern locks outperform PIN codes in this regard, although studies indicate that pattern codes are not particularly secure.

No system is foolproof. Despite precautions against brute-force password guessing, a determined intruder may still obtain access. The difference between a fingerprint and a PIN is that the latter can be easily guessed, while the former cannot. A burglar can easily unlock a phone with no PIN protection, but if it's locked with a fingerprint, it's not so plain and dry.

How fingerprint sensors work

Prior knowledge of fingerprint security is necessary. Fingerprint security systems are those that use biometrics to verify the identity of a user before granting them access to a piece of hardware, a network, or a building. It is a biometric technological system that recognizes a person's fingerprints using a combination of software and hardware techniques.

The technology operates by storing biometric scans of authorized system or building users. This information is routinely stored for future use in the database. The user simply positions their finger on the scanning machine whenever they require system access; the equipment then scans, copies, and compares their fingerprints to the database. When a user's credentials are verified successfully, they are granted access to the system, and vice versa if a match is found.

Choose between password and fingerprint locks

When setting up your phone for the first time, you can choose between using your fingerprint or a PIN to activate it. Given that each individual's fingerprints are unique and it would be difficult for a hacker to predict how your fingers appear, do fingerprints provide more security than PIN numbers?

For the vast majority of users, using a fingerprint is the safest option. Your PIN is susceptible to brute-force attacks. While brute force can be used to decrypt passwords, fingerprints cannot. Even if you choose to continue using a PIN, it is exceedingly unlikely you will be attacked. Since cracking a PIN requires effort and money, criminals may not target you unless you are a prominent member of society. While fingerprints provide an additional element of security, PIN numbers are not inherently risky.

Fingerprints and PINs each have their advantages and disadvantages. While fingerprint recognition is the most secure method, entering a PIN is less hazardous than leaving the front door unlocked. If security is your main concern, you may wish to invest in a more robust option. However, if you are concerned about government surveillance and live in the United States, you may want to continue with a PIN. If you are an activist, journalist, or anyone else who may have confidential information on their phone and the authorities want you to unlock it, the law will be on your side.

Did you successfully use your fingerprint to unlock your Android device after numerous failed attempts? Do not feel lonely. Similar to when a password or PIN is missing, there are instances when a device's system will not recognize your fingerprint. If any of the aforementioned issues exist, access to the phone's storage and applications is restricted. It is reasonable to wonder if Android's fingerprint security can be completely disabled.

After using your fingerprint to activate your Android device, you should immediately begin backing up your data. If you do this routinely, you won't need to stress about losing a ton of data if you lose access to your fingerprint lock. Reliable research has shown that fingerprint authentication is not the most secure method for Android users to restrict device access. The release of a phone's passcode by force is a last resort.