The use of modern mobile devices - smartphones running Android OS - goes far beyond voice communication.
The capabilities of smart phones sometimes border on the fantastic. It is a means of accessing the Internet, a GPS navigator, and a source of all kinds of entertainment.
Smartphones can also be used to store confidential information - passwords, phone numbers, credit cards, etc.
Mobile device security should be given special attention. The reasons for this are simple.
Firstly
, a smartphone is much easier to lose than, say, a laptop or tablet,
and secondly
, smartphones, just like personal computers (even more) are susceptible to virus attacks. In addition to reliable antivirus software, smartphones must have user data blocking tools installed.
To protect your device from unauthorized access, you can use both built-in tools and third-party utilities that are more flexible and selective. Unlike the standard utility that completely blocks the device, such programs allow you to protect only certain applications, for example Gallery, Messages or the Google Store.
AppLock
A powerful yet simple way to protect individual applications on Android smartphones. With AppLock you can deny access to any application or game.
Protection is carried out by setting a password. At the same time, it is possible to protect certain files, for example, a group of photos from the Gallery. Key features of this app include blocking incoming and outgoing calls, app uninstallation protection, pattern locking, powerful self-protection (preventing task managers from shutting down), hiding the AppLock icon, automatically blocking selected apps at a specified time, and many other useful features.
Download: https://play.google.com
App Lock
One of the simplest blockers without unnecessary settings and functions.
Protects access to applications using a password, fingerprint (if a scanner is available) or a pattern. To prevent protection from triggering too often, you can set a re-blocking timer. Although App Lock warns that it contains ads, no ads appeared during testing of the free version. If they bother you, you can get rid of advertising and thank the developers through a one-time payment.
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Smart App Protector
A lesser-known, but no less reliable means of protecting information on your device from prying eyes. Unlike AppLock, Smart App Protector has a set of additional control tools.
The most interesting of them is the observer mode - when working in this mode, the application monitors unsuccessful attempts to remove the lock, capturing images of a potential “burglar” with the front camera.
It supports the use of text and graphic passwords, preventing screen shutdown and auto-rotation, locking at a specified time, and also backing up and restoring the application list.
Download: https://play.google.com/
Vault
The most functional blocker from this collection. Vault locks apps with a password and acts as an encrypted storage for media files, contacts and SMS. For reliability, the program stores a backup copy of the data entrusted to it in the cloud. Vault has a browser inside where you can save and use web bookmarks, hiding them from prying eyes.
The free version of the blocker contains restrictions and is filled with advertising. But the application has a paid subscription for premium mode. Subscribers are not shown ads and are provided with additional features and bonuses: more space in the cloud, hiding the Vault icon, activating the camera during unsuccessful unlock attempts.
Perfect App Protector
One of the best applications for protecting Android devices. Perfect App Protector allows you to block access to various applications and settings.
The program also supports protection against connection via a USB port, locking screen rotation, controlling screen brightness when running individual applications, using a picture password, as well as remote locking by sending SMS messages to the device.
Download: https://play.google.com/
Method 2: Block apps using the tools you have
Samsung Secure Folder
With Samsung smartphones, you can store apps, pictures, and other files in a secure folder. It is protected from your main account with a separate code. You can't even access the data in the protected folder using a USB cable and computer.
Secure Folder on Samsung Smartphones Offers True Privacy
Using a secure folder means you will need to completely install WhatsApp or other apps again. Notifications are sent from a secure folder to your main profile. A luxurious settings menu makes it easy to set your privacy options. In return, you get system-level protection that makes it difficult for even resourceful spies.
Huawei/Honor PrivateSpace
Huawei's EMUI user interface offers a similar feature to PriveSpace. In this case, too, images, data, and applications are isolated by the primary user, but you don't have to extract the applications to put them there. Instead, you can create a second user on your Honor or Huawei smartphone. To launch a secure area, you simply use a finger on the lock screen other than your main profile.
Visidon AppLock
Unlike the programs described above, Visidon AppLock uses an image (photo) of the owner’s face as a password. Unfortunately, the facial recognition technology in this application has not been brought to fruition. According to the results of independent tests, the program failed more than once. In some cases, Visidon AppLock did not recognize the owner, in others it let the stranger through.
Download: https://play.google.com/
Smart AppLock
Smart AppLock is my second choice on this list for the best app locker for Android, and there are two main reasons for this. Firstly, it is very lightweight and does not contain any advertising. Not on the lock screen or in the app. Secondly, the app is fully updated and compatible with in-screen fingerprint sensors. Essentially, this means that the developer behind the app regularly updates the app to keep it compliant with new APIs and Android devices.
If you're wondering if this app blocker blurs the app preview in the recent menu, then unfortunately it doesn't do that due to system limitations, and that's acceptable. As for the application, it is quite clean and does not contain any malware. You can set a screen lock pattern or simply use a custom fingerprint sensor that is already stored on your smartphone. Having said that, I did notice a persistent notification at the top, but you can turn it off with one tap, so that's fine. Simply put, if you want a simple and lightweight app locker for your Android smartphone, look no further than Smart AppLock.
Smart Lock
Last on our list is Smart Lock - a good program, judging by user reviews, for blocking access to applications and photos. Key features of the program include blocking applications, protecting against USB connections, sending notifications about phone number changes, preventing automatic screen rotation, launching the SMS protection service, organizing photos, and backing up and restoring settings.
Download: https://play.google.com/
Method 1: Best Lock Apps for Android
There are apps on the Play Store that you can use to block apps. A search for “app lock” will return dozens of results. We've chosen an example that won't require too many permissions from you.
Let's start with a warning: app blocking apps are not a real defense against nosy people if they are smart enough! They often aren't even able to completely hide the last viewed content in the app; the most recent messages can be quickly seen before the blocking occurs.
Until the Android interface and App Locker work better together, you're better off switching to the method that comes with the stock Android software. These methods are presented below.
Tip: Be sure to lock the settings app because otherwise a resourceful person can simply remove the app lock and bypass it.
Keepsafe app lock
Keepsafe doesn't allow you to take screenshots, so we'll have to explain our observations in words. First of all, I like the fact that the application does not require any authorization. The setup wizard prompts you for the lock type: PIN, pattern, or fingerprint. You don't need to register your fingerprint again because the app uses the fingerprint already stored in your Android phone. This increases trust because it means the app can't send your fingerprint back to the app creators.
AppLock blocks applications
You must provide your email address for security, but you can also skip this step. The app then takes you to system settings where you need to grant access to data usage. Without this, the application cannot determine whether it has been opened. You can then return to App Lock, where you can select apps to lock. Popular apps like Settings or WhatsApp are listed at the top, while the rest are listed in alphabetical order.
Crash a hacked application
Okay, we spoiled the life of the reverser a little. It's time to do it again! But how can you tell if an app has been hacked? More precisely, how can it find out for itself? After all, the concepts of “hacked” and “not hacked” exist only in our heads, that is, these are concepts of a fairly high order that cannot be described algorithmically.
So it is, but not so. The fact is that inside the APK file there is a set of metadata that stores the checksums of absolutely all files in the package, and the metadata itself is signed with the developer’s key. If you change the application and package it again, the package metadata will change and the package will have to be signed again. And since the reverser does not and cannot have your developer key, it uses either a randomly generated one or a so-called test key.
Android itself will easily swallow such an application (it does not keep a database of all the digital signatures of all possible Android developers), but we have our own digital signature, and we can verify it!
Protecting apps on Android
Issues of personal data protection are quite acute on modern mobile devices, especially given the availability of a contactless payment system using a smartphone. Cases of phone theft are still not uncommon, so losing bank card numbers along with an expensive device is not the most pleasant prospect. The first line of defense in this case is blocking the smartphone, and the second is programs that allow you to block access to individual applications.
Smart AppLock (SpSoft)
A powerful security application with rich functionality for blocking or hiding individual applications. You can add an unlimited number of them (even if they are all installed on the device).
You can protect them from unauthorized access with a password, PIN code, graphic key (18x18 square is supported) and fingerprint (on devices with an appropriate sensor). The latest versions of the application have added the option to set a separate password for each protected application, support for profiles, and also the sometimes useful ability to take a photo of the person who tried to access your device. There is fine-tuning of protection, up to turning it on and off according to a schedule or the inability to remove Smart AppLock without confirmation. There are three disadvantages - the presence of paid content and advertising, as well as poor-quality localization into Russian.
App Locker (burakgon)
An application that combines a nice design and ease of use. It may not be the most feature-rich blocker out there, but it's definitely one of the easiest to use.
When you first launch the application, you will be asked to enable its own service in the device administrators - this is necessary to protect against deletion. The range of features itself is not too large - a list of protected and unprotected applications, as well as settings for the type of protection (graphic and text passwords, PIN code or fingerprint sensor). Among the characteristic features, we note the blocking of Facebook Messenger pop-up windows, the ability to block system software, as well as support for themes. The disadvantages, alas, are traditional - advertising and the lack of Russian language.
LOCKit
One of the most advanced solutions on the market, allowing you to block not only individual applications, but also, for example, videos and photos (by adding them to a separate secure container, similar to Samsung Knox).
There is also an interesting function of masking application protection (for example, under an error window). In addition, it is possible to hide notifications to avoid data leakage, as well as block access to SMS and call lists. There is also a photograph of the intruder who tried to gain access to the phone or tablet. In addition to the direct functions of blocking applications, there is also additional functionality such as cleaning the system from garbage. The disadvantages in this case are also typical - a lot of advertising, the presence of paid content and poor translation into Russian.
CM Locker
An application from the creators of the popular system cleaner Clean Master. In addition to the basic functionality, it has a number of additional features - for example, linking to a Facebook account, which is used as a means of protecting and managing a stolen or lost device.
The program has its own lock screen, which has a lot of additional functionality - notification management, weather forecast display and personalization. The security capabilities themselves are also quite high: the standard set of “password-code-fingerprint” is supplemented by graphic key options and fingerprint sensor gestures. A nice addition is integration with another Cheetah Mobile application, CM Security - the result is the ultimate security solution. The impression of it can be spoiled by advertising, which often appears unexpectedly, as well as unstable operation on budget devices.
AppLock
Another advanced option for protecting applications and confidential information from unauthorized access. Made in a very original way, in the spirit of the Google Play Store.
This program also stands out for its advanced protection capabilities. For example, there is an option to randomly arrange the keys on the password typing keyboard. The developers also did not forget about modes for masking messages about a blocked application. There is also storage for photos and videos, as well as blocking of settings and access to calls and SMS. The application does not require hardware, so it is also suitable for budget smartphones. True, annoying advertising can alienate many potential users.
Applock Applock
A beautiful and functional application for protecting personal information. The design truly claims to be the best of the entire selection.
Despite its beauty, it works quickly and without failures. The functionality is practically no different from competitors - password levels, masking of blocking messages, selective protection of individual applications, a snapshot of the attacker and much more. The big fly in the ointment is the limitations of the free version: a significant part of the features are simply not available, in addition to this, advertising is also displayed. However, if you only need to block applications, the functionality of the free option will be sufficient.
LOCX
Security software, distinguished primarily by its tiny size - the installation file takes about 2 MB, and already installed on the system - less than 10 MB. In this size, the developers managed to add almost all the features of larger competitors.
There was a place for full blocking of access to applications, and for photos of people trying to access your phone, and for personal photo storage (other multimedia is not supported). Customization is also available - you can configure the behavior of the application depending on the location or connection to a specific network, as well as change the appearance. The free version contains ads and lacks some of the features of the Pro version.
Hexlock App Lock
A simple but quite powerful application that differs from its competitors in a number of features. The first is that all software installed on the device is automatically divided into categories.
The second is an unlimited number of profiles (for example, for work, for home, for travel). The third feature is event logging: blocking, unlocking, attempts to gain access. Regarding its own security functions, everything is top notch: protection of not only applications, but also the blocker itself from removal, choice of password type, multimedia storage... In general, complete stuffing. The disadvantages are the lack of Russian language and the presence of advertising, which can be turned off by sending a certain amount to the developers. In addition, the application is not available on the Play Store, so those who want to use Hexlock App Lock will need to download and install it from one of the secure third-party resources.
Private Zone
Also quite an advanced application for blocking confidential information. In addition to the actual ability to protect applications and personal data, it has such a non-standard feature as call blocking (blacklist).
Another unusual addition is the ability to create a guest space with minimal privileges (again, an association with Knox). The anti-theft system in Privat Zone is one of the most powerful among its colleagues, and to activate it you do not need to link to a social network account. The remaining protection options are no different from competitors. Disadvantages are also typical - the dominance of advertising and the presence of paid options, in addition, at the moment the application is not available for downloading from the Google Play Store, this can only be done from third-party services.
There are other applications designed to protect private data, but for the most part they exactly repeat the capabilities of those described above. However, if you know a really unusual blocker, share its name in the comments.
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Android features to block apps
Unlike apps, Android features work reliably. Unfortunately, they are not available to everyone. The following features were introduced in Android 5.0 Lollipop in fall 2014.
Create a user or guest account
If the above applications are not reliable enough for you, you should use the operating system settings. If the temporary user is not intended to use your main profile, you can quickly create a guest or second user account on your smartphone. You can do this using the button located above the quick settings at the top.
Click on one of the icons above quick settings and add a user
Just create a new user. He will have his own account or will not have a Google account at all. He will only be allowed to install apps from the Play Store and will not be able to make phone calls, send SMS messages or access other users' data. This of course also includes your applications. If you set it up as a user rather than a guest, you can even regularly give the phone to another person, who can also store their data on it.
Screen lock
Maybe the reverse logic works for you: just figure out which app (the only one!) other people might use. Thanks to the lock screen on Android 5.0 Lollipop, you can use this trick. Simply pin apps that can be opened without unlocking the screen.
Attach your applications
Locked apps can be opened by pressing the Back key and the multitasking key at the same time. Then Android will ask you to unlock the screen using the method you specified in the settings. So basically all your apps will be blocked except the pinned ones.
