Encrypt smartphone: sensible or not?
You can protect important emails or files by encrypting your smartphone. You can find out to what extent this process makes sense and where the weak points are in this practical tip.
Encrypting smartphones - really useful?
- Most newer smartphones can be encrypted in the settings under "Security". This means that unauthorized persons cannot access your files.
- Before you encrypt your smartphone, however, you should note that this protection cannot usually be undone without loss.
- So if you want to "decrypt" your device, this only works in conjunction with a complete reset. All of your data will be lost.
- This process is also the weak point of encryption. Although it is difficult for unauthorized persons to access your data, the smartphone is practically new after such a reset. Criminals can also resell stolen cell phones - despite encryption.
- In addition, the performance of your device sometimes suffers from encryption. Depending on the model, your smartphone will become noticeably slower.
- Ultimately, you need to know how important the security of your data is to you and whether you want to make these compromises.
- By the way: Apps that protect your data should be used with caution. Although they offer protection, the protection mechanisms are usually useless if the corresponding app can be easily deleted.
Tip: In our extensive article on encryption on Android you will learn, among other things, how to write encrypted e-mails and SMS and how to use chats.