What is Encryption?
Encryption is the process of turning readable plain text into unreadable ciphertext. This is one of the most reliable methods of data protection.
What is Android Phone Encryption?
Android Phone Encryption is a method through which Android users may encrypt all of their data on their phones, including photographs, messages, and other files.
This is a built-in function in many Android smartphones nowadays, and it is quite simple to set up. It has pros and downsides, which are explored more below.
Advantages & Pros of Android Phone Encryption
1. Ease of Use
Encrypting a device may appear to be a difficult task, but it is actually rather simple because no coding is required. Some Android phones have a function that allows you to complete the task with the press of a button. On most phones, go to Settings, then Security, and finally Encryption.
This will display a series of instructions for you to follow. After all of that, your device will be encrypted.
2. There is no need to install any other apps.
Downloading a program for a specific purpose might be inconvenient at times. Fortunately, encrypting a whole Android smartphone is possible thanks to a built-in function. It may be located in your device’s Settings.
3. Encryption of App Data
The Android Phone Encryption service offers more than simply secure your photos, videos, and text messages. If you didn’t already know, when you use apps like Facebook and YouTube, certain data from these apps is saved in a temporary place known as cache. Now, not everyone is aware that this storage should be cleared on a regular basis.
Android phone encryption takes care of cache as well. It encrypts the storage, making it less likely that others will be able to recover the data.
4. Enhanced Data Security
As previously said, encryption is one of the most effective methods of ensuring data security. You don’t want someone to misuse your information. Especially in this day and age when obtaining other people’s info is so much simpler.
Even if you do not have data that requires protection on your phone, it is critical that you ensure its security. By making your data unreadable to others, Android phone encryption ensures that your data remains secure and private.
If you opt to encrypt your Android smartphone, you will be unable to recover the encrypted data. Did you know that even if you erase everything from your phone in order to resell it, the data can still be recovered? Now imagine if you had sensitive information about yourself like your bank details on that phone. Can you see how this may be a problem?
Fortunately, after your phone has been encrypted, the only method to decrypt the data is to do a factory reset. This way, your data can never be retrieved by anyone.
4. Privacy
Encryption, especially Android Phone Encryption provides ease of mind and privacy. You have certainty that your data is not being read by a third-party malicious actor.
Disadvantages & Cons of Android Phone Encryption
1. Available Only on Selected Devices
The biggest downside of Android phone encryption is that this feature is available only on a few devices. This feature requires stronger hardware which is not available on every device. As a result, it can only be performed on recent Android versions.
2. Cannot be Added via an App
Since it is not available on every Android device, you might be thinking it could be done by installing special applications that promise to make your phone’s performance better. Unfortunately, this is not possible. No external app can encrypt your Android device. So, if your device is not compatible, you are out of luck.
3. Lengthy Process
If you were thinking about encrypting your device, you should know that it requires a pretty long time to be completed. It also drains much of your battery. Is it probably better to plug your device while you wait for the process to be done?
4. Cannot be Reversed
Like mentioned before, phone encryption is pretty much an irreversible process. Once it is done, the only way to turn your phone to normal is to factory reset it. Above that, your data will be lost when you factory reset it. This could be a big problem.
5. Phone Performance Decreases
Once you encrypt your phone, it is possible that you will see a change in your phone’s performance. If you have a cheaper device with just as cheap hardware, the encryption process will definitely take a toll on your device, causing it to be much slower. If you have a comparatively better hardware system, this decrease in performance might not be too noticeable for you. Either way, this is a point to have in mind before performing the process.
Conclusion of Android Phone Encryption
Now that we’ve looked at all the advantages and disadvantages, it is pretty clear that the advantages outweigh the disadvantages. But, if you are just a regular person who cannot or does not want to invest in a good device or someone who does not store a lot of sensitive information on their devices, you should probably not opt for full encryption.
On the other hand, if you are an employer who wants to provide their employees with an encrypted phone, this is a good idea. The employees could be given this phone as something they use specifically for work purposes. This way, sensitive data about your organization stays protected.
