First off, what’s rooting?
Rooting is a process that allows you to attain root access to the Android operating system code (the equivalent term for Apple devices id jailbreaking). It gives you privileges to modify the software code on the device or install other software that the manufacturer wouldn’t normally allow you to. And for good mobile security reasons: they don’t want users to make modifications to the phones that could result in accidents beyond repair; it is easier for them to offer support if they allow users to only use the same unmodified version of the software. But tech savvy users have already developed rooting methods, which vary depending on device. They are available on the web, and more and more Android users are resorting to them because of the powerful perks they provide, such as:
full customization for just about every theme/graphic
download of any app, regardless of the app store they’re posted on
extended battery life and added performance
updates to the latest version of Android if your device is outdated and no longer updated by the manufacturer
But if you do it improperly, it can create havoc. And even done properly, if your phone doesn’t have proper antivirus protection for Android, rooting leaves your device open to all sorts of malware.
With great power comes great responsibility
Now, say all these advantages have convinced you to root your Android device. But you can do it at your own expense, risking your own mobile security. Here’s why:
1. You can turn your smartphone into a brick. Well, not literally, but if you goof up the rooting process, meaning the code modifications, your phone software can get so damaged that your phone will basically be as useless as a brick.
2. Your phone warranty turns void. It’s legal to root your phone; however, if you do it, your device gets straight out of warranty. Say you root your phone and some time after that, you experience a phone malfunction – hardware or software related. Because of the Android rooting, the warranty is no longer valid, and the manufacturer will not cover the damages.
3. Malware can easily breach your mobile security. Gaining root access also entails circumventing the security restrictions put in place by the Android operating system. Which means worms, viruses, spyware and Trojans can infect the rooted Android software if it’s not protected by effective mobile antivirus for Android. There are several ways these types of malware get on your phone: drive-by downloads, malicious links, infected apps you download from not so reputable app stores. They take over your phone and make it act behind your back: forward your contact list to cybercrooks, sniff your e-mails, send text messages to premium numbers, racking up your phone, and collect personal data such as passwords, usernames, credit card details that you use while socializing, banking and shopping from your smartphone.
Mobile security advice
If you still want to root your device, make sure you research the process very well, as it differs depending on the smartphone type and brand. It’s better you ask for expert advice on dedicated forums, or better yet, ask a tech savvy person to root it for you. All these in order to ensure you don’t turn your device into a brick.
Install proper antivirus protection for your Android phone, even before rooting the device, to fend off malware infections. BullGuard Mobile Security 12 offers mobile antivirus protection for a wide range of mobile operating systems, including antivirus protection for Android devices.
Here’s some good news: say you do resort to rooting your device. If for some reason you change your mind about it, you can always un-root it. In this case too, it’s better you ask for expert help.
