Critical Security Topic

Mobile Phone Security

Your smartphone contains your most sensitive data - banking info, location history, private messages, and more. Choosing a secure device from a trustworthy manufacturer is critical for protecting your digital life.

FCC Equipment Ban: Huawei and ZTE phones cannot be sold with US carrier subsidies. However, unlocked devices may still be imported. Avoid all devices from these manufacturers.

Phone Brands to Avoid

These manufacturers have documented security issues, government ties, or have been sanctioned by US authorities. We recommend avoiding them entirely.

Huawei

Do Not Buy🇨🇳 China

FCC banned, Entity List, close ties to Chinese government and military

Affected: All models

No access to Google Play Store or services
Uses HarmonyOS with limited security auditing
Cannot receive timely security updates
Documented backdoor capabilities in network equipment

ZTE

Do Not Buy🇨🇳 China

FCC banned, Entity List, history of sanctions violations

Affected: All models

Previously caught shipping phones with pre-installed malware
Limited security update support
Corporate ties to Chinese government
Subject to Chinese national security laws

Xiaomi

Avoid🇨🇳 China

Data collection concerns, Chinese government ties

Affected: All models (use with caution)

Lithuanian government found censorship capabilities in 2021
Collects extensive user data sent to servers in China
Pre-installed apps may have security vulnerabilities
Subject to Chinese national security laws

Oppo/OnePlus

Use Caution🇨🇳 China

BBK Electronics subsidiary, data collection practices

Affected: All models (caution)

Parent company BBK is China's largest phone manufacturer
ColorOS known for aggressive data collection
Better than Huawei/ZTE but still concerning
OnePlus caught sending clipboard data to China in 2017

Vivo

Use Caution🇨🇳 China

BBK Electronics subsidiary, limited US security auditing

Affected: All models (caution)

Same parent company as Oppo/OnePlus
Limited market presence in US makes security research sparse
Subject to Chinese national security laws
Aggressive data collection in default apps

Tecno/Infinix

Do Not Buy🇨🇳 China

Budget phones found with pre-installed malware

Affected: All models

Triada malware found pre-installed on Tecno W2 in 2020
xHelper malware discovered on multiple models
Owned by Transsion Holdings, based in Shenzhen
Popular in Africa and Asia, increasingly sold in US

Pre-installed Malware is Real

Security researchers have discovered malware pre-installed on phones from Chinese manufacturers before they even reach consumers. This malware can:

Subscribe you to premium services without consent
Display invisible ads that drain battery and data
Steal SMS messages including 2FA codes
Install additional malware remotely
Track your location continuously
Access your contacts and call history

Recommended Safe Phones

These manufacturers have strong security track records, regular update commitments, and are based in countries with strong data protection laws.

Apple

USA

Excellent

Recommended: iPhone 13 and newer recommended

Price range: $799-$1,599

Why it's safe:

Best-in-class security architecture
Regular security updates for 5+ years
Strong encryption by default
App Store review process
No pre-installed bloatware

Considerations:

Higher price point
Some components manufactured in China (but software is US-controlled)

Google Pixel

USA

Excellent

Recommended: Pixel 7 and newer

Price range: $599-$999

Why it's safe:

First to receive Android security patches
Titan M2 security chip
7 years of security updates (Pixel 8+)
Pure Android experience, no bloatware
Advanced anti-phishing protection

Considerations:

Assembled in various countries
Requires Google account for full functionality

Samsung

South Korea

Good

Recommended: Galaxy S and A series (US variants)

Price range: $299-$1,299

Why it's safe:

Knox security platform
4 years of security updates
Hardware-backed secure enclave
Wide availability and carrier support
Enterprise security certifications

Considerations:

Some pre-installed Samsung apps
Verify you're buying US model (different variants for different regions)

Motorola

USA (Lenovo owned)

Good

Recommended: Moto G and Edge series

Price range: $199-$799

Why it's safe:

Clean Android experience
Good value for money
Minimal bloatware
US-based design and software

Considerations:

Owned by Lenovo (China), but US operations
Slower security updates than Pixel
2-3 years of updates typical

Budget-Friendly Safe Options

You don't need to spend $1,000+ for a secure phone. These options offer good security at accessible price points.

Google Pixel 7a

$499

Flagship security features
5 years of updates
Pure Android

Samsung Galaxy A54

$449

Knox security
4 years of updates
Water resistant

Motorola Moto G Power

$199

Clean Android
Long battery life
US-designed software

Security Features to Look For

When shopping for a new phone, verify it has these essential security features.

high

Biometric Authentication

Face ID or fingerprint unlock for secure access

critical

Full Disk Encryption

All data encrypted at rest by default

critical

Security Update Commitment

Manufacturer commits to regular security patches

high

App Permission Controls

Granular control over what apps can access

high

Secure Boot

Verifies system integrity on startup

medium

Hardware Security Module

Dedicated chip for cryptographic operations

Securing Your New Phone

Even with a secure device, proper setup is essential. Follow these steps when setting up a new phone.

Create a Strong Lock Screen

Use a 6+ digit PIN or complex password. Enable biometrics (Face ID/fingerprint) for convenience while maintaining security.

Enable Full Disk Encryption

Most modern phones enable this by default, but verify in Settings > Security. All your data should be encrypted at rest.

Update Immediately

Before using the phone, install all available system and security updates. Enable automatic updates.

Review App Permissions

Go through installed apps and revoke unnecessary permissions, especially location, camera, and microphone access.

Enable Find My Device

Turn on device tracking so you can locate, lock, or wipe your phone if lost or stolen.

Set Up Backup

Enable encrypted backups to protect your data while ensuring you can recover if the phone is lost.

Need Help Choosing a Secure Phone?

Take our security audit to get personalized recommendations based on your needs, budget, and security requirements.

Start Security Audit Learn About SIM Security

Budget-Friendly Safe Options

You don't need to spend $1,000+ for a secure phone. These options offer good security at accessible price points.

Google Pixel 7a

$499

Flagship security features
5 years of updates
Pure Android

Samsung Galaxy A54

$449

Knox security
4 years of updates
Water resistant

Motorola Moto G Power

$199

Clean Android
Long battery life
US-designed software

Security Features to Look For

When shopping for a new phone, verify it has these essential security features.

high

Biometric Authentication

Face ID or fingerprint unlock for secure access

critical

Full Disk Encryption

All data encrypted at rest by default

critical

Security Update Commitment

Manufacturer commits to regular security patches

high

App Permission Controls

Granular control over what apps can access

high

Secure Boot

Verifies system integrity on startup

medium

Hardware Security Module

Dedicated chip for cryptographic operations

Securing Your New Phone

Even with a secure device, proper setup is essential. Follow these steps when setting up a new phone.

Create a Strong Lock Screen

Use a 6+ digit PIN or complex password. Enable biometrics (Face ID/fingerprint) for convenience while maintaining security.

Enable Full Disk Encryption

Most modern phones enable this by default, but verify in Settings > Security. All your data should be encrypted at rest.

Update Immediately

Before using the phone, install all available system and security updates. Enable automatic updates.

Review App Permissions

Go through installed apps and revoke unnecessary permissions, especially location, camera, and microphone access.

Enable Find My Device

Turn on device tracking so you can locate, lock, or wipe your phone if lost or stolen.

Set Up Backup

Enable encrypted backups to protect your data while ensuring you can recover if the phone is lost.