For anyone who needs a mobile device with higher-than-usual security, there are a number of options. One such option is to encrypt your entire device. This means that every time you power your phone on, you'll need either a numeric pin or password to decrypt the device. An encrypted device is far more secure than an unencrypted one. When encrypted, the only way to get into the phone is with the encryption key. That means your data is going to be safe, should you lose your phone. Unfortunately, an encrypted Android device does come with a few pitfalls: Performance: The performance of your device will take a slight hit.