The smartphone is now the most used device to connect to the Internet. Nowadays, it contains enough personal and sometimes sensitive data: bank documents, confidential files, private conversations, etc. So much information can pass through your device through telegram, email, Facebook, and WhatsApp spy apps and end up in the wrong hands unintentionally or due to theft.
Fortunately, there are steps you can take to protect confidential data on your smartphone and your online privacy effectively.
Use Biometrics Sparingly
Unlike a password that you may replace at any time, your biometrics, such as a fingerprint, cannot be changed. If it is misappropriated and someone can reproduce it, this person will be able to usurp your identity permanently. It is, therefore, better to use it only if you are sure that a third party cannot get to it.
As a general rule, you should trust the biometrics technology of your smartphone rather than an app developed by a third-party company, which assumes that all biometric data is stored remotely by an organization whose seriousness you may not know. This way, you will have better control over your biometric data, which will remain on your device, hidden from others.
Set Up Geolocation Properly
According to RealSpyApps research, about 30% of mobile applications use geolocation, often several times a minute? At first glance, this information seems harmless. However, you should know that it can be used to determine your habits and even your lifestyle (your neighborhood, favorite restaurants, etc.) and potentially for commercial purposes.
To limit the transmission of your geolocation, you have to set up the geolocation on your smartphone when you want it. In other words, disable this feature when you do not need it.
Hide Your Files
If you lose your smartphone, your data will undoubtedly fall into the hands of a third party. The best thing you can do is to hide the files on your phone by creating folders where they will be invisible. This way, you will avoid the worst-case scenario. The procedure is effortless on Android. You just need to use a File Explorer.
Disable Ad Tracking
Ad tracking uses your browsing habits to provide you with advertising specifically targeted to your tastes. These ads are based on an advertising identifier stored in your smartphone. The more stable this identifier is over time, the more information the agencies will have collected about you. And the less you will have your privacy protected.
How to disable ad tracking on Android:
- Go to Google Settings;
- Activate the option Disable ads by interest;
- Tap on Reset Ad ID.
How to disable ad tracking on iOS:
- Go to Settings;
- Then to the Privacy tab;
- At the very bottom of the screen, go to Advertising;
- Enable the Limited Ad Tracking option.
Delete Browsing History
Google always keeps track of your actions with the help of its search engine. Moreover, with the launch of Youtube, even the videos you have watched are visible to the others. Therefore, it is best to delete your browsing history for maximum protection of your data.
Android: Go to “Google Settings,” then “Account History.” There, select the options you want to disable.
For iOS: go to “Settings,” then click on “Safari.” When you see the “Privacy and Security,” enable the “Do not track me” option. After that, press “Clear history.”
Stop Background Applications
Even when an application is not in use, be aware that it may still transmit information about you if it is running in the background. It is therefore essential to stop such an app.
Also Read: The Most Common Data Privacy Issues
