Your smartphone Probably your closest companion, track the steps, save your password and remember your favorite takeaway. But how well do you know about how it protects (or exposes) your privacy?
We are breaking down five key mobile privacy terms that may vary when keeping your personal information secure. Whether you’re a team iPhone or Android, understanding these concepts can help you control your digital footprint – from the palm of your hand.
Continue to follow more In this series As we dig into technical terms and other basic concepts related to privacy, we answer the top questions we get from readers like you.
A woman working on a laptop (Kurt “Cyberguy” Knutsson)
1. Location tracking
Your phone’s GPS is not only used for direction
Every time you check the weather, mark your location on Instagram, or ask Google Maps for the fastest routes and you will share your whereabouts. This is thanks Location tracking, A built-in feature in most applications and devices that uses GPS, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or cellular towers to find out where you are.
Here is the amount of capture: many applications track you even if you don’t use them. Some use this data to serve local content or advertising, while others collect and sell it to third parties.
How to protect yourself:
- Check which applications have access locations in your settings
- Switch from “Always” to “” when using the application
- Consider completely shutting down location services when not needed
Knowing when and how to track it is the first step to stop it.
More: Track your top 20 apps every day
2. Application permissions
What your app knows about you (maybe it shouldn’t)
It may ask for something before using a new photo editor or budgeting tool – access to your camera, contacts, microphones, and even calendars. These are called Application permissionsand they determine what parts of the phone you can interact with.
What is artificial intelligence (AI)?
Although some requests are necessary (for example, video applications require camera access), others can be too many or even suspicious. For example, why does the flashlight application require your location or call log?
Tips for maintaining control:
- View permissions when installing the application
- Regularly review your application settings
- Delete applications you no longer use
Your data should not be the price of convenience. Set boundaries.
More: Did you say “yes” to allow apps to license your Google account?
A woman looking at cell phone while working on laptop (Kurt “Cyberguy” Knutsson)
Track your top 20 apps every day
3. Two-factor authentication (2FA)
The second lock on your digital front door
The password is not perfect. That’s where Two-factor authentication (2FA) Come in. It adds a layer of protection by requiring two forms of proof of identity before granting access to your account Know (Password) and your stuff have (text code or authentication application).
Now, many major applications and platforms support 2FA, which can help stop hackers even if they steal your password.
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The most common types of 2FA:
- Text or email code
- Authenticator apps like Google Authenticator or Authy
- Biometric verification (fingerprint or facial ID)
Activate 2FA where possible. This is one of the easiest ways to upgrade you Mobile Security.
4. Mobile Advertising ID
Invisible tags that track your habits
Behind the scenes, your phone is assigned a unique number and alphabetical string called a Mobile Advertising Identifier (Mobile Advertising ID). It helps advertisers track your behavior on apps and websites to build profiles of your interests.
Although it does not include your name, it can be linked to your device and used to provide targeted ads. Think of it as a digital name tag for marketing purposes.
Want to opt out? you can:
- iPhone: go settings > Privacy and Security > track
- Android: settings > privacy > Advertise and reset or Delete your ad ID
You have no obligation to advertise your phone you.
More: How to Escape Facebook’s Creepy Ad Tracking
Laptop and external storage devices on the desk (Kurt “Cyberguy” Knutsson)
10 easy steps to improve security and privacy of your smartphone
5. VPN (virtual private network)
Your personal privacy tunnel
one VPN Like the secret tunnel of your internet connection. It hides your online activities and helps keep your personal information safe when using the internet, especially in Public Wi-Fi.
In addition to protecting your information from snooping, VPNs hide your real location. It allows you to connect to the Internet through a server in another part of the world, which makes it look as if it was browsed from another location. This is useful for security (protecting your privacy) and access to content that may be restricted in certain areas.
When you connect to public Wi-Fi at a coffee shop or airport, your data may be exposed to hackers and smoke guns. That’s VPN (virtual private network) Come in. It encrypts your Internet traffic and routes it through a secure server, hiding your IP address and protecting your activity.
Think of it as a private tunnel for your internet usage, thus keeping your data safe from the eye of prying.
Which VPNs are great for:
- Protect your connection on public Wi-Fi
- Access area lock content
- Hide your online activities in an advertiser or internet provider
Just be sure to choose a trusted VPN. Some free VPNs may record your data or slow down your phone. A reliable VPN is essential to protect your online privacy and ensure a secure, high-speed connection. For the best VPN software, see my expert review of the best VPN to browse your network privately Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices
Deleting data can do something a VPN doesn’t do: That’s why you both need
Kurt’s key points
Your mobile device is powerful, but so are the privacy risks associated with it. By understanding these five mobile privacy terms, you can take simple and impactful steps to protect your digital life. From turning off unnecessary application permissions to implementing two-factor authentication, these small tweaks can help you maintain control and keep your information secure.
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