Smartphones can store and transmit a wide range of data that third parties can access – such as your contact list, your pictures, and your browsing history.
They are also vulnerable to viruses and malware that can compromise your personal information. Many apps that you have downloaded or pre-installed use geo-location, which allows you to be tracked wherever you go.
Using Wi-Fi hotspots are a great way to get around paying for data usage on your phone bill, Wi-Fi hotspots can also leave you vulnerable to intrusion.
5 Tips to improve your smartphone privacy
- Secure your phone with a unique password
- Protect your phone with anti-virus, malware security software and update its operating system when prompted
- Opt-out of the location service feature – many apps do not need geo-location enabled to work
- Limit the type of business you conduct using Wi-Fi hotspots.
- If you use Wi-Fi frequently, consider using a VPN connection. See the infographic from Point-Bl_nk Communications
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