Data protection with smartphones is increasingly important
As more and more social processes are carried out with the help of digital technology in modern times, the total amount of personal data today is greater than ever before. However, this development also poses an increased threat to privacy.
For example, mobile devices such as smartphones are susceptible to data misuse.
Data protection with smartphones is increasingly important
As more and more social processes are carried out with the help of digital technology in modern times, the total amount of personal data today is greater than ever before. However, this development also poses an increased threat to privacy.
For example, mobile devices such as smartphones are susceptible to data misuse.
1. Why is privacy becoming more and more relevant?
1. Why is privacy becoming more and more relevant?
Whether creating personal notes or paying for goods:
In today’s world, most people use their smartphone for a variety of functions. While mobile devices significantly increase their overall comfort in life, they also open up completely new worlds for data collectors. For example, with the help of smartphones, you can quickly create worryingly detailed user profiles.
In addition to companies, more and more hackers are making use of the new possibilities. For example, they steal data with the help of malware and then use it for criminal operations. If you do not want to become a victim of cybercrime or a transparent customer, you should pay close attention to data protection when using your smartphone.
Whether creating personal notes or paying for goods:
In today’s world, most people use their smartphone for a variety of functions. While mobile devices significantly increase their overall comfort in life, they also open up completely new worlds for data collectors. For example, with the help of smartphones, you can quickly create worryingly detailed user profiles.
In addition to companies, more and more hackers are making use of the new possibilities. For example, they steal data with the help of malware and then use it for criminal operations. If you do not want to become a victim of cybercrime or a transparent customer, you should pay close attention to data protection when using your smartphone.
2. For which other devices is data protection important?
2. For which other devices is data protection important?
As a general rule, any device that collects and shares data poses a potential threat to privacy.
Over time, tablets, notebooks and computers accumulate numerous user data that can be used by third parties. Even apparently harmless gadgets such as fitness trackers are not negligible in terms of data protection.
Thus, gadgets of this kind predominantly gather location information, which then reach the smartphone via the Internet in cloud applications of the manufacturer.
Information about your own location, along with contact information, messenger messages, and gallery content, such as photos and videos about the most commonly used data.
As a general rule, any device that collects and shares data poses a potential threat to privacy.
Over time, tablets, notebooks and computers accumulate numerous user data that can be used by third parties. Even apparently harmless gadgets such as fitness trackers are not negligible in terms of data protection.
Thus, gadgets of this kind predominantly gather location information, which then reach the smartphone via the Internet in cloud applications of the manufacturer.
Information about your own location, along with contact information, messenger messages, and gallery content, such as photos and videos about the most commonly used data.
3. How does the data from the smartphone come into the hands of third parties?
3. How does the data from the smartphone come into the hands of third parties?
There are several channels that are used by third parties to collect user data.
Many data collectors use applications such as apps or games to obtain information. Experience has shown that the majority of consumers pay little attention to rights clearance during installation.
It is not uncommon for apps to require access to sensitive areas such as contact information, even though they are unrelated to the feature.
Another channel is the use of hidden malicious software. Especially with apps from unknown sources that need to be installed separately, the risk of Trojans and similar programs is very high.
There are several channels that are used by third parties to collect user data.
Many data collectors use applications such as apps or games to obtain information. Experience has shown that the majority of consumers pay little attention to rights clearance during installation.
It is not uncommon for apps to require access to sensitive areas such as contact information, even though they are unrelated to the feature.
Another channel is the use of hidden malicious software. Especially with apps from unknown sources that need to be installed separately, the risk of Trojans and similar programs is very high.
4. How can users protect themselves against data misuse?
4. How can users protect themselves against data misuse?
Similar to when calling abroad, for example, users must be extremely cautious about installing apps.
In any case, only applications from trusted sources such as the official app stores should be downloaded. Furthermore, attention must be paid to the rights release with each installation. For example, if a flashlight app requires access to the phone book, that does not exactly mean the seriousness of the application.
To prevent unauthorized access to the location data, it is advisable to turn on the GPS function only when actively used.
It should also be noted that pictures taken with a smartphone usually contain location information in the form of metadata. If you want to play it safe, you should remove it with an image editor.
Since a modern smartphone is similar in principle to a computer, the operating system should be adequately protected. Here it is particularly important that the software is regularly updated by updates.
In addition, it makes sense to additionally install a separate antivirus program. To minimize the data stream, security settings should also be enabled in installed apps.
For example, pop-ups and cookies can be specifically controlled in the browser. The browsing history should also be deleted regularly in the course of data protection.
Similar to when calling abroad, for example, users must be extremely cautious about installing apps.
In any case, only applications from trusted sources such as the official app stores should be downloaded. Furthermore, attention must be paid to the rights release with each installation. For example, if a flashlight app requires access to the phone book, that does not exactly mean the seriousness of the application.
To prevent unauthorized access to the location data, it is advisable to turn on the GPS function only when actively used.
It should also be noted that pictures taken with a smartphone usually contain location information in the form of metadata. If you want to play it safe, you should remove it with an image editor.
Since a modern smartphone is similar in principle to a computer, the operating system should be adequately protected. Here it is particularly important that the software is regularly updated by updates.
In addition, it makes sense to additionally install a separate antivirus program. To minimize the data stream, security settings should also be enabled in installed apps.
For example, pop-ups and cookies can be specifically controlled in the browser. The browsing history should also be deleted regularly in the course of data protection.
About the author:
About the author:
Popular Posts:
Enable developer tools in Office 365
Unlock developer tools in Excel, Word and Outlook. Expand the possibilities with additional functions in Office 365.
Dictate text in Word and have it typed
Dictating text in Word is much easier and faster than typing everything on the keyboard. Speech recognition in Word works just like external speech recognition software.
Header and footer in Word – First page different in Word
How to make headers different on the first page than on the rest of the pages. Also create custom footers in Word for your documents.
Is it worth switching to Windows 11 – the most important differences
Are you still using Windows 10 or even Windows 8.1 and have you ever thought about switching to Windows 11? We try to give a little decision support.
Clean up Excel spreadsheets
It is very easy to use Excel tables created without a system and still get usable data from them with a few tricks.
Insert and edit header and footer in Excel
Inserting a header and footer in Excel is far from user-friendly. We show ways and workarounds how you can do it anyway.
Popular Posts:
Enable developer tools in Office 365
Unlock developer tools in Excel, Word and Outlook. Expand the possibilities with additional functions in Office 365.
Dictate text in Word and have it typed
Dictating text in Word is much easier and faster than typing everything on the keyboard. Speech recognition in Word works just like external speech recognition software.
Header and footer in Word – First page different in Word
How to make headers different on the first page than on the rest of the pages. Also create custom footers in Word for your documents.
Is it worth switching to Windows 11 – the most important differences
Are you still using Windows 10 or even Windows 8.1 and have you ever thought about switching to Windows 11? We try to give a little decision support.
Clean up Excel spreadsheets
It is very easy to use Excel tables created without a system and still get usable data from them with a few tricks.
Insert and edit header and footer in Excel
Inserting a header and footer in Excel is far from user-friendly. We show ways and workarounds how you can do it anyway.