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How to boost the privacy levels on your smartphone [Mobile 88 Online (Malaysia)](Mobile 88 Online (Malaysia) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) As smartphones have essentially become an indispensable part of our lives, much of what defines us is stored on the device itself. This is why it is important for you to safeguard the privacy on your smartphones. We list out the best ways. Password-protect your smartphone and have encryption If someone does manage to get your phone, you can at least prevent them or slow them down from reading your data by putting a strong password and encrypting your phone's data. Apple iPhones offer this by default when you set up a passcode; Android needs you to turn on encryption in the settings and takes up to an hour to activate. Stick with encrypted calling and chatting apps As they are, standard calls and text messages are easy to track or intercept, so you could instead use encrypted conversation apps like Silent Text and Phone, Wickr, TextSecure, ChatSecure or Apple's FaceTime and iMessage. There's a downside where both you and the person you're talking to need to be using the same service to have it covered. Always update your software Hackers and spies can quickly take advantage of any new loopholes and backdoors especially when you don't update your phone's software regularly. Apple's iOS updates directly to users and while Google updates Android regularly, updates come through slow as they need to go through the handset maker or carrier. Turn on VPN in unsecure locations If you are getting internet access from unusual or unsecure locations on your phone like hotel wi-fi, it is possible spies could be lurking. Mobile VPN services like Bitmask and Disconnect Secure Wireless can provide the protection needed. Get a second phone for sensitive work The people who are really concerned over privacy and security can keep separate devices for work and play. Phones by themselves are quite easy to track, and there are so many apps that can share data with or without you knowing, and chances increase with the more apps you have. If you really have to access the date on your phone especially when travelling, keep from using it more than necessary. (c) 88 Mobile.com 2014. All rights reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info). |