- Comprehensive management of application permissions to prevent unwanted access to the camera, microphone, and location.
- Implementation of advanced security measures such as device encryption, two-factor authentication, and theft protection.
- Control of advertising tracking and collection of usage statistics to limit the flow of data to third parties.
- Setting up recovery tools and remote wiping in case of device loss or theft.
Today, our smartphones are practically the command center of our lives. We store everything from our most intimate photos to our bank passwords and most private chats on them. The problem is that, without realizing it, we often leave the door open for malicious apps or the operating system itself to collect more data than they actually need.
Whether you're more of an Apple user or prefer the freedom of Android, there are critical settings you should review right now. To help you decide, you can consult this comprehensive comparison between Android and iPhone . It's not about becoming paranoid, but about taking control of your data and preventing any oversight from turning into a monumental headache.
Basic security: The first line of defense
The first and most important thing is to never leave your phone unlocked. Activating a passcode is the basic barrier; if your phone is stolen, this prevents anyone from snooping through your messages or images. To do this, go to Settings and look for the Security or Face ID & Passcode options. For added convenience, you can add biometrics , such as a fingerprint reader or facial recognition, although remember that in some legal contexts, a numeric PIN is more secure.
If you use Android, it's vital that you enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your Google account. This means that even if a hacker gets hold of your password, they'll need a second step (like a code on your phone) to gain access. You can set this up in the Security section of your Google account, preferably using an authenticator app rather than SMS.
Controlling permissions: Who's spying on you?
Sometimes we install a flashlight app or a simple game, and suddenly it asks for access to everything. It's essential to audit permissions regularly. On iOS, this is managed in Privacy & Security, while on Android you'll find it in the Permissions Manager within Security & Privacy.
- Location: Don't let all apps know your location at all times. Configure them to only have access. only while using the app Or better yet, use the approximate location if you don't need the exact GPS.
- Camera and Microphone: Prevent suspicious apps from listening to or recording you. If you see a indicator dot or icon If it's at the top of the screen and you're not using the camera, be careful!
- Photos and videos: Instead of granting access to your entire gallery, choose limited permissions so that the application only sees the photos that you specifically select.
Don't forget that you can also lock individual apps with an additional PIN. Some Android skins, like those from Xiaomi or Samsung, include this feature by default, and in apps like WhatsApp, you can activate it in their privacy settings to add another layer of security.
Cutting off tracking and telemetry
Advertisers love to know what you're doing. On iPhone, you can disable tracking so apps can't monitor your movements for advertising purposes. Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Tracking, and you can revoke permission for apps that have already agreed. On Android, the key is to remove the advertising ID from the Ads menu in your privacy settings.
Another point is the sending of usage statistics . Both Google and Apple collect data on battery performance and app usage to improve their services, but if you prefer complete anonymity, you can disable diagnostics and usage tracking in Android's advanced privacy settings or in the Analytics section of iOS.
Measures against theft and loss
If the worst happens and you lose your device, you need to have Lost or Stolen mode enabled . On Android, activate Find My Device and, if your model allows it, Anti-Theft Protection , which locks the screen if it detects a sudden movement. Having these options ready is crucial to knowing what to do if your phone is stolen and turned off . On iOS, the Find My app serves the same essential function.
For the more advanced users, Android 16 introduces Advanced Protection , which forces the use of HTTPS in Chrome, blocks the installation of unknown apps, and can automatically restart the device if it has been locked for 72 hours, ensuring that data is encrypted again after the PIN is entered.
Technical adjustments and extra layers of privacy
There are details that often go unnoticed but are invaluable. For example, disabling 2G prevents your phone from connecting to fake cell towers (IMSI catchers) used by some governments or criminals to intercept calls. This is done in the SIM settings, which you can manage by following a comprehensive guide to managing your SIM . It's also advisable to disable WEP networks , as they are outdated Wi-Fi protocols and very easy to hack.
If you have highly sensitive data, you can create a Private Space (on Android 15+), which is essentially a virtual phone within your phone, with its own Google account and apps isolated from the rest. It's also a good idea to hide sensitive notifications on the lock screen so no one can read your private messages without unlocking the device.
For those seeking the ultimate in security, there are custom ROMs , which replace Google's operating system with a more private one. However, this is risky territory that I only recommend if you know what you're doing, as you could lose official security features. Finally, remember to review your Google account's Privacy Checkup to see what browsing data or YouTube history is being stored in the cloud.
Keeping our smartphones secure requires a balance between convenience and control. By restricting app permissions, blocking ad tracking, and enabling anti-theft tools, we can ensure our personal information remains truly private and out of reach of third parties or malware.
