Cell Phone Privacy - Here Are The Most Important Things To Know

 

 

Did you know that the average person will check their cell phone 344 times in a single day, which means that you are pulling out your phone to check it almost every 4 minutes!

Our private information gets stored on these digital devices, and they have become easy targets for hackers to learn everything there is to learn about you and what’s important to you.

Have you ever left the house without your cell phone, and felt the urge to go back to get it because you didn’t want to miss out on anything important? Perhaps you are someone who doesn’t need your cell phone and would prefer to be disconnected from it, but whichever scenario you find yourself in - it is imperative to learn how to protect your privacy from these hackers.  

In a world where we constantly depend on our cell phones for fast communication and social connection, here are some things you should know about cell phone privacy and what you can do to protect your phone from cybercriminals.

Related Source: 2022 Cell Phone Usage Statistics: How Obsessed Are We?

 

How Does Your Private Information Get Hacked?

Hacker software on the web makes it easier for these individuals to target the more vulnerable. This software doesn’t even need to be on our phones at all, and these hackers can infiltrate your phone remotely (a tactic known as ‘phishing’).

Other methods used include hacking your cell phone number, SIM card, WiFi, and even Bluetooth. Phishing makes it that much easier for these individuals to obtain your private information.   

Protecting your privacy (and the privacy of your loved ones, especially children), should be a priority. 

The Dangers of Hacking

The average age of a person getting their first cell phone is getting younger, which has resulted in the average screen time for children skyrocketing over the past few years.

Beginning in 2019, there have been significant and exponential increases in cyberattacks targeting people’s general data security, which will most likely only continue to rise with the innovation of smartphone technology. 

“Cyber attacks are on the rise and will continue to rise. It’s not a matter of if, but a matter of when. “A framework-driven approach with continuous monitoring will help companies mature their cybersecurity posture and address incidents pro-actively,” said Akshay Garkel, Partner, Cybersecurity & IT Risk Advisory, Grant Thornton India LLP.

Related: Smartphones And High Hacking Risks

Below are a few alarming statistics you may not be aware of:

  •       In 2021 it was reported that mobile phone hacking by cyber criminals would cost the world up to $6 Trillion.
  •       By 2023 these hacking cyber criminals will likely steal over 30 billion records of smartphone users.
  •       Over 50% of data breaches that occur throughout the world are due to hacking.

Anyone and everyone that has a mobile smartphone device is vulnerable to being the victim of a hacking cyber-attack. If you store any personal information that is vital to you, your family, and your business, then your cell phone privacy should be a high priority on your list of things to protect.

35 Outrageous Hacking Statistics & Predictions [2022 Update]

Apple iPhone Tracking

If you own an iPhone, you may have heard that Apple can track it via GPS. This means that anytime you download a new app to use on your smartphone whether it’s a fun mobile game or social app, you are agreeing to their terms and conditions which can sometimes involve the agreement for these apps to track and gather your personal information (including your current location via GPS) in return for being able to use their application.

Don’t let this frighten or alarm you too much because there are preventative measures you can take to block these apps from tracking and gathering your personal information. This can be done very easily from your  smartphone and/or app settings.

Related: Privacy alert: Your iPhone is tracking everywhere you go: Here's how to find the setting

How to Protect Your Cell Phone Privacy

Thankfully, there are several things you can do to better protect your cell phone privacy, for example, investing in a Faraday pouch.

This is great for those who want to get off the grid for some time. Once you place your phone inside the pouch - your phone can no longer track your location via GPS.

In addition to blocking your phone from tracking your location, here are other examples of what you can do today to start protecting your cell phone privacy: 

  •       When it comes to apps, do your research before you download any app so you can know and understand if it’s a trustworthy developer or not.
  •       When you download a new app, make sure you only download from the Google and Apple stores. This will minimize the risk of downloading any sort of phishing software.
  •       Pay attention to the permissions that an app is asking for you to agree with before downloading. There is no reason why something like a digital wallpaper app should be asking for permissions and access to your contact list or current location.

Related: Avoiding Cell Phone Hacks

Are Privacy Pouches Worth It?

Your privacy is important and by acknowledging what you can do to protect your privacy, you are essentially minimizing your vulnerability to hacking.

As mentioned above, privacy pouches would be a great way to protect your information as these would only require you to drop your cell phone inside the pocket and have peace of mind knowing your information is safe and that your phone can no longer track you or your whereabouts.

The SafeSleeve Privacy Pouch not only prevents GPS, RFID, WiFi, Cellular, Data, Bluetooth, and NFC signal from entering and exiting your device, but they also include lab-tested shielding technology that reduces your exposure to RF Radiation by 99.99% as a bonus. You can learn more about this technology and its benefits  here.