5 phone configuration to change right now for a safer smartphone

You don’t need to be a technology expert to keep your phone safe. You just need to know where to touch. From cunning and hungry applications to configurations that are overlooked that filter confidential information, their iPhone or Android device may be exposing more than you realize.

The good news? Making only some adjustments to your configuration can instantly increase your privacy, reduce monitoring and provide more control over your digital life.

Here are five security reinforcement configurations that can (and must) activate today. No applications or complicated tools are required. Only intelligent and integrated characteristics that protect your information behind the scene.

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Is your phone pirate? How to say and what to do

This article is based on the tests performed using an iPhone 15 pro max with iOS 18.5 and a Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra with an IU 7.0 in Android 15. The results and instructions may vary according to the model of its device and the software version.

1. Limit advertisement

Because your phone should not sell your behavior

Applications love their data, especially when it helps them go to advertisements. On iPhone and Android, applications can track what it does in other applications and websites unless it says otherwise. This is what you should look for:

You keep seeing the same strangely specific announcement after looking for something once. Or download a game, and suddenly the ads know your location, interests and habits.

Here we show you how to stop the follow -up:

On iPhone:
Settings > Privacy and safety > Follow-up → carving “Allow applications to request tracking.”

In Android:

SEthings can vary according to the manufacturer of your Android phone

What is artificial intelligence (AI)?

Settings > Google > All services > Ads → Turn off “Advertisement customization “ or choose “Eliminate advertising identification” For more privacy.

This will not block all ads, but prevents applications from tracking their activity.

2. Disable the previous views of the lock screen

Because anyone can see their text messages, even when your phone is blocked

By default, many phones show previous messages of messages on the lock screen. It sounds convenient, until someone sees its two factors authentication code, private message or bank alert on your shoulder.

You will want to change this if:

• You leave your phone mouth at work
• You use SMS for 2FA
• You have had someone “casually” look at your lock screen

Here we show you how to hide those previous views:

On iPhone:
Settings > Notifications > Show previous views → Establish in “When it is unlocked.”

In Android:

SEthings can vary according to the manufacturer of your Android phone

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Configuration> Notifications> Blocking screen notifications → Choose “Hide content” Or, on some Android phones, I could say “Do not show sensitive content” (which hides confidential content, as previous views of messages on the lock screen).

You will still receive alerts, but what is inside remains private.

3. Audit application permits

Because that flashlight application does not need your location

Over time, applications can collect more permits than they need, access their camera, microphone, contacts or even location without not realizing it. You may be giving too much if:

• An application that barely uses still has access to microphone
• You have never verified what applications your location can track
• You have had the same applications since 2017 and never reviewed them

Here is how to review and revoke applications:

On iPhone:
Settings > Privacy and safety → touch Location services, Camera, Microphoneetc. To see what applications they have access.

In Android:

SEthings can vary according to the manufacturer of your Android phone

Settings > Security and privacy > More privacy settings > Permission manager → Check permissions by category.

Revoke anything that does not make sense. Your phone will continue to work well.

4. Keep bluetooth off when not in use

Because hackers love an open connection

Bluetooth is ideal for headphones and smart watches, but it is also a known entry point for cybercriminals who use “bluesnarfing” or other attacks for siphons. Risk increases if:

• You leave Bluetooth in 24/7
• It connects to public or car rental of Bluetooth cars
• Does not recognize all the devices matched with your phone

Here is a quick solution:

Slide down from the upper right of your screen to access your Control Center (iPhone) or Quick configuration (Android) and alternate Bluetooth off (A “B” symbol stylized in the form of two angular runes that resemble “ᛒ” joined vertically) When it is not in use. Less is more when it comes to open channels.

5. Enable automatic software updates

Because obsolete phones are magnets of computer pirates

Software updates not only bring new functions; They patch critical vulnerabilities in which computer pirates trust to enter the phones.

Red flags:

• You keep hitting “Remember me later” in the updates
• Your phone is more than one version behind
• You have never reviewed if the updates are on

Here we show you how to turn it on and forget it:

On iPhone:
Settings > General > Software update > Automatic updates → enable Both alternate.

In Android:

SEthings can vary according to the manufacturer of your Android phone

Settings > Software update > Automatic download either Automatic installation updates (You can vary by device)

One of the simplest and most strong defenses that can establish.

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Kurt’s Key Takeways

You do not need a tin hat to seriously take the telephone safety, only some quick changes in the way your device behaves. Small things, such as hiding previous messages of messages, verifying application permits and disabled Bluetooth can make a big difference in the protection of your personal information. And, remember, phone security is not a unique offer. Keep curious, keep your software updated and see your configuration periodically, as you would with your bank or email accounts.

Do you have questions about phone safety? Get us knowing in Cyberguy.com/contact

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