I can tell you that smartphones can store a lot of personal information about their users. Here are some examples of what your phone can know about you:
- Contact information: Your phone probably has a list of your contacts, including their names, phone numbers, and emails. postal addresses.
- Location data: Many apps on your phone use GPS technology to track your location. This information can reveal where you live, where you work and where you spend your free time.
- Search history: Your phone can save a record of the websites you visit and the searches you make on the Internet.
- Social media activity: If you use social media apps on your phone, your phone can access your posts, likes, and other activities.
- Text messages: Your phone stores a record of your text messages, including the content of the messages and the phone numbers of the people you sent text messages to.
- Photos and videos: Your phone probably has a gallery of photos and videos you’ve taken or downloaded This may include personal photos, screenshots and other media that reveal information about you.
- App usage: Your phone can track what apps you use and how often you use them. This information can reveal your interests and habits.
- Financial Information: If you use your phone for online banking or shopping, your phone may have access to your credit card information and other financial information.
1. Your login credentials
If you let the phone remember your credentials for convenience, you should be fine in theory After all, it uses military-grade encryption, making it very difficult for someone to simply hack and copy your phone, even if they managed to get direct access to your hard drive But there is a theoretical possibility.
2. Your location history
Whether you use an Android or iOS phone, it will follow you wherever you go as long as you always have it with you (which most people do). Of course, certain apps need to scan your current location to work, and food delivery and dating apps are good examples. At the same time, Google Maps is well aware of your travel history, whether you like it or not Disturbing? You decide!
3. Siri’s voice commands
Like any other service provider in the world, Siri is trying to improve its technology by intercepting and analyzing voice conversations. So if you’re on iOS, you know someone might be listening on the other end. One slightly comforting thing to know is that Siri doesn’t associate anything you say with your real identity (or even your Apple account) Instead, your phone is assigned a random ID for anonymization If you’re on Android, try saying “hey Google” and you’ll see that the device responds even if you’ve turned off your phone’s assistant voice feature. Now you know.
4. Your messages
It all depends on the messaging app you use, some use some form of encryption while others rely on outdated technology But one thing is certain: Apple actually stores the messages you send, albeit for a limited time, and encrypts them Let’s be clear, Apple has never officially revealed what the term “limited time” means, so it’s anyone’s guess.
5. The bouquet of information you’ve shared with Google
If you are using Android, your phone comes with Google services like Gmail, Play Store, Google Translate, Google Meet, Google Maps, Google Drive, etc. Most people find it convenient to have them close at hand, which means they choose to link their Google Account to their phone For giving you all these cool tools in the game, Google probably knows you better than you do, including your location and the duration of your calls.
What to do if your information winds up on the internet?
Your due diligence and knowledge of cyber security play a huge role in the likelihood of your information reaching the Internet. Sometimes, all you need to do is install an innocent-looking app that is actually designed for one purpose only: to spy on you and collect your personal information If you value your online privacy, consider removing your information from internet and data brokers While this is not meant to encourage complacency and carelessness, it is an option to consider if you ever find yourself in this situation.
Conclusion
What your smartphone tracks and records can be downright scary However, even if you want to live a safe life, not everything can be turned off without affecting certain programs and services that depend on it Vigilance is therefore paramount; The next time you install an app that requires too many permissions, think again.