What Does Your Mobile Device Know About You?

What Does Your Mobile Device Know About You?

Smart phones have become such an integral part of day-to-day life that many of us don't think twice about whipping them out and tapping in a Google query or sending a text message. But have you ever stopped to consider the fact that each time you use your phone, the device may be storing information to build your mobile identity? If this thought hasn't crossed your mind, or you think you're exempt from this issue, here are a few things to consider.
"Would You Like to Save Your Password?"
When you're browsing the web at home on your laptop or desktop computer, you probably have been asked more than once if you would like it to remember your password. You may feel safe doing this - after all, your computer is always at home on your desk, right? Now consider the fact that your mobile phone may be storing some of these same passwords. If you choose to keep your banking passcode in your device's memory, for example, imagine the issues you could run into if you misplace your phone - or worse, if it's stolen. Review your phone's settings to make sure that it's not automatically storing passwords, and then do your best to memorize them so you can tap them in when necessary. It may feel like a big pain in the neck, but it could save you from becoming the victim of identity theft.
Is Your Device Automatically Syncing?
When setting up your new phone, did you pay close attention to the permissions you gave the device? If not, you may be allowing your cell phone to automatically sync up with your home computer. This means that any Google search you run on your laptop will automatically pop up when you begin typing into the Google search bar on your mobile device. This could cause a big problem if you use your phone at the office - after all, you probably don't want any nosy employees seeing what sort of things you're looking up in the privacy of your own home.
Your Apps Have Eyes
When using mobile apps, be careful about the sort of information you enter. If you give out your phone number to an application, for example, it's very possible that it will transmit the digits to a server, where it could be used for targeted advertising or sold to a telemarketing company. For this reason, many people use second phone numbers that they can easily dispose of and replace should they become compromised.
Just because you treat your phone like your best friend doesn't mean you should trust it with vital information. Think twice when you are tapping away on the device.