It’s that spooky time of year again—Halloween! But while you’re out trick-or-treating, there’s no need to be tricked by some of the most common myths around mobile security. Just like those classic Halloween ghost stories, some of these myths can give you a fright—until you realize they’re not true!
Let’s debunk some of the scariest myths about keeping your smartphone safe, so you can stop worrying and enjoy the season.
Myth #1: Public Wi-Fi Is Safe As Long As You’re Just Browsing
We all love free Wi-Fi when we’re out and about—whether at the coffee shop or in an airport—but connecting to public Wi-Fi can actually open the door to hackers. Public Wi-Fi networks are often unsecured, meaning that people can easily spy on your online activity, steal your passwords, or even gain access to your personal info.
How to Stay Safe:
- Use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) when connecting to public Wi-Fi. This adds a layer of protection by encrypting your data.
- Avoid logging into sensitive accounts, like online banking, when using public Wi-Fi.
- Stick to browsing sites that don’t require you to enter personal information.
Myth #2: Apps Can’t Access Your Data Without Permission
When you download an app, it often asks for permission to access certain parts of your phone—your contacts, camera, location, etc. If you blindly accept all these requests, you might be giving apps more access than you realize. Some apps might even use your data in ways that aren’t obvious, like tracking your location in the background or accessing your photos.
How to Stay Safe:
- Always read what permissions an app is asking for before you install it.
- If an app asks for permission to access things that don’t seem necessary for it to function (like a flashlight app needing access to your contacts), that’s a red flag.
- Regularly check your app permissions in your phone’s settings, and revoke access if you notice anything strange.
Myth #3: My Phone’s Built-in Security Features Are Enough
While most smartphones come with basic security features, like screen locks and app store vetting, these features alone may not protect you from all threats. Cybercriminals are always finding new ways to get around security measures, and relying only on your phone’s defaults can leave you vulnerable.
How to Stay Safe:
- Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on important accounts. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of identification beyond just your password.
- Keep your phone’s software up to date to get the latest security patches and improvements.
- Consider downloading a mobile security app that offers features like virus scanning and real-time threat alerts.
Myth #4: If I Delete an App, It Can No Longer Access My Data
Some apps continue to hold onto your data even after you delete them from your phone. That means they could still have access to information like your email address, contacts, or even your browsing habits.
How to Stay Safe:
- Before deleting an app, check the privacy policy to understand what happens to your data after you uninstall.
- If you’re worried about your data being stored, go into the app’s settings and clear your account or request to have your data deleted.
Myth #5: Private Browsing Mode Keeps Me Completely Anonymous
Private browsing mode (like Incognito in Chrome) can hide your browsing history from other users of your phone, but it’s not a complete cloak of invisibility. Your Internet Service Provider (ISP), websites, and even some apps can still track what you do online, even in private mode.
How to Stay Safe:
- Clear cookies and cache regularly to minimize tracking.