Attention, iPhone user! Your device might be keeping more secrets than you think.
Experts are sounding the alarm, urging you to disable three sneaky default settings that could be putting your data at risk. So, before you scroll any further, grab your phone and get ready to tighten up your privacy game!
Three Risky Settings Every iPhone User Needs to Disable
National security officials have warned iPhone users that three default settings could expose their data to cybercriminals. Hackers could access sensitive information like social security numbers, credit card details, passwords, photos, and home addresses, putting users at risk of identity theft or financial loss.
These are the three settings mentioned:
Location
Tech experts warn that granting apps access to your location “at any time” could be risky. While you might be familiar with the pop-up asking if you want location tracking on only while using the app, allowing constant access could give hackers a wealth of personal information if they manage to infiltrate your device.
Any app trackers
Ever felt like your phone is “listening” to you? That’s because it’s constantly collecting data and sharing it with apps to build a digital profile, including details like your device ID, name, email, and user behavior. However, you can stop this by using the “App Track Transparency” feature on your device, which lets you see which apps are tracking you and what data they’re collecting.
To check, go to the privacy settings, click on track, and if the “allow apps to request to track” is on, your apps could be monitoring your usage, potentially exposing sensitive data if it falls into the wrong hands.
Bluetooth and WiFi
Leaving your Wi-Fi on while out and about might seem convenient, but it can put you at risk. Your phone could automatically connect to a hacker-controlled hotspot, allowing them to steal your data and install malware, even after you disconnect.
Moreover, hackers often set up these “evil twin” networks in public places like coffee shops and restaurants, disguising them as legitimate Wi-Fi networks, making it easy for your device to unknowingly connect. The NSA warns that this is a common tactic used by cybercriminals.
Are any of these three settings constantly on for you? Make sure to check your settings and stay one step ahead of the hackers. A few quick tweaks could be all it takes to keep your data safe and secure!