The Era of Geolocation: How to Secure Yourself from Spying Devices

If you’re worried about data privacy or if you are trying to extend your phone’s life by turning off geolocation, all of these still can’t save you from Google.

An Associated Press investigation has shown that many Google apps on Android and iOS continue to follow you, even if geolocation services are turned off.

Everyone understands how it works in an ideal world. In apps like Google Maps, you can give permission to access your geolocation if you intend to use the app as a navigator. Otherwise, no data is collected, and you remain anonymous. And this is not just about Google Maps.

For example, weather apps determine exactly where you are. Those issues affect about two billion Android users and hundreds of millions of iOS users who use Google services. You are most likely one of them.

Google Is Always Watching You

To prevent Google services from collecting your data, developers suggest simply turning it off in the settings. The only problem is that it is enabled by default, and Google collects the information about you through applications and websites.

What’s more, if you turn it off, it will only block the recording of your further movements. It will not delete the data collected during the whole time of use. You’ll have to clean the rest of the data with your hands.

Talking about safety using mobile applications. There are still ones that are serious regarding the security and privacy of users. For instance, all students will be glad to know that Essay Pro specialists do a great job concerning this aspect.

Experts of many educational writing services claim that they take care of the security of their clients better than many other platforms.

What Is Spyware for Mobile Phones?

Spyware is any program that records information about you or your actions on your phone. They are also developed for a home computer, laptop, or tablet – and in many cases without your knowledge.

Most spyware applications get to a user’s device in two ways. Either the attackers convince the user to visit an infected site and then use the software to install the spyware, or the user installs such apps on one’s own.

There are also special spyware applications that can be installed on your device within less than a minute.

Cyber Security: Brief Instruction

If you’re using an Android or Google’s iPhone app, the entire history of your movements flows into the search engine database.

You may have nothing to hide, but still: the very fact of total surveillance is stressful. In the 21st century, the most valuable resource is information.

Google uses query history and location for proper contextual advertising. But people should have the right to choose which data they’re willing to share and which they’d prefer to keep to themselves.

The company claims that it’s clear to users that information about them is being used. Still, the entity remains silent when it comes to simply turn off any data transfer.

As it turns out, it’s not enough to disable geolocation: Google still tracks the so-called “network and application activity.”

Tips on How to Avoid Becoming a Victim of Spyware

Such an aim is not always possible to achieve. Still, if you follow a few simple rules, the chances of getting spyware on your phone are much smaller.

Say No to Third Party Software

Let’s start with some basic rules. You should never install any third-party software on your devices. It means that the only applications you should use are those that are available through official channels, such as the App Store or Google Play.

Even so, install applications released by trusted developers who have a good reputation.

Pay Attention to the Rights

Always check the application rights before installing it. The mapping application will obviously require access to your phone’s GPS, but the application for notes does not need it.

If the app asks for permissions that seem strange, never install it in the first place.

Details Matter

Either on your home computer or work laptop, you should always be careful with unsolicited attachments, links, and open public Wi-Fi connections. Hackers can use all of these to install spyware on your device.

Therefore, better avoid public Wi-Fi connections. Never click on a link or open an email attachment unless you know the source or expect something specific.

Apps to Protect Information on Your Smartphone

We’ve collected some great applications to help protect the data on your device:

• Adblock Browser. This is a mobile browser with a built-in adblocker. Malware and spyware are often hidden under the guise of ads. Adblock Browser protects the privacy of the user.
• Micro Guard FREE. This program does not allow anyone to listen to your conversations. The service detects applications that are trying to access the microphone and alerts the user with a special signal.
• This is an application that blocks access to confidential information. With its help, you can shut down your social networks, photos, messages, and emails.
• Camera Blocker. It blocks your camera against spyware and viruses. As a rule, every second installed application requests access to the camera. This creates a window to transfer photo and video data to the Internet. The service blocks any unauthorized access attempts to the camera.
• DuckDuckGo Search & Stories. This search engine does not provide information about user requests. DuckDuckGo helps maintain confidentiality. It does not save IP addresses, record user information, and use cookies only when necessary.

Wrapping Up

Follow these tips to ensure the security of your smartphone. The suggestions will help you better protect your personal information when you use your phone or laptop.

You will be able to minimize the risk of unauthorized access to your phone if it ever falls into the wrong hands.