Smartphones carry our most sensitive data: banking credentials, personal conversations, live location history, and biometric identity. Protecting this surface requires deliberate configuration.
1. Upgrade to a Dedicated Password Manager & Passkeys
Reusing passwords across websites is the number one cause of credential stuffing attacks.
- Adopt Bitwarden or 1Password.
- Enable hardware passkeys or biometric device authentication wherever supported.
2. Separate Your Primary Email with Aliases
When signing up for free trials, online stores, or newsletters, avoid providing your primary personal email.
- Use SimpleLogin or DuckDuckGo Email Protection to generate unique disposable aliases that forward to your inbox.
- If an alias begins receiving spam or gets leaked in a breach, you can disable it with one click.
3. Review App Permissions Regularly
Both Android 15/16 and iOS 18+ offer granular permission dashboards:
- Location: Set to “While in Use” or “Approximate Location” for apps that don’t need turn-by-turn precision.
- Photos: Use the photo picker so apps only access the specific images you select, rather than your entire library.
- Microphone & Camera: Check the green indicator dot when opening apps to verify no background recording occurs.
Recommended Privacy Apps
Explore our full Privacy & Security Directory for vetted open-source messengers, browsers, and VPNs.