4 Ways Using a Smartphone Has Actually Improved My Privacy
1 min read
Summary
A smartphone can enhance people’s privacy compared with not having one, if they use it wisely and avoid unsafe practices, such as sharing actual email addresses and sending unencrypted SMS text messages, argues an article in MakeUseOf.
Using digital wallets, such as those from Apple, Google, and Samsung, limits the number of companies that have visibility of purchases made with a user’s actual credit or debit cards.
These wallets create a new virtual number for each transaction, so in the event of a retailer’s database being hacked, the user’s card details are safe.
Additionally, apps such as SimpleLogin and Proton Pass enable users to generate email aliases, meaning they can avoid giving out their primary email address.
Similarly, Privacy creates temporary debit or credit card details for one-off purchases or regular payments, which also helps prevent data breaches affecting users’ actual cards.
Finally, using encrypted messaging apps helps prevent SMS messages being intercepted by unauthorised parties.
