Ever stop
to ask yourself
why that Sudoku app
you just downloaded
needs access to your camera
or your photos?
Today, we're going to talk about
privacy and your smartphone.
If a flashlight app is asking
for access to your location,
ask yourself why.
When an app
asks for permissions,
it should clearly state
what it needs access to
and what it hopes to use
that information for.
And if you do grant an app
access to your microphone
and your camera or
some other privacy setting,
you can always turn
that information off
later on in
your phone settings.
Unless you really know
what you're doing,
you should never
install apps
that don't come from Google's
app store or Apple's app store.
Often, installing apps
from unreliable sources
requires you to
disable security settings
that are there to keep
you and your data safe.
If you're not at home
and you're not using
your wifi or
your Bluetooth,
it's probably a good idea
to turn those settings off.
One reason is that everyone
from coffee shops
to clothing stores can use wifi
and Bluetooth signals
to track you
and your phone...
If you're out and about,
try and avoid
open wireless networks.
They may be free
for anyone to use,
but they can also
be abused.
If I was
a malicious attacker,
I could set up my own wireless
network called "Starbucks"
and if you were
at the coffee shop,
you wouldn't be able
to tell the difference
between either of them.
So if you connected
to my network,
I would be able to eavesdrop
on the things you do online.
If you do need to connect
to a public wifi network,
consider using a VPN.
It'll protect your connection
from nearby sneaks
from watching what you browse
or other activities online.
You wouldn't open a strange link
on your computer,
so don't do it
on your phone.
Attackers have been known
to use text messages
and instant messages
to try to pull off
so-called phishing attacks,
and in some cases,
they can even make the messages
sound like they come
from family or friends.
So be smart about the links
and attachments you open,
even if you know
who they're from.
Right now.
Pause the video.
Go away. Do it now.
Come back
when you're done.
Thank you.
Software updates plug holes,
squash bugs,
and keep your phone secure.
Once a bug becomes public,
attackers can use it
to do everything
from steal passwords
to hold your phone
hostage for ransom.
Have any questions about
your phone or your privacy?
Leave us a comment.
