{"id":34945,"date":"2025-07-31T03:50:10","date_gmt":"2025-07-31T03:50:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/34945\/"},"modified":"2025-07-31T03:50:10","modified_gmt":"2025-07-31T03:50:10","slug":"5-iphone-and-android-security-settings-to-turn-on-today-for-protection","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/34945\/","title":{"rendered":"5 iPhone and Android security settings to turn on today for protection"},"content":{"rendered":"

New concussion smartphone app to launch in the US<\/a> <\/p>\n

Vicki Anderson, clinical science research director at Murdoch Children’s Institute, explains how the app will help parents and coaches rapidly assess injuries and determine how to treat them on ‘Varney & Co.’<\/p>\n

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!\n <\/p>\n

You don’t need to be a tech expert to keep your phone secure. You just need to know where to tap. From sneaky, data-hungry apps to overlooked settings that leak sensitive information, your iPhone or Android device<\/a> may be exposing more than you realize.<\/p>\n

The good news? Making just a few tweaks to your settings can instantly boost your privacy<\/a>, reduce tracking and give you more control over your digital life.<\/p>\n

Here are five safety-boosting settings you can (and should) turn on today. No complicated apps or tools required. Just smart, built-in features that protect your information behind the scenes.<\/p>\n

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Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you\u2019ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide \u2014 free when you join my\u00a0CYBERGUY.COM\/NEWSLETTER\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

IS YOUR PHONE HACKED? HOW TO TELL AND WHAT TO DO<\/a><\/p>\n

\"change <\/p>\n

A woman updating her settings on her smartphone\u00a0 (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)<\/p>\n

This article is based on tests conducted using an iPhone 15 Pro Max running iOS 18.5 and a Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra with One UI 7.0 on Android 15. Results and instructions may vary depending on your device model and software version.<\/p>\n

1. Limit ad tracking<\/p>\n

Because your phone shouldn\u2019t sell your behavior<\/p>\n

Apps love your data, especially when it helps them target ads. On iPhone and Android, apps can track what you do across other apps and websites unless you say otherwise.\u00a0Here’s what to look for:<\/p>\n

You keep seeing the same weirdly specific ad after searching for something once. Or you download a game, and suddenly ads know your location, interests and habits.<\/p>\n

Here’s how to stop the tracking:<\/p>\n

On iPhone:
Settings >\u00a0Privacy & Security >\u00a0Tracking \u2192 Toggle off\u00a0“Allow Apps to Request to Track.”<\/p>\n

\"changes <\/p>\n

“Allow Apps to Request to Track” toggle on iPhone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)<\/p>\n

On Android:<\/p>\n

Settings may vary depending on your Android phone\u2019s manufacturer\u00a0<\/p>\n

WHAT IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)?<\/a><\/p>\n

Settings > Google >\u00a0All services >\u00a0Ads \u2192 Turn off “Ad personalization” or choose “Delete advertising ID” for more privacy.<\/p>\n

This won\u2019t block all ads, but it prevents apps from tracking your activity.<\/p>\n

\"change <\/p>\n

“Delete advertising ID” for more privacy on Android (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)<\/p>\n

2. Turn off lock screen previews<\/p>\n

Because anyone can see your texts, even when your phone is locked<\/p>\n

By default, many phones show message previews on the lock screen. Sounds convenient, until someone sees your two-factor authentication code, private message or bank alert over your shoulder.<\/p>\n

You\u2019ll want to change this if:<\/p>\n

You leave your phone face-up at workYou use SMS for 2FAYou’ve had someone “casually” glance at your lock screenHere’s how to hide those previews:<\/p>\n

On iPhone:
Settings >\u00a0Notifications >\u00a0Show Previews \u2192 Set to\u00a0“When Unlocked.”<\/p>\n

On Android:<\/p>\n

Settings may vary depending on your Android phone\u2019s manufacturer\u00a0<\/p>\n

GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE<\/a><\/p>\n

Settings > Notifications > Lock Screen notifications \u2192\u00a0Choose\u00a0“Hide content” or, on some Android phones, it might say\u00a0“Don\u2019t show sensitive content” (which hides sensitive content like message previews on the lock screen).<\/p>\n

You\u2019ll still get alerts, but what\u2019s inside stays private.<\/p>\n

3. Audit app permissions<\/p>\n

Because that flashlight app doesn\u2019t need your location<\/p>\n

Over time, apps can quietly collect more permissions than they need, accessing your camera, microphone, contacts or even location without you noticing. You might be giving away too much if:<\/p>\n

An app you barely use still has mic accessYou\u2019ve never checked which apps can track your locationYou\u2019ve had the same apps since 2017 and never reviewed themHere’s how to review and revoke apps:<\/p>\n

On iPhone:
Settings >\u00a0Privacy & Security \u2192 Tap\u00a0Location Services,\u00a0Camera,\u00a0Microphone, etc. to see what apps have access.<\/p>\n

On Android:<\/p>\n

Settings may vary depending on your Android phone\u2019s manufacturer\u00a0<\/p>\n

Settings > Security and privacy<\/a> >\u00a0More privacy settings >\u00a0Permission Manager \u2192 Review permissions\u00a0by category.<\/p>\n

Revoke anything that doesn\u2019t make sense. Your phone will still work just fine.<\/p>\n

\"man <\/p>\n

A man typing on a smartphone. (iStock)<\/p>\n

4. Keep Bluetooth off when not in use<\/p>\n

Because hackers love an open connection<\/p>\n

Bluetooth is great for headphones and smartwatches, but it\u2019s also a known entry point for cybercriminals using “bluesnarfing” or other attacks to siphon data. The risk goes up if:<\/p>\n

You leave Bluetooth on 24\/7You connect to public or rental car Bluetooth systemsYou don\u2019t recognize every device paired with your phoneHere’s a quick fix:<\/p>\n

Swipe down from the top right of your screen to access your\u00a0Control Center (iPhone) or\u00a0Quick Settings (Android), and toggle\u00a0Bluetooth off (A blue stylized “B” symbol shaped by two angular runes resembling “\u16d2” joined vertically)\u00a0when not in use. Less is more when it comes to open channels.<\/p>\n

5. Enable automatic software updates<\/p>\n

Because outdated phones are hacker magnets<\/p>\n

Software updates don\u2019t just bring new features; they patch critical vulnerabilities that hackers rely on to break into phones.<\/p>\n

Red flags:<\/p>\n

You keep hitting “Remind Me Later” on updatesYour phone is more than one version behindYou\u2019ve never checked if auto-updates are onHere’s how to turn it on and forget it:<\/p>\n

On iPhone:
Settings >\u00a0General >\u00a0Software Update >\u00a0Automatic Updates \u2192 Enable\u00a0both toggles.<\/p>\n

On Android:<\/p>\n

Settings may vary depending on your Android phone\u2019s manufacturer\u00a0<\/p>\n

Settings >\u00a0 Software Update >\u00a0Auto-download or Auto-install updates (may vary by device)<\/p>\n

One of the simplest, strongest defenses you can set.<\/p>\n

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP<\/a><\/p>\n

Kurt\u2019s key takeaways<\/p>\n

You don\u2019t need a tinfoil hat to take phone security seriously, just a few quick changes to how your device behaves. Small things, such as hiding message previews, checking app permissions and disabling Bluetooth can make a big difference in protecting your personal information. And, remember, phone security isn\u2019t a one-time deal. Stay curious, keep your software updated and check in on your settings periodically, just as you would with your bank or email accounts.<\/p>\n

Got questions about phone safety? Let us know by writing us at\u00a0Cyberguy.com\/Contact<\/p>\n

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Copyright 2025 CyberGuy.com.\u00a0 All rights reserved.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt\u2019s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"New concussion smartphone app to launch in the US Vicki Anderson, clinical science research director at Murdoch Children’s…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":34946,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[16],"tags":[2596,226,641,2306,2334,227,86,56,54,55],"class_list":["post-34945","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-mobile","tag-android","tag-apps","tag-iphone","tag-mobile","tag-smartphones","tag-tech","tag-technology","tag-uk","tag-united-kingdom","tag-unitedkingdom"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/34945","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=34945"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/34945\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/34946"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=34945"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=34945"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=34945"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}