Prior to attending any gathering, it's crucial to take steps to safeguard your privacy and the security of your devices. While leaving your phone at home is the most secure choice, there are several adjustments you can make to reduce the likelihood of your data being compromised.
Both iOS and Android devices come equipped with built-in encryption, provided you use a passcode. This means that your data remains inaccessible when the device is locked. To enhance this protection, consider the following privacy settings.
Disable Biometric Access
At the very least, you should turn off biometric features like face and fingerprint scanning in favor of a traditional passcode. This reduces the chances of being compelled to unlock your device under duress, as highlighted by the Electronic Frontier Foundation.
For iOS users, navigate to Settings > Face ID & Passcode and disable iPhone Unlock. You can also opt for a more complex passcode through Change Passcode. Android users can remove their fingerprint option by going to Settings > Security & Privacy > Device Unlock > Fingerprint.
Limit Location Tracking
The best way to avoid location tracking is to leave your phone behind. If you need to take it, keep it powered off unless absolutely necessary.
Activating Airplane Mode beforehand, along with disabling Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and location services, prevents your device from sharing your whereabouts. However, be aware that some applications may still log GPS information and send it when a connection is available, so keeping your device off is the safest approach.
On Android, you can disable location services by heading to Settings > Location, while iOS users can do so under Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services.
Turn Off Notifications and Previews
To protect your information, temporarily disable notifications and screen previews. This ensures that if someone gains access to your device, they cannot view sensitive information from the lock screen. Adjust these settings in Settings > Notifications for iOS and Settings > Apps & notifications > Notifications for Android.
Shorten Screen Lock Duration
Reduce your screen lock duration to the minimum setting, ensuring that your device locks quickly when not in use. For iOS, navigate to Settings > Display & Brightness > Auto-Lock and select 30 seconds. On Android, this can usually be found under Settings > Display or Lock Screen.
Enable App Pinning or Guided Access
Utilize app pinning on Android or Guided Access on iOS to restrict access to a single app. This feature allows you to use essential applications while keeping the rest of your device secure with a passcode. You can find these settings under Security or Settings > Accessibility > Guided Access.
Implement a SIM PIN
Lock your SIM card to prevent unauthorized use and protect sensitive information such as two-factor authentication codes. This PIN is required whenever the phone restarts or if the SIM is used in another device. For iOS, go to Settings > Cellular and select your SIM to enable SIM PIN. On Android, this is located under Settings > Security > More security settings.
Manage Apps and Accounts
Consider signing out of social media accounts and removing apps that contain sensitive information. On iOS, you can lock or hide specific apps. For Android, set up a "private space" to secure apps behind a pattern, PIN, or password.
Activate Lockdown Mode if Necessary
Both iOS and Android offer heightened security modes that restrict access to certain features and settings, designed for users with sensitive data. While these modes may be excessive for everyday use, they provide an extra layer of security in high-risk scenarios.
Post-Protest Privacy Measures
After attending an event, follow best practices to protect your privacy. If sharing photos or videos, use blurring tools to obscure faces and remove metadata. You can achieve this by taking screenshots or using messaging apps that strip metadata automatically.
