Privacy Settings You Should Always Enable on New Devices

 

When setting up a new device, configuring the right privacy settings is crucial to protect your personal information. With increasing concerns about data privacy, it’s important to understand which settings can help safeguard your data from unauthorized access and usage. This guide will walk you through the essential privacy settings you should enable on new devices to enhance your security and privacy.

Modern devices, whether smartphones, laptops, or tablets, come equipped with various features that can track your activities and collect personal data. Manufacturers often set default configurations that prioritize convenience over privacy. By adjusting these settings, you can significantly reduce the amount of data your device shares with third parties.

Privacy settings not only protect your personal data but also enhance your overall digital security. Enabling these settings can prevent unauthorized access, reduce the risk of identity theft, and keep your online activities private. Understanding and configuring these options are vital steps in maintaining control over your digital footprint.

Location Services

Location services can be convenient for navigation and local recommendations, but they also pose privacy risks. To control which apps have access to your location:

   
• Go to your device’s settings menu.
   
• Select "Privacy" or "Location Services."
   
• Review and adjust the permissions for each app.

It’s advisable to disable location services for apps that do not need this information. For example, social media apps don’t need continuous access to your location. You can also enable location services only while using the app, which balances convenience and privacy.

App Permissions

Apps often request access to various features and data on your device. To review and manage app permissions:

   
• Open the settings menu and navigate to the "Apps" or "Application Manager" section.
   
• Select individual apps to view their permissions.
   
• Disable permissions that are not essential for the app’s functionality.

For instance, a weather app might need access to your location but not your contacts or microphone. Regularly reviewing app permissions helps ensure that your data is not unnecessarily shared.

Ad Tracking

Ad tracking allows companies to collect data about your online activities to serve targeted ads. To limit ad tracking:

   
• Navigate to the "Privacy" settings on your device.
   
• Look for an option like "Advertising" or "Ad Preferences."
   
• Enable the option to limit ad tracking.

This setting helps reduce the amount of data advertisers can collect about your browsing habits, providing a layer of privacy while you use your device.

Browser Privacy Settings

Web browsers collect a significant amount of data through cookies and other tracking technologies. To enhance browser privacy:

   
• Open your browser’s settings or preferences menu.
   
• Navigate to the privacy or security section.
   
• Enable options like "Do Not Track," "Block Third-Party Cookies," and "Clear Browsing Data."

Using privacy-focused browsers like Mozilla Firefox or Brave can also help protect your online activities from tracking and data collection.

Biometric Security

Biometric security features, such as fingerprint recognition and facial recognition, provide an additional layer of protection. To enable biometric security:

   
• Go to your device’s security settings.
   
• Select the biometric option you prefer, such as fingerprint or face recognition.
   
• Follow the on-screen instructions to set up the biometric data.

These features make it more difficult for unauthorized users to access your device, enhancing both security and privacy.

Data Backup and Encryption

Regularly backing up your data and enabling encryption ensures that your information is protected against loss and unauthorized access. To set up data backup and encryption:

   
• Navigate to your device’s settings menu.
   
• Select "Backup" to configure automatic backups to a secure location.
   
• Enable encryption through the "Security" or "Encryption" settings.

Encryption converts your data into a secure format that can only be accessed with the correct decryption key, providing an additional layer of security.

Recommended Sites for Further Information on Privacy Settings

   
• Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) - Provides detailed guides and resources on enhancing privacy settings across various devices. eff.org
   
• Mozilla Foundation - Offers comprehensive privacy tips and tools for internet users, including browser settings. mozilla.org
   
• Privacy International - Aims to raise awareness about privacy issues and offers guides on protecting personal data. privacyinternational.org
   
• National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) - Provides advice on securing devices and protecting personal information online. ncsc.gov.uk
   
• Center for Internet Security (CIS) - Offers best practices and guidelines for improving cybersecurity and privacy. cisecurity.org

Final Thoughts

Configuring privacy settings on new devices is an essential step in protecting your personal data from unauthorized access and usage. By managing location services, app permissions, and ad tracking, you can significantly enhance your privacy. Additionally, securing your browser settings, enabling biometric security, and ensuring data backup and encryption provide further layers of protection.

Staying informed about the latest privacy practices and regularly reviewing your device settings can help maintain a secure and private digital environment. Leveraging resources from reputable organizations can also provide valuable guidance and support in your efforts to protect your personal information.