Your Mobile Privacy in Check: Complete 2025 Guide to Protecting Your Smartphone (Android & iOS) Against Peeping Toms and Hackers

Your smartphone knows more about you than anyone else. Are you sure that information is protected? Discover step-by-step how to strengthen the security and privacy of your Android or iOS phone and browse with confidence in 2025.

Our smartphones have become extensions of ourselves, storing a vast amount of personal data. From our real-time location to our contacts, purchasing habits, photos, and even private conversations. But are we really aware of how much information our apps share and for what purposes? Mobile apps, in order to function and offer personalized services,

They collect a wide range of data. Some of the most common types include:

• Personal identification: Name, email address, phone number, profile picture.
• Location: Often with great precision, thanks to GPS.
• Contacts: Access to your complete address book.
• App activity: Purchases made, interactions, usage time.
• Media Files: Access photos, videos, and other files stored on your device.
• Camera and Microphone: Ability to take photos, record video and audio.
• Device information: Model, operating system, unique identifiers.
• Body sensors and physical activity: Data on health and movement.

This data is used by the developer companies for various purposes, such as improving the functionality of the application, personalizing the user experience, performing analysis and usage metrics, and, very significantly, for targeted advertising, both within the app itself and through

from third-party advertising networks.

It's essential to understand that the "free" nature of many popular apps is, in fact, an illusion. The real business model is based on monetizing user data. We pay with our

personal information, an extremely valuable asset in the digital economy.

This often excessive data collection not only serves to tailor advertising, but also allows for the creation of incredibly detailed user profiles. These profiles can then be sold or shared with a myriad of third parties – data analytics firms, data brokers, advertising networks – multiplying the points of vulnerability and significantly increasing the risk.

for our privacy.

"In the digital age, your personal data is one of your most valuable assets. Protecting it isn't paranoia, it's prudence."

The centralization of our digital lives on the smartphone makes it a coveted target for cybercriminals and a vector of multiple threats.

for our privacy.

• Identity Theft: This crime occurs when someone uses your personal or financial information without authorization to commit fraud, such as making purchases, opening bank accounts, or applying for credit in your name. Warning signs include receiving bills for unpurchased products, debt collection calls from unknown debts, or unusual activity on your credit reports. The methods vary, from phishing (deceptive emails or messages) and malware in apps to physical theft of the device or data interception.

  on unsecured public Wi-Fi networks.

• Invasive Tracking: Many apps and websites track your online (sites visited, searches, interactions) and offline (location, physical purchases if the data is cross-referenced) activity to create detailed profiles for advertising or other purposes. This constant tracking can feel like an invasion of privacy, and the information collected could be used in ways that are

  unforeseen.

• Malware and Malicious Apps: Malicious software designed for mobile devices can steal passwords, banking information, spy on your communications, record your keystrokes (keyloggers), or even activate your camera and microphone without your knowledge. These apps are often disguised as utilities.

  legitimate or games.

• Operating System and App Vulnerabilities: Both your mobile phone's operating system (Android, iOS) and the installed apps may have security flaws. If security updates and patches are not applied, these

  vulnerabilities are exposed and can be exploited by attackers.

The convenience offered by modern mobile features—geolocation for maps, instant mobile payments, constant access to information and communication—has a significant tradeoff: increased exposure to risk if we don't actively manage security and privacy settings. Every permission granted, every connection to an unknown network, every unverified app installed can be a gateway for these attacks.

threats.

Have you been a victim of identity theft or invasive tracking? Share your story (anonymously if you prefer) to alert others.

The Android operating system offers increasingly robust tools for managing app permissions. Taking the time to configure them properly is one of the most effective defenses for your privacy. The golden rule should be the principle of least privilege: grant apps only the permissions strictly necessary for their essential functioning.

for the shortest possible time.

Access and Permission Management:

• General Path: Go to Settings > Apps. Select the app you want to modify and then tap Permissions. Here you'll see the app's permissions.

  granted or denied.

• Centralized Permission Manager: A more direct route is Settings > Security & Privacy > Privacy > Permission Manager. This allows you to see which apps have access to a specific permission type (e.g., all apps with camera access). Permission Types and Settings: Android manages a long list of permissions, including access to body sensors, calendar, call logs, camera, contacts, files, location, microphone, music and audio, nearby devices, notifications, phone, photos and videos, fitness, and SMS. For sensitive permissions like Location, Camera, and Microphone, generally

  you will find these options:

• Allow all the time: (Primarily for location) The app can use this permission even when you're not using it. Use with extreme caution.
• Allow only if the app is in use: The app can only use the permission while you have it open and active. This is generally the most balanced option.

  for most apps that really need the permission.

• Always ask: Every time you open the app, it will ask for permission. This is useful for occasional access.
• Do not allow: The app cannot use the permission at all.

Important Additional Settings:

• Precise Location: Within an app's location permissions, you can disable the "Use precise location" option. This allows the app to learn about your general area without knowing your exact address, useful for weather or news apps.

  places that don't need your pinpoint location.

• Remove Permissions from Unused Apps: Enable the option "Pause app activity if not used" (or similar, the name may vary slightly depending on the manufacturer). This automatically revokes permissions from apps you haven't used.

  open for a long time, reducing passive risks.

• Global Camera/Microphone Access: In Settings > Security & Privacy > Privacy > Privacy Controls (or similar path), you can find toggles to completely disable access to the camera and/or microphone.

  microphone for all apps. You can reactivate them whenever you need.

• Privacy Dashboard (Android 12 and above): This tool shows you a history of which apps have accessed sensitive permissions (such as location, camera, microphone) and when they did so, offering a great

  transparency. Review it periodically.

iOS is known for its robust privacy features. Taking full advantage of them requires conscious user configuration. As with Android, the principle of least privilege is your best guide.

Permissions and Privacy Management:

• Access Permissions Settings: Go to Settings > Privacy & Security. Here you'll find a list of information categories (such as

  Calendar, Reminders, Microphone, Photos, Fitness & Activity, etc.). When you tap a category, you'll see which apps have requested access and can turn it on or off for each one.

Location:

• You can disable location services globally or, preferably, configure them per app in Settings > Privacy & Security > Location.
• For each app, you can choose between "Never", "Ask me next time or when I share", "When using the app", or "Always". Choose "When using

  the app» whenever possible.

• Disable the "Exact Location" option for apps that don't absolutely need it. This will give them an approximate location.

  enough for many functions without revealing your precise position.

• Manage App Clips access to your location from this menu.
• Cross-App Tracking (ATT): One of the most powerful features in iOS. Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Tracking. Here you can globally disable "Allow apps to request to track you." If enabled, each app will need to ask your explicit permission to track your activity across other companies' apps and websites. It's recommended to disable it.

  or be very selective with permissions.

• Apple Advertising: Manage how Apple uses your information for personalized advertising in Settings > Privacy & Security > Advertising

  Apple. You can turn off Personalized Ads.

• Face ID and Code:
• Set up a strong passcode (alphanumeric is more secure than numeric only) and Face ID (or Touch ID).
• Turn on "Require Attention for Face ID" and "Attention-Aware Features." This ensures that your iPhone only unlocks if you're looking at it.

  actively locks the device, preventing accidental or unauthorized unlocking.

• iOS allows you to lock apps individually with Face ID or Touch ID, adding an extra layer of security for sensitive apps like banking or messaging. Press and hold the app icon and look for the "Require Lock" option.

  Face ID».

• Lock Screen Notifications: To prevent sensitive information from being visible to anyone looking at your lock screen, go to Settings > Notifications > Previews and select "When unlocked" or "Previews".

  "Never".

• Lockdown Mode: For users with extremely high security needs (journalists, activists, etc.), iOS offers a “Lockdown Mode.” This mode severely restricts many iPhone functions (messaging, web browsing, connections) to minimize the surface area of ​​the device.

  attack. It is a drastic measure, but available if needed.

Beyond Permissions: Passwords, Authentication, and Safe BrowsingSetting up permissions is a big step, but comprehensive mobile security encompasses

more aspects:

Strong and Unique Passwords:

• Use passwords of at least 12-15 characters that combine upper and lower case letters, numbers and symbols.
• Never repeat passwords across different services. If one is leaked, all your accounts would be at risk.
• Consider using a trusted password manager. These tools generate and securely store complex passwords, requiring only

  remember a master password.

• Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) or Two-Step Verification:
• Activate it on all accounts that allow it (email, social media, online banking, etc.).
• 2FA adds an extra layer of security: in addition to your password, you need a second factor to log in. This is like having two

  locks on your door.

• Common methods:
• SMS or email code: This is the most common but the least secure, as SMS can be intercepted (SIM swapping) and emails hacked.
• Authentication App (e.g., Google Authenticator, Authy): These generate temporary codes on your device. This is a much more secure option.
• Physical Security Key (e.g., YubiKey): A USB or NFC device that you plug in. This is the most secure method against phishing.

Private Browsing (Incognito Mode):

• Mobile browsers offer a private browsing mode (Incognito in Chrome, Private Browsing in Safari) that doesn't save your browsing history.

  browsing, cookies, or site data locally on your device.

• Important: This mode does NOT make you anonymous online. Your internet provider, your employer (if you use their network), and the websites you visit can still track your activity. Its primary function is local privacy on the device.

  shared.

Privacy-Focused Browsers:

• Consider using browsers like Brave (blocks ads and trackers by default), Firefox Focus (privacy by default), or DuckDuckGo Privacy Browser

  (private search engine and tracking blocking).

• In any browser, check your privacy settings to block third-party cookies and trackers. Turn off search suggestions if

  These send your queries to external servers in real time.

Using VPN on Public Wi-Fi Networks:

• Public Wi-Fi networks (in cafes, airports, hotels) are inherently insecure. Hackers can easily intercept data.

  transmitted through them.

• A Virtual Private Network (VPN) encrypts your entire internet connection, creating a secure tunnel between your device and the VPN server. This hides your real IP address and protects your data from prying eyes, even on public Wi-Fi.

Which browser do you use to protect your mobile privacy? Share it in the comments!

Your smartphone security is not a one-time setup, but a process

continuous monitoring and good practices.

• Constant OS and App Updates: OS manufacturers (Google for Android, Apple for iOS) and app developers regularly release updates that not only bring new features but also fix security vulnerabilities.

  discovered.

• Action: Enable automatic updates whenever possible, or manually check for and install updates as soon as they become available. An outdated device is an open door for malicious software.

  attackers.

• Download Apps Only from Official Stores: Limit your downloads to the Google Play Store for Android and the App Store for iOS. These stores have licensing processes.

  review (although not infallible) to detect and eliminate malicious apps.

• Extra Caution: Even within official stores, be skeptical. Before installing an unknown app, check its rating, read other users' comments (especially negative ones), verify the number of downloads, and, most importantly, analyze the permissions it requests. If a flashlight app asks for

  access to your contacts and microphone, it is a red flag.

• Detect Mobile Phishing (Smishing and Vishing): Phishing isn't limited to email. Attacks via SMS (smishing) or voice calls (vishing)

  are becoming more and more common.

• Warning Signs: Be wary of unexpected messages or calls that create a sense of urgency, threaten you, promise you incredible prizes, contain obvious spelling or grammatical errors, or ask for personal or confidential information.

  financial.

• Suspicious Links: Never click on links in messages from unknown or unsolicited senders. If a message appears to be from your bank or a known service, do not use the link provided. Instead, open your browser and type in the official website address manually, or use the

  official application.

• Verify the Sender: Scammers may fake phone numbers or email addresses.

Device Encryption and Backups:

• Make sure your device storage is encrypted. Most modern smartphones do this by default, but you can check it in your security settings. Encryption protects your data if you lose your device.

  mobile or it gets stolen.

• Regularly back up your important data (contacts, photos, documents) to the cloud or a computer. This will allow you to recover your information in the event of loss, theft, or device failure. Social engineering, like phishing, remains one of the most effective attack methods because it exploits human psychology (fear, curiosity, urgency) more than technical flaws. Therefore, ongoing education and maintaining a healthy dose of skepticism are your best defenses.

  Additional Reference Guides (INCIBE, EFF, Xataka)

• To go even deeper into protecting your mobile privacy and security, there are organizations and publications that offer comprehensive resources and

  updated. Consulting them will empower you to make informed decisions:

• INCIBE (Spanish National Cybersecurity Institute): Offers a wealth of guides and advice for citizens and businesses. Its recommendations include using strong passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, limiting personal information shared online, reviewing and adjusting the privacy settings of services and apps, keeping software up-to-date, and practicing egosurfing (searching your own name on the internet to see what information about you is public). They also have specific guides, such as the one on Android security, which covers

  from screen lock to encryption and permission management.

• EFF (Electronic Frontier Foundation): This international nonprofit organization defends civil liberties in the digital world. Its resources emphasize the critical importance of encrypting data on devices, using strong passwords, and backing up data, especially for travelers or people in at-risk situations. They also address issues such as:

  online anonymity and its relationship to freedom of expression.

• Xataka (Privacy Guides): This popular Spanish-language technology site publishes detailed, up-to-date guides on how to maximize your privacy settings on various mobile operating systems. Its articles typically include specific steps for recent versions of Android and iOS, covering everything from granular permission management to advanced screen locking, notification settings to protect sensitive information, and platform-specific features. Using these sources will keep you up to date with the latest threats and best practices for defending against them, strengthening your role as an informed and proactive user in protecting your digital life.

Do you know of any other useful guides or resources on mobile privacy? Share them in the comments to help the community!