How to check your privacy and security settings on your devices

Estimated reading time
 5 min

Key points

• Understanding how to manage your privacy and security settings can help you control what data apps can collect and share, which can help protect you in case of a data breach.
  
  
• Managing your security settings can be as simple as going to your app’s privacy or security settings and reviewing the permissions you’ve given for data collection.
  
  
• Enabling automatic software updates, being cautious with public Wi-Fi and reviewing security settings are essential steps to help keep your favourite apps secure.

Apps are part of everyday life, helping us communicate, stay informed, learn new skills and be entertained. But using apps often means sharing personal information, sometimes without realising how much data is being collected.

Understanding and managing privacy and security settings on apps can help you control what information you share and reduce risks online. By reviewing these settings, you can use the apps on your devices more safely and confidently.

What are privacy and security settings?

Privacy and security settings help you control how apps use your personal information and keep your accounts safe. They let you decide what apps can see, what they can access on your device, and how your information is protected.

Common privacy and security settings include:

• App permissions. These settings control what an app can access on your device, such as your camera, microphone, location, photos, or contacts. You can usually change these at any time and choose when an app is allowed to use them.
  
  
• Multi-factor authentication (MFA). Some apps ask for more than just a password when you log in, such as a code sent to your phone or a fingerprint scan. This makes it harder for someone else to access your account.
  
  
• Background app activity. Some apps can update or collect information even when you’re not using them. Turning this off can help limit how much data an app uses in the background.
  
  
• End-to-end encryption. In some apps, messages are protected so only you and the person you’re talking to can read them. This helps keep conversations private.
  
  
• Login alerts. These notifications let you know if someone tries to sign in to your account from a new device or location, so you can act quickly if something doesn’t look right.
  
  
• Account recovery options. These help you get back into your account if you forget your password or get locked out.
  
  
• Advertising controls. Ever searched for something online and then seen ads for it on social media? That’s personalised advertising. These ads are based on your online activity, interests, and profile information. Managing advertising settings can limit how apps use your personal information to show targeted ads.

Why are security and privacy settings important?

One way to protect your personal information is to control what data apps collect and share. If you don’t review your privacy settings, apps may collect more information than you realise, increasing the risk of exposure if there is a data breach.

For example, apps may request access to your location, microphone, or photos. If this data is collected continuously or in the background, it can be vulnerable if the app is compromised. Limiting permissions and allowing access only when needed can reduce this risk.

Regularly reviewing privacy settings also helps protect your confidentiality by controlling who can see your activity and how your data is used, helping prevent unauthorised access, scams, and fraud.

How to manage your privacy and security settings

Managing your privacy and security settings helps protect your personal information and reduce online risks. A few simple actions can make a big difference.

• Review app permissions and activity
  Check what access each app has, such as location, camera, microphone, photos, or files. Only allow what’s necessary, choose “only while using the app” where possible, and limit background activity so apps don’t collect data when you’re not using them.
  
  
• Control privacy, visibility, and data sharing
  Make social media profiles private unless you need them to be public. Review who can see your posts, tag you, message you, or view your activity. Check location sharing settings, review connected apps or services and turn off personalised advertising if you want to limit how your data is used.
  
  
• Strengthen account security
  Use strong, unique passwords or passphrases for each app and account. Turn on multi factor authentication (MFA) where available and enable login alerts so you’re notified of any unusual sign in attempts. Sign out of apps on old or unused devices.
  
  
• Protect your device and data
  Turn on automatic software updates so your apps and devices receive the latest security fixes. Adjust notification settings to prevent sensitive information from appearing on your lock screen, and back up your data securely in case your device is lost or stolen.
  
  
• Be cautious on public Wi Fi
  Avoid logging into accounts or making financial transactions when using public Wi Fi networks, as these connections may not be secure.