Guide to Mobile Device Privacy and Security#

In today’s world, smartphones are essential but can also be major privacy risks. With your location, contacts, and activities all stored on one device, securing your smartphone is crucial. This guide covers how to boost privacy on iPhones and explains how to install an alternate Android operating system for more control over data privacy.

Securing Your iPhone#

iPhones come with built-in privacy features, but making a few adjustments can further protect your data. While I will say Apple’s commitment to privacy is slightly better than Google’s, I do still think there is risk being an iPhone user. There is also a new(er) feature on iPhones that is called “Lockdown” Mode which is an effective tool. Here is how Apple describes it.

“…an optional, extreme protection that’s designed for the very few individuals who, because of who they are or what they do, might be personally targeted by some of the most sophisticated digital threats. Most people are never targeted by attacks of this nature.”

Another way to read this would be to say that Apple knows there are certain attack vectors that make iPhones unsafe, and in order to keep the iPhone working as users expect, they need to keep it that way. Most of you probably aren’t diplomats, celebrities, or other high risk smartphone users that would need this option, but if you are serious about keeping personal data safe on your phone you should consider enabling this option. It protects against some gnarly malicious software, but things like hyperlinks and website images may not load properly after activating it. For some people that just won’t fly.

Regardless of whether you decide to activate “Lockdown” mode or not, still follow these basic iPhone practices:

  1. Enable Two-Factor Authentication: This adds an extra layer of security for your Apple ID, which is essential for protecting sensitive data stored in iCloud.

    • Go to Settings > Your Name > Password & Security and enable Two-Factor Authentication.

  2. Review Privacy Settings:

    • Navigate to Settings > Privacy & Security to see which apps have access to your location, contacts, camera, and microphone. Disable permissions for apps that don’t need access.

  3. Limit Location Tracking:

    • Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services and turn off tracking for non-essential apps. For increased control, set tracking to “While Using the App” where possible.

  4. Disable Background App Refresh:

    • Background App Refresh lets apps update in the background, potentially exposing your data. Go to Settings > General > Background App Refresh and disable this for apps that don’t need to run in the background.

  5. Use Safari’s Privacy Features:

    • Safari has settings to limit tracking, including Prevent Cross-Site Tracking and Hide IP Address from Trackers. Go to Settings > Safari and enable these options to reduce data collection from sites you visit.

  6. Use Private Relay (iCloud+ Users):

    • If you have iCloud+, consider enabling Private Relay to hide your IP address and location while browsing. Go to Settings > Your Name > iCloud > Private Relay.

  7. Limit Ad Tracking:

    • Apple’s Limit Ad Tracking helps control how much data advertisers collect about you. Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Tracking and disable Allow Apps to Request to Track.

Installing an Alternate Android OS#

For Android users looking to take privacy further, installing an alternative OS can reduce data collection and give you more control. WARNING: Following these steps will replace the stock operating system on your android device. Please ensure data is backed up properly before proceeding. If this sounds like too big of a leap, consider installing one of the alternative operating systems below on an old phone you don’t use anymore (most of us have these laying around somewhere). GrapheneOS, for example, supports many older versions of the Pixel.

Step 1: Choose an Alternate Android OS#

Some privacy-focused Android operating systems include:

  • GrapheneOS: A privacy-centered OS compatible with Google Pixel devices.
  • LineageOS: A popular, open-source Android distribution with a broad device range.
  • CalyxOS: Privacy-friendly OS that includes microG, which allows for some Google services without full tracking.

Step 2: Unlock the Bootloader#

  1. Backup Your Data: Unlocking the bootloader will wipe your device.
  2. Enable Developer Options: Go to Settings > About Phone and tap Build Number multiple times to unlock Developer Options.
  3. Unlock Bootloader: In Developer Options, enable OEM Unlocking. Connect your phone to a computer, use adb and fastboot tools, and run the command: 
    fastboot oem unlock

Step 3: Install the New OS#

  1. Download the OS Files: Get the official OS files from the website of your chosen operating system.
  2. Flash the OS:
    • Reboot your phone into recovery mode.
    • Use adb sideload or fastboot flash to load the OS onto your device.
    • Follow specific instructions for your device and OS choice, as steps vary.

General Tips for Android and iOS#

  1. Use Encrypted Messaging: Apps like Signal or Threema offer end-to-end encryption, securing messages, and calls.
  2. Install a VPN: A VPN protects your browsing by encrypting internet traffic.
  3. Regular Updates: Keep your OS and apps updated to protect against the latest threats.

Conclusion#

Securing your mobile device is essential for protecting your privacy. Whether by adjusting iPhone settings or installing a custom Android OS, these steps empower you to control your data.