In today’s digital age, our lives are intricately intertwined with technology. From banking to socialising, we rely heavily on smartphones to navigate our daily tasks. However, with this convenience comes a significant risk. Our data is floating in the digital atmosphere. It’s susceptible to exploitation by malicious actors.
In a recent episode of HuffPost’s “Am I Doing It Wrong?” podcast, hosts Raj Punjabi and Noah Michelson delved into the crucial topic of digital privacy and safety with Alysa Hutnik. She’s a privacy lawyer from Kelley, Drye & Warren LLP. What they uncovered was both enlightening and alarming. They discussed about a simple adjustment on our phone setting could enhance our digital security and physical safety.
The Perils of Location Tracking
Hutnik shed light on a commonly overlooked aspect of smartphone usage: location tracking. Many individuals unwittingly leave this phone setting enabled or grant unrestricted access to their location data. Furthermore oblivious to the potential dangers it poses. Our daily routines create predictable patterns, making our whereabouts easily traceable to anyone with access to this information.
As Hutnik aptly puts it, “Your location is really personal.” While some apps legitimately require location data for functional purposes, indiscriminate sharing of this information can compromise our safety.
Empowering Ourselves Through Intentional Sharing
The solution lies in exercising discretion regarding when and with whom we share our location. While it may be prudent to divulge this information to find nearby amenities in unfamiliar locales, indiscriminate sharing should be avoided. By being mindful of the necessity of location sharing and limiting it to essential circumstances, we reclaim control over our digital footprint and mitigate potential risks to our physical safety.
Image from iStock
The Pitfalls of Real-Time Sharing
Moreover, Hutnik cautioned against the hazards of real-time sharing, particularly in the context of social media. Posting photos with location tags or announcing our whereabouts in real-time can inadvertently broadcast our absence from home, making us vulnerable to burglary or other crimes.
Similarly, oversharing about travel plans can compromise our safety, especially when embarking on solo journeys. By refraining from broadcasting our every move online, we minimise the likelihood of becoming targets for nefarious activities.
Takeaway: A Call to Action for Digital Vigilance
Protecting our digital selves necessitates a proactive approach to digital privacy and safety. From discerning app permissions to refraining from real-time sharing, every action we take online contributes to our overall security. As Hutnik aptly articulated, “By being more intentional about what you share, when you share it, and with whom, you can keep your info—and your person—safer online and offline.” Armed with this knowledge, we must implement these simple yet effective strategies to safeguard our privacy and well-being in an increasingly interconnected world.
Image Source: iStock
The revelation that a single phone setting could bolster our safety underscores the importance of digital literacy and vigilance in today’s digital landscape. As we navigate the complexities of the digital realm, let us heed the advice of experts like Alysa Hutnik and take proactive steps to fortify our defences against potential threats. After all, in the battle for digital security, knowledge and awareness are our most potent weapons.