Safer Internet: Manage Mobile Privacy

Summary | Accounts | Backup | Encryption | Network | Location | Public Device |
References: General | Android | Border Crossings |
Cell Networks | iOS | macOS | Travel

Summary

  • Mobile Devices are more vulnerable to loss, theft, hacking and inspection -- whether travelling internationally or just away from home for a few minutes.
  • Many recommendations echo previous sections, but with an emphasis on mobility / travel:
  • [1] Strong Passwords on all Devices; 2FA avail at destination?
  • [1] Backups, especially Photos; portable drives?
  • [1] guide borderEncryption, especially Passwords; border concerns?
  • [1] Networks: secure Wi-Fi? use VPN?
  • [1] Location: enable Find My xxx; disable other services?
  • [1] Using Non-Personal Devices to access online accounts -- don't, or exercise extreme caution
  • References

Accounts

  • Consider not only laptops, tablets, phones, but also other smart mobile devices, e.g., camera, watch, wearables.
  • Strong passwords are especially recommended for your mobile device -- in case it gets lost or stolen -- and for any important remote accounts that you need to access while traveling.
  • [2] If using 2-factor authentication (or 2-step verification), check that phone/token can be used at destination, or bring backup codes -- or disable 2FA until back home.

ipad camera cablesBackup

  • Backup data before leaving home
  • During trip, backup new photos / info
  • from camera / phone / tablet
  • to cloud / other device
  • Depending on network speed / cost / security, you may want to disable automatic cloud backup / sync.
  • macOS: System Preferences > iCloud
  • iOS: Settings > iCloud > Photos etc.
  • Bring copies of travel info as .pdfs, e.g., scanned passports / driver's license, air/hotel confirmations, itinerary
  • Tag portable items with address labels, add phone no. and/or email contact
  • Bring any needed cables, chargers, adapters, plugs, spare batteries, battery pack
  • Avoid "juice jacking" at public USB charging ports, which can also access data ! -- bring your own wall charger

Encryption

Network

  • Access WiFi: securely -- WPA2 recommended
  • Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) if appropriate
  • Check with carrier about voice / data plans if leaving US
  • Avoid excessive charges by using "airplane mode" or disabling cell data on an app-by-app basis
  • iOS: Settings > Cellular Data > Use Cellular Data For:
  • [2] Opt out of your cell carrier's "supercookies"
  • "Unlike regular cookies, supercookies can't be blocked or deleted, because the carrier inserts these unique identifiers between the time a request for a page leaves your device and the time it's sent to the server"

Location

  • Enable/test tracking service, e.g., Find My Mac/iPad/iPhone, in case device lost/stolen
  • Be aware that your approximation physical location can be determined from your cell network, from geotagging in photos, or by apps that ask to track you -- or even from device MAC address when using Wi-Fi (though iOS 8 randomizes MAC address regularly)
  • iOS: Settings > Privacy > Location Services
  • [2] iOS: Settings > Bluetooth: off -- if you want to disable iBeacon

When Traveling Without Your Device

  • Best not to use public computers, e.g., cybercafe, hotel -- even if 'well-maintained' and privately location -- malware, keyloggers, etc.?
  • If you need to login, uncheck 'remember me' or 'stay signed in'
  • 2FA (2-factor authentication) can provide some protection your account, but changing your password later (from a secure system) is recommended
  • Use private browsing; cleanup cookies, history, downloads that you've created and left behind
  • Logout / Turn off

References

Android

Border Crossings

Cell Networks

iOS

macOS

Travel