Is Your Smart Phone Spying on You?

With the advent of "Smart Phones", millions of users have embraced these popular devices to help bridge the gap between phones and computers.  Unlike the original cellular telephones, these devices allow a high degree of end-user customization through not only numerous configuration options but the ability to download unique software ("apps") to perform a wide variety of tasks related to both business and entertainment.

But as with any new technology, ambiguity often surrounds users' full understanding of what personal information is being shared and stored "in the cloud" which may result in companies getting information or tracking users in ways that they did not tacitly approve.

Of course, reading the terms of service and trying to get a full grasp of all of the legalese is a challenge even for those who have their law degree and have passed "The Bar".  So what should the average user do when jumping in and adopting what appears to be a harmless, wonderfully functional new technology?  Proceed with caution of course!  Treat any device that wirelessly transmits information as a potential security risk, and act accordingly.  This goes not just for smart phones, but wirelessly connected laptops and other devices which transmit your confidential information over the airwaves.

While the risk is certainly low and we love the technology, it's important to approach the usage of a wireless device as if information is at least "semi-public".  While encryption schema does make many applications and websites more secure, software developers know that any technology has the potential to be compromised, and it's always best to err on the side of safety.

To read more about how some Smart Phone Applications are "spying" on their users, please click here.