Who knows where you are and what you are doing?

A survey found that 87% of Android apps and 60% of iOS apps ask for permissions that aren't necessary for them to work. The most requested permissionby apps is notifications. The latter may seem harmless but nevertheless feel a risk, in particular that of unsolicited advertising oreven fraudulent links... Then comes access to  storage, camera and microphone,  your location, and  your contacts. It is therefore important to know when to allow or not to allow access to which information.

You have three options for assigning the different permissions: always allow, only allow while using the app, and finally never allow. You can adjust this setting in the app itself as well as in the general settings of your smartphone.

In most cases, it is therefore preferable to opt for the "never allow" option. However, there are applications, such as 112, for which it is vital that your location can befoundimmediately. Navigation apps such as Maps or Waze allow you to make your location visible only when you use them.

Virtual Private Network (VPN) Protection

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) guarantees an encrypted and very secure internet connection. In fact, you can compare it to a kind of closed tunnel that your data goes through. This kind of network works both on computers and smartphones. 

One of the major benefits of a VPN is that it prevents cybercriminals from intercepting certain data. It's also a good time if you're using public Wi-Fi networks. These are often insecure: a VPN helps protect against potential risks.

You're also more secure against hackers because your data can't be intercepted by third parties. However, this is not a miracle solution. You can still fall victim to cyberattacks, phishing, or identity theft. A good firewall and antivirus are therefore always recommended, especially in a professional environment. Unfortunately, cybercriminals don't consider what's allowed and what's not allowed with a VPN. Vigilance is therefore still required.

Overview of what is legal and what is not with a VPN

Legal:

• Privacy and security: encrypting your internet traffic and hiding your IP address from third parties and internet service providers;
• Bypass geo-blocks: Access content from other countries that you wouldn't otherwise have access to, such as Netflix or sports streaming sites.
• Secure downloading: Browse safely and download files via torrents, but not illegal copyrighted content.
• Censorship circumvention: the use of the open Internet in countries where it is restricted. 

Illegal:

• illegal downloading/streaming: downloading copyrighted movies, series, games or music, for example on sites such as Popcorn Time or ThePirateBay; 
• Cybercrime: hacking, fraud, phishing and attacking websites;
• Use in prohibited countries: Using a VPN in countries where it is prohibited by law, such as North Korea, China, or Russia.
• Cyberbullying: the anonymization of illegal speech online.