Safer Internet Day (10th February) is the perfect time to check how secure your phone really is!
And with this years theme being AI, now’s more important that ever to see how your AI usage could be affecting your security.
AI is everywhere today. It’s fast, fun and helpful, but it also raises questions around privacy and data.
So, for Safer Internet Day, we at The Big Phone Store have pulled together 6 quick fire tips to make a difference to your phone security.
And, if you’re looking for a phone with the latest security updates, feel free to browse our refurbished phones at The Big Phone Store.
AI tools don’t need your life story. Avoid sharing:
- Addresses
- Phone Numbers
- Emails
- Passwords or PINs
- Banking or ID details
Even causal conversations can be stored or use to improve AI systems. AI is a public space, not a private diary.
Rule of thumb: if you wouldn’t post it publicly, don’t tell AI.
Worried you’ve overshared? Don’t want AI to remember?
It’s okay. You can delete what you’ve told AI.
Go to settings, and clear chat history. Check ‘memories’, and delete anything you don’t want stored here too. Turn off memories and personalisation if you don’t want it to remember anything.
Tip: Use temporary chat for chats you specifically don’t want recorded.
2. Don’t use public Wi-Fi
Yes, use it for your casual scroll. But AVOID for your sensitive tasks. Especially with AI added to the mix.
Using AI tools and performing sensitive tasks on public Wi-Fi could lead to:
- Sharing data over unsecured networks
- Exposing login details
- Allowing third-party tracking
So avoid cafe, airport, hotel and shopping centre Wi-Fi’s. And if you must use it, just stick to browsing, no sensitive data tasks.
3. Be wary of AI scams.
Scams are getting smarter, especially with AI now being involved.
AI is now able to mimic voices, write convincing messages and create realistic images.
So, be cautious if you receive urgent payment requests; if a message feels “off” to you; if you’re receiving a link from an unknown sender or even if you get a voice note asking for money!
Safest bet is to stop, check and verify.
If you feel rushed, it’s something to be concerned about.
4. Lock down app permissions
Apps have a habit of asking for more features than they need.
Check your App Permissions and remove:
- Always-on microphone access
- Constant camera access
- Full contact list access
Most apps don’t need all this and will work perfectly fine without.
Tip: Opt for “Allow while using” or “Don’t allow” in most cases.
5. Keep your phone updated
Boring, we know. But it really does matter.
Updates help to:
- Patch any security holes
- Protect against AI-driven threats
- Improve privacy controls
Tip: Turn on automatic updates to keep your phone and data protected.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
No, not by default. Problems usually come from the user oversharing or engaging in poor security habits.
Only if you give it microphone access. Check the permissions you’ve given.
Exactly the same, safe and protected. Refurbished phones receive the same updates and security features as brand new.
Not to fear. If you were just browsing, the risk is very low. Just ‘forget the network’ in your phone and avoid logging into banking or email apps until you’re on a secure connection.
Every device undergoes a forensic-level data wipe, factory reset and is fully tested. That means, it gets the same security protection as a brand new phone.
Check our more at The Big Phone Store.
No. AI can only access what you allow. Check your app permissions and remove microphone, contact or camera access if it’s not needed.
Yes. Use them sensibly, don’t share personal information and clear chat history where possible. And make sure to keep your phone’s software up-to-date!
Safer Internet Day isn’t about fear, it’s about awareness.
It’s okay to be confused with AI. You just need to build smarter habits to keep protected.
Check permissions. Don’t overshare. But overall, have fun! AI isn’t made to be feared, it’s here to help assist.
At The Big Phone Store, we believe staying secure shouldn’t be complicated. Especially on something as trusted as your phone.
Ready to take on the next steps?
- Browse our secure refurbished smartphones.
- Check out our phone set up guide.
- Or get in touch with The Big Phone Store team if you would like some extra assistance staying protected this Safer Internet Day.
