In a world where data breaches, phishing scams, and account takeovers make headlines almost daily, securing your personal information has never been more important. Yet many people overlook some of the simplest — and most powerful — tools already built into their devices and apps. Cybersecurity specialists say a few little-known settings can dramatically strengthen your digital defenses in seconds.
Here are three hidden features you should enable today.
1. Turn On Automatic Security Alerts
Most major platforms — from Google and Apple to Instagram and banking apps — offer real-time alerts for suspicious activity. But on many accounts, these notifications are off by default, or users never enable the more advanced versions.
These alerts instantly notify you when:
• Someone tries logging in from a new device
• Your password has been compromised in a data leak
• An unfamiliar location accesses your account
Security analysts stress that enabling alerts is one of the fastest ways to stop unauthorized access before it becomes a full account takeover.
To activate them, look under “Security,” “Privacy,” or “Login Activity” settings on your major accounts. Turning on email and SMS alerts gives an extra layer of visibility for unusual activity.
2. Restrict App Permissions You Don’t Use
Many apps quietly request access to your camera, microphone, contacts, or location — even when they don’t need them to function. And while granting those permissions may seem harmless, cybersecurity researchers warn that unused permissions are one of the easiest ways for apps to collect extra data or expose you to risk if the app is compromised.
Go through your app permissions and revoke anything unnecessary, especially:
• Location access (switch most apps to “While Using”)
• Microphone and camera access
• Contact list access
Experts say this simple cleanup can instantly reduce the amount of personal data apps can collect — and limit what hackers could access if one of those apps is breached.
3. Enable Encrypted Backups
Many users assume their cloud backups are automatically encrypted end-to-end — but that isn’t always the case. On several platforms, encryption must be manually activated, and without it, your data could be accessible to anyone who gains access to your cloud credentials.
Turning on encrypted backups ensures that:
• Your photos, messages, and files are unreadable without your key
• Hackers can’t access your restored data even if they breach your account
• Cloud providers cannot view your stored content
Both iPhone and Android devices offer encrypted backup options in their advanced security settings. It takes less than a minute to activate — and once it’s on, your data is far more secure.
The Bottom Line
You don’t need advanced cybersecurity skills to keep your information safe. These three hidden settings — security alerts, permission controls, and encrypted backups — can dramatically strengthen your protection with almost no effort.
7 years in the field, from local radio to digital newsrooms. Loves chasing the stories that matter to everyday Aussies – whether it’s climate, cost of living or the next big thing in tech.
