The digital age has brought unarguable progress and development to the 21st century. However, it has also brought about several concerns. At the forefront of these concerns is the matter of users’ privacy. Whenever you visit the internet, you may knowingly or unknowingly release important details about your life such as name, age, bank details, location, and a host of other details.
These pieces of information might end in the hands of data brokers or cybercriminals. Statistics reveal that more than 53 million people have been affected by cybercrime as a result of their private information being leaked on the internet.
Apple Inc. is one of the world’s leading tech companies, known for manufacturing electronic digital devices such as smartphones, laptops, smartwatches, and more technological solutions. The company prides itself on ensuring the privacy and security of its users. Apple’s selling points include the superior data encryption capabilities of their software coupled with an equally strong users’ privacy policy. But the question is, how does Apple handle its users’ privacy?
1. Encrypted Apple Apps
The proprietary software applications created by Apple for your devices are fully encrypted. For instance, messaging apps like iMessage are protected by end-to-end encryption. This means only you and the recipient(s) of your messages have access to those messages and chats. Other apps also ensure that your safety and privacy are kept at optimum, guaranteeing that you are not spied on when connected to the internet. Additionally, browser apps warn you when you visit insecure websites that might put you at risk.
2. iCloud Storage
If you use an Apple product such as an iPhone or a MacBook, you are undoubtedly conversant with the iCloud feature. It is a cloud storage functionality present in all Apple devices and can be used as external storage for important media, message backups, passwords, and other important private details.
The iCloud storage can only be accessed by Apple ID, an authentication method for controlling your apple devices and their features. The Apple ID is unique to each Apple user and no two persons have the same ID. Therefore, one can only gain access to your iCloud storage when they have access to your Apple ID. In essence, iCloud storage stores your private data for as long as you want and away from predators.
Should I Be Worried About My Privacy?
The short answer is, yes. As stated above, internet and smart-device users are at high risk of cybercrime, regardless of their device. Once your information is out, it is difficult to tell how much damage will be done and how it will affect you.
One of the first steps you should take is to ensure that your information is removed from the internet. The biggest data brokers of the likes of Verisk, Acxiom LLC, Oracle Data Cloud, and Epsilon Data Management might have your personally identifiable information (name, address, email, bank details, Social Security number, etc.) in their databases.
They do provide an opt-out option, which entails a time-consuming process that might take weeks to take effect. Alternatively, data removal tools such as Incogni can take care of the opting-out process on its users’ behalf. Consequently, this strengthens their protection against spam, phishing, shadow figures, and other serious cyber threats.
To conclude
Apple has dignified itself as a tech company that shares the privacy concern of its users and is willing to uphold it. However, you can’t be too careful. Avoid sharing your personal information on the internet except when absolutely necessary on secure sites. Always keep your passwords and other intricate details about yourself private to keep yourself protected from cybercrime.
Infuriatingly humble organizer. Entrepreneur. Zombie guru. Professional creator. Future teen idol.
