One’s cell phone, especially with the advent of smart technology, has become a vital asset in our daily lives, storing important moments and giving virtually instant access to a wide variety of personal/sensitive information. As a result, leaving your cellphone unattended, even for a matter of mere moments, can expose you to a variety of potentially harmful scenarios.
Although it is illegal, someone including your partner could install spyware on the phone, providing access of everyone you are talking to, emailing, or texting; or they can track your whereabouts via GPS. Despite the phone being off, as long as the battery is in the phone, the technology exists where the microphone and camera functions could be activated and controlled without you knowing.
Edward Snowden caused a massive stir when he revealed that the NSA was collecting and storing data on innocent individuals in this manner. Using an interpretation of the Patriot act as a means to commence this type of spying, the NSA is known to track cell phone activity including calls made and received, the duration of these calls and equally if not more important where they are being made. So in essence the government could be tracking who you’re talking to and where at any given moment. Their eye could be planted in your direction, regardless of whether you have committed a crime or act to warrant suspicion.
As we continue to assimilate cell phone and smartphone usage as a necessity within our day to day affairs, it becomes extremely important to handle these devices carefully and cautiously. As more private and vital information is stored and accessible via a handheld device, we must guard ourselves by remaining protective of our privacy and wary of what we assume are safe and secure areas to keep information, because you never know who’s watching you.
