Smartphone tips to protect yourself

April 23, 2011 at 2:28AM

Apple's iPhone and iPad store users' location information on the mobile devices, but there are ways to protect the information from being stolen.What it is: Apple's iPhones and iPads have a file called "consolidated.db" that stores data location for users.

Why it matters: The file can show where users live, eat and work with detailed location information. In the wrong hands, privacy advocates warn, the information could be dangerous.

What you can do: The only way others can access your location data is to physically have the mobile device or a "synced" computer. Users can further protect themselves by encrypting the file with a password. To do so, go to iTunes, and plug in the mobile device. Under "Options" check the box that says "Encrypt iPhone backup."

JEREMY HERB

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