It’s hard to imagine a world without smartphones. Today, technology is developing faster than ever before, and the pressure to become entrenched in the digital world is stronger than ever.
Therefore, if you choose to incorporate these new mobile technology trends into your life, you should analyze their advantages and disadvantages. Governments around the world are investigating and regulating how technology companies collect our data and how it affects our online privacy rights.
We, as consumers, must also play a role in taking the necessary precautions to protect what remains of privacy we are clinging to. In this article, we will discuss his 5 emerging technologies of 2023, especially related to mobile devices.
5G network
5G cellular network It is made possible by the latest network technology in mobile connectivity. Similar to its predecessors 4G and 3G, 5G is meant to speed up download and upload speeds. It currently works in parallel with 4G, but will soon completely replace it.
5G brings a new generation of connectivity to people, machines, objects, and devices around the world. Unlike 4G, 5G can support a huge number of devices connected simultaneously with ultra-low latency.
This increased performance and increased efficiency of the network enables the potential to change the way we see, live and connect with the world around us.
How will 5G change the world?
5G significantly improves your internet experience with improved connectivity and faster downloads. Not only that, data transmission delays are reduced, enabling smooth operations in various industries such as augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and smart cities.
Perhaps the most important change we will see when 5G takes over is that the Internet of Things (IoT) will become more widely integrated, as 5G’s lightning-fast speeds will enable the connection of multiple devices without delay. It is to be done.
For example, industries such as the medical field can use 5G to perform remote surgeries, and cities can use 5G to deploy large numbers of IoT devices for traffic management, environmental monitoring, and public safety.
What are the privacy concerns with 5G?
Significant privacy concerns regarding 5G revolve around data collection practices, monitoring, and the number of connected devices. IoT devices are particularly vulnerable to attacks because they lack the computing power to encrypt data and software, making them easy targets for cybercriminals.
To prevent data theft from connected devices and 5G networks, first make sure your IoT devices and networks are secured. strong password generator. Attackers can easily discover the default passwords of IoT devices. Therefore, changing your device password can reduce this threat.
Next, ensure all devices connected to 5G are updated with the latest software to reduce attacks due to vulnerabilities in outdated code. Finally, understand how 5G-connected products use or collect your data and opt out of unpleasant options.
Mobile multi-factor authentication (MFA)
Biometric authentication is becoming increasingly popular as it increases security and reduces the risk of data breaches. Because of this, many businesses and users are moving towards a password-free future and are moving towards a reliance on passwords. multi-factor authentication Methods for mobile and other devices.
Multi-factor authentication is an important tool for mobile and device security. MFA is an additional security feature that blocks unauthorized access to your account if your password is compromised through a dictionary or brute force attack. Standard authentication methods to prove a user’s identity include:
- Knowledge Base: Something you know – your password, PIN, or secret question
- Possession-based: Something you have, i.e. a security key, device, or authenticator app on your phone.
- Biometrics: Something that is part of you, such as facial ID or fingerprints.
Authentication methods are being developed to accommodate this transition away from passwords, and in the future, you will be able to protect your accounts with technologies such as:
- Typing patterns: Each person has a different typing pattern (speed, rhythm, pressure, keystroke spacing) on mobile, which the device learns and uses to authenticate access to your account. Masu.
- Voice and speech patterns: Although currently less common on mobile phones, this authentication analyzes speech patterns and other unique qualities of a user’s voice.
- How the device works: The way you hold the device is also unique. Your phone’s sensors continuously learn and create a behavioral profile based on your actions to verify your identity.
Retiring passwords takes time. Until then, use MFA to supplement your password management, including unique passwords for all your accounts stored in a trusted password manager.
User privacy in wearable technology
Wearable technology, especially smartwatches and fitness trackers, can benefit our health, fitness, and general well-being. Smartwatches and similar wearable technologies, on the other hand, need to collect data and provide feedback on health and performance in order to function optimally.
Users also often connect to third-party apps for sleep analysis, running statistics, or medical reasons. Sharing this data increases the risk of data breaches and raises concerns about how companies process and use the data.
To enable companies to process your data securely and effectively, they must obtain your explicit consent so that you understand how they will use your data. Therefore, when dealing with new wearable technology or third-party apps, please review this consent before deciding to use the app or technology. If you’re not sure how these companies use your data, we recommend finding an alternative.
Social media privacy: The growth of video content and the metaverse
With the growth of social media platforms, especially TikTok, anger regarding privacy and social media continues to be a controversial issue for many. In August 2023, the European Union’s data privacy regulator fines TikTok £12.7 million ($16.2 million) for failing to comply with EU regulations for children under 13 using its platform. The plan was announced.
Another industry that is (slowly) gaining momentum in the tech world is the metaverse. The metaverse is increasingly blurring the line between our real and virtual lives due to our reliance on augmented reality and virtual reality. In addition to being able to collect personally identifiable information, the Metaverse can also collect data by reading your body movements, eye movements, the way you walk, speak, and breathe.
The problem with privacy when it comes to social media, the Metaverse, AR, and VR is that the technology is advancing so fast that it’s difficult for privacy laws to keep up. One thing to remember, especially when it comes to social media, is that if it’s free, you’re the product. So, if you’re an avid social media user but don’t want to compromise your privacy, be aware of what you’re sharing and how it might affect you. be careful.
Protect your mobile data for a safer future
We live in a fast-paced world that is constantly changing, and adapting to new technology trends is a great way to connect, learn, and share experiences with others. Nevertheless, there is also a need to increase cyber awareness of these technologies and simultaneously adapt security and mobile privacy controls before sensitive information falls into the wrong hands.
