Smartphone, don't spy!

Checklist: Dangers due to direct access

Dangers from direct access always arise when other people can hold your device in their own hands. For example, during house searches, confiscations and seizures by the police. However, unwanted physical access can not only lead to data being viewed unintentionally. They can also be used to install malicious apps such as spyware.

• You know your most important contacts and logins by heart
• You are not using a dumbphone
• You have removed your SIM card number
• You have set up a screen lock
• Notifications on your lock screen are deactivated
• Your smartphones are encrypted
• You can switch off your devices quickly
• You are using a privacy film
• Your SIM card is protected with a PIN
• You do without memory cards
• Do not use biometric unlocking
• You have deactivated USB debugging
• You bought and set up your devices yourself
• You only use your own charging cable
• Your operating system has verified boot
• The bootloader of your device is locked
• Your device does not display red or yellow warning messages at startup
• You have sealed your device
• You have noted the unique numbers of your device
• You make regular backups
• Your backups are encrypted
• Your backups are stored decentrally
• You practise restoring your backups
• You do not store unused appliances in your home
• You do not unlock your smartphone on demand
• You don't share your passwords with other people
• You have overwritten your phone once
• Deactivate Bluetooth if you don't need it
• Avoid Bluetooth devices such as earbuds if possible
• Cameras that are not in use are covered
• You use a burner phone