For your eyes only

A privacy screen protector is a good idea!

Recently we published a guide to buying a smart phone in PNG.

In the article there is a section on after-sales, part of which relates to covers, screen protectors etc.

No good spending a lot of money on a new phone and finding out there are only crappy covers and cheap screen protectors available, right?

I can report from first hand experience you may need to look off-shore (or on Amazon), if you want the best gear for your expensive phone or tablet.

I have a Samsung Galaxy S21+. It’s not the most recent of the S series, but it’s a nice device and it’s still as new – because I take care of it.

Two years ago, I bought a screen protector for my phone in PNG and the protector was crap.

Basically, it just covered the front glass, didn’t wrap around the curved edges of the phone, it hindered the touch-screen functions, and showed finger prints. It basically did everything you didn’t want it to do. Not good!

I removed and disposed of the screen protector within a matter of days.

I relied on a flip case to protect my phone, which was OK until I recently discovered privacy screen protectors are a great must-have accessory.

I saw it work on a friend’s iPhone and was very impressed – I couldn’t spy when she was using her phone! LOL!

What does a privacy screen protector do?

A privacy screen protector is a handy and inexpensive security accessory for your phone.

‘Visual hacking’ is the term used for someone spying at your phone when you are using it. Their reasons may be unknown - possibly stealing your information or seeing what’s intended for your eyes only or they’re just being nosy.

A good privacy screen protector:

·        prevents others from 'looking over your shoulder' at what’s on your phone when you are in crowded situations.  It stops prying eyes.

·        performs the other intended function of providing physical screen protection for your phone.

·        a good privacy screen protector will also reduce glare as well as the amount of harmful UV and blue light emitted from the screen, which protects your eyes and reduces eye strain.

·        a good privacy screen protector will also have an anti-fingerprint coating to reduce finger print smudge on the screen of your phone.

·        a good privacy screen protector will not interfere with the touchscreen capability and other functions of your phone. If your phone has curved edges, it will also wrap to cover the edges as well.

How does a privacy screen protector work?

It works pretty much the same way as a venetian blind works by using louvres, but at a microscopic level.

With a privacy screen there are micro louvres. When seen straight-on, the louvres are open. But when seen side-on, the louvres remain closed or limited, usually set at 60 or 90 degrees.

Put simply, it reduces the viewing angles of your phone screen.

You still need to be cautious of your surroundings, as someone looking directly over your shoulder will still see what you are seeing.

However, a privacy screen is a good preventative measure and people who know you (those you can least trust the most!) will give up trying to spy on your phone.

Make security a priority

A privacy screen protector is only part of the solution when it comes to phone security. Consider these other measures:

·        use an antivirus tool for internet protection such as Norton or McAfee;

·        use two factor authentication (TFA) whenever possible and where ever available;

·        use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) which will hide your online activity, and which carries additional advantages (more about VPNs on Smart Shopper soon);

·        delete any apps you are not using. Keep your phone tidy and minimalistic;

·        use strong passwords and store them safely;

·        don’t open messages if you don’t know their origin. These messages are always designed to trick you. Make sure you always know and confirm who you are dealing with;

·        check your phone to make sure you are not being tracked (more about tracking prevention on Smart Shopper soon); 

·        and use a privacy screen protector!

AND, of course…

  • don’t show off with your phone in public (especially in PNG!). Keep your phone out of sight as much as possible;
  • be discreet and aware of your surroundings at all times; and
  •  keep following Smart Shopper for more tips on cyber security.

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