Don’t forget to protect your browsing privacy

(Your browser sees everying. Watch the video summary at the end or read the full article below.)

When you open a browser on your phone, what do you think it knows about you?

The websites you visit? Maybe your location? Possibly what you’ve searched for?

The reality is, for many popular mobile browsers, it’s a lot more than that.

A recent analysis looked at how popular mobile browsers handle user data, based on the privacy information they publish in app stores.

What it found should make you pause for thought.

If you’re using Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge on your phone or tablet, you’re using two of the most data-hungry browsers around.

That doesn’t mean they’re unsafe, or that you need to abandon them tomorrow.

However, it does mean you should be paying attention to what they collect, and how you protect yourself.

According to the research, these browsers gather a surprisingly wide range of information. Not just browsing history, but things like location data, payment details, saved files, and even media such as photos or audio in some cases.

The stated reason is usually sensible enough: Making the app work properly, syncing accounts, preventing fraud, or personalising the experience.

To be fair, some data collection is unavoidable. A browser can’t function at all without knowing something about what it’s doing.

The concern is how much data is collected, how long it sticks around, and who it may be shared with.

Some browsers confirm that parts of this information can be passed on to third parties. In the best case, that means advertising profiles and targeted offers. In the worst case, it means valuable identifiers floating around that could be exposed in a breach.

This matters more than many people realise, because browsing history tells a story.

Over time, it can reveal organisational priorities, financial activity, safeguarding concerns, operational challenges, and everyday working patterns. It becomes a digital trail showing how your school or organisation operates, what matters to you, and the issues you are managing day to day.

What surprised researchers most was how few people really think about this anymore. Only a small minority still describe themselves as privacy conscious. Most of us just tap “accept”, install the app, and move on with our day.

That’s understandable. You’re busy running a school or a business. But the risk isn’t theoretical.

When cyber incidents happen, the first data exposed is often the information that identifies your people – customers, employees, or students.

Browser data and identifiers are increasingly valuable targets because they help attackers link activity back to real people and real organisations.

So what should you do?

You don’t need to ditch your browser of choice. Chrome and Edge remain popular for good reasons across schools and businesses, particularly in managed IT environments.

The key is reducing how much unnecessary data you give away and adding a few sensible layers of protection.

Start by checking your browser’s app permissions on your phone.

Does it really need access to location all the time? Does it need access to files, photos, or media when you’re just browsing? Most people are surprised by how much they’ve allowed without realising.

And be mindful of how you log into websites.

Using a proper password manager means your browser doesn’t need to remember everything for you, and it reduces the damage if one account is ever compromised. This also makes it far easier to use strong, unique passwords without having to remember them.

None of this requires changing how you work day to day. You still open the same browser. You still visit the same sites. You’re just being more deliberate about what information leaks out in the background.

Your browser is one of the most used tools in your organisation. It’s also one of the most overlooked when it comes to privacy.

If we can help you keep your data better protected, get in touch.

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💻 www.breathetechnology.com | 📧 lucy@breathetechnology.com

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