If a mysterious small green dot appears at the top of your phone, it is in your best interest not to ignore it.

A tiny green dot at the top of your Android or iOS phone might catch your attention, and for a good reason, as it could indicate a security issue. But what does this mysterious light indicator mean?

The enigmatic green dot, visible at the top of smartphone screens, can be related to your normal phone usage or a security problem that exposes your privacy. It's better to perform some quick practical checks to avoid unpleasant surprises.

Here's what lies beneath this colorful feature.

When a small light signal appears on your smartphone screen, it indicates that one of your applications is actively using the camera and/or microphone of the device. In other words, it may be related to the use of a camera app, video conferencing, or a function requiring visual or audio access.

It's simply a privacy feature that has been integrated by the giants Google and Apple to provide immediate transparency about app activities. The green dot (or orange, if the microphone is activated on an iPhone) is a response to growing concerns about user privacy.

By viewing this indicator, users are alerted in real-time about potential access to their camera or microphone, allowing them to take action, such as disabling camera access for specific apps.

Cybercriminals are constantly looking for ways to bypass security measures. The green dot may be a sign that your microphone or camera is being exploited by malicious apps to deceive users and gain unauthorized access to sensitive information.

So, if you see it activated while you are not using your phone's microphone and/or camera, you should find it suspicious. Here are some maneuvers we recommend to better understand this privacy feature.

Take the time to check the permissions granted to your smartphone apps, especially less known or recently installed ones.

Only download trusted apps.

Your phone is locked, but the green dot is on: you might be spied on! Immediately close all running apps and restart your phone.

Equip your smartphone with a security solution.

By following these practical tips, you can fully enjoy the convenience of the green dot while ensuring the security of your personal information. Vigilance and a proactive approach to security are, let's not forget, essential.