We’ve all been there: penning a vulnerable text meant for your recipient’s eyes only, when you notice the person next to you eyeing your phone and reading your private — sometimes very private — correspondence.

And unfortunately, folks snooping on your texts may be the best case scenario: When you factor in checking your banking app, typing in a credit card or password or responding to a sensitive email on your work phone, the stakes only get higher.

Whether you’re dealing with nosey acquaintances at a party or strangers on public transit, this kind of digital “eavesdropping” unfortunately isn’t going anywhere. Thankfully, you do have options for helping keep your texts and sensitive information more private.…