Does your smartphone track your private data? Does it collect personal information and share it with third parties? You bet. Does this sound familiar? We are going to talk about one easy trick to stop your iPhone or Andriod apps from tracking your private data
You and a buddy are talking on the phone or maybe in person and you mention you’re thinking about buying a home. The next few days you see a ton of real estate ads on Facebook and/or websites about buying a new home. A recent study of nearly 1M smartphone apps gave us a little insight into how our personal data is shared. It’s estimated that nearly 90% of our apps transfer information back to Google. While the data flow to other tech companies isn’t as high as it is with Google, they still get in on the personal data action. Facebook, Twitter, Verizon, Microsoft, and Amazon all want in on that information and they pay for it as well. With iPhones, nearly two-thirds of their apps collect some type of data that is linked to data collected by another third party (like a personal data broker or ad network).
What Data Do Smartphone Apps Collect?
Honestly, who knows. Our smartphone devices are smart. They do a ton of amazing things. In fact, if you could go back in time 20 years and tell yourself all the cool things your smartphone can do, your back-in-time self would most likely not believe you. Most apps do collect some personal information about you and your device. It’s not unlikely that your name, physical address, email address, phone number, and exact location are being shared. It’s estimated that about half of our apps request location tracking. One time, one of my kids downloaded one of those candy-crush-type apps and it wanted access to the phone’s location. It was quite funny. Is that frightening? It can be when looking at it from a high-level perspective. There are some apps that use and access your smartphone’s camera and microphone as well. Some apps keep a call log. Some read and store your SMS messages. There are literally millions of data points that can be collected.
How Often Should You Do An App Audit?
Honestly, it depends. If you are the type that downloads 10-12 apps a year, then maybe doing an app audit a couple of times a year isn’t a bad idea. An app audit is simple. You just dive into your smartphone’s settings (more on that below) and do a personal inventory of what apps you have installed and what they have access to. You have to assume those apps are collecting personal information. On the flip side, if you have a kid (and we know how kids are with downloading apps) with a smartphone device that regularly downloads apps you may want to perform an app audit each month. And don’t rely on monitoring software to manage permissions for you. Some services might have that feature, but it’s still a good idea (and smart parenting) to manually go through your kid’s smartphone and get a feel for what apps have permissions. As a guiding principle, we usually ask a few questions when doing an app audit: What information and permissions does the app have or is requesting? Am I okay with sharing my personal information with this specific app developer? Does this app need all of these permissions? (i.e.Does Candy Crush really need to know my exact location?) This is a pretty good framework to operate from and really gives you a multi-dimensional perspective on making common sense judgments about the kinds of permissions you can and should allow based on the purpose and functionality of the app. When we first heard of doing an app audit, it was kind of laughable. But now…it’s almost crucial in the smart world we live in.
Android Instructions On Restricting Apps Access
Please note that these instructions may vary depending on the model of smartphone you use, but generally speaking, it’ll be very similar across different devices. For Android users, you’ll want to open the Settings app and go to Apps & Notification menus. Tap on the smartphone app you want to adjust then tap on Permissions to see every little detail that the app has access to. In some cases, certain permissions are vital for the proper functioning of the app, so be judicious in what permissions you allow or don’t. Probably not smart to disable your camera and microphone with Google Meet. You can also get a bigger detailed list by tapping App Permissions on the Apps and & Notifications window. A little warning though, some apps will perform differently once you remove permissions. If the app is super buggy after you’ve adjusted permission, you may need to go back and adjust again. It’s up to you.
iPhone Instructions On Restricting Apps Access
Turning on and off app permissions in the iPhones iOS is really easy. It might vary from iOS versions, but the idea is very similar. This was tested in iOS 15. In the Settings app, tap on the specific app and determine which features you want it to have access to. When it comes to tracking you, you’ll need to perform a secondary adjustment. In the Settings app, click Privacy, the Tracking. From here you’ll see every app that is requesting to “Allow Apps to Request to Track.” You can toggle that on and off for every app on your phone. This is up to you. But if you do toggle it on, from here you can allow each app access to track you.
Non-Mobile Device Apps Permissions
It’s not just mobile devices either. Windows and your MacOS do the same thing. They share data with any third parties. Granted, there is an element of making the user experience more personalized, but do they hide behind this mantra? Most likely. You’re kidding yourself if you think they aren’t selling your personal information to third parties. For Windows 10, click the little cogwheel on the Start menu to open your settings. From here, select Privacy to see all of your installed apps and what each of them is allowed to have access to. You can filter/sort by location, pictures, cameras, and so forth. For each permission, you’ll see a list of apps and what permissions they have. From here, you can turn off access completely. Be aware that in some apps you’ll want to have access to certain features. For example, it’s not a bad idea to allow Zoom to have access to your microphone and camera. For macOS, the process is really similar. In fact, it’s a little easier than Windows. Open your Apple menu, click System Preferences, then Security and Privacy, and open the Privacy tab. From here, you’ll see all of the permissions. You’ll be able to see in the left pane which apps have which permissions. To make any changes, click the lock icon on the lower left, enter your macOS user and password, then unselect the box next to each permission you want to adjust.
To Track Or Not To Track? That Is The Question
Believe it or not, in some cases, you might like an app tracking you. Google Maps, Apple Maps, AccuWeather, Walmart, and other apps it’s integral that they track you to function properly. It really is a personal choice on who you allow, what you allow, and how much you allow to track you. One of the more unique spins on personal data is that you should be paid for it and apps (especially social media apps) should reimburse users based on information they share with third parties. In this regard, your personal data is a form of digital currency. Should you block access? It’s a personal preference. We know some people who actually prefer ads be served to them in a personalized matter. If I’m in the market for a home or in the market for a snowblower, and Facebook (or Google) through their programmatic exchanges and smart ad delivery systems can present a relevant ad that will improve or enhance my life because they know what I’m in the market for, is that hardly a bad thing? It’s debatable. But again…allowing apps to track really is a personal preference.
Show me a child with a phone/tablet and no limitation, and I’ll show you a child that struggles with some type of addictive behavior. But, come on, even us adults will struggle if we don’t understand our limitations. That being said, let’s talk about Apple’s Screen Time.
If you haven’t set up Screen Time on your Apple devices, you’re missing out on one of the best functions of Apple’s iOS. Indeed, one of the best features of Apple’s iOS is the Screen Time program. This easy-to-set-up feature is one of the best tools for parents to help manage their family’s access to the web, apps, and just general parental controls. Granted, it’ll only work with other Apple devices. For example, if you’re trying to work Screen Time from your iPhone on your kid’s Android device, it won’t work. With Screen Time, you can keep an eye on how your kids spend time on their devices, and you can also set limits to help them get the right balance. It’s not a high-level, intrusive program but a workable alternative if you’re looking for something to help manage your family’s time on their devices.
What It Does. What It Doesn’t.
Screen time will allow you to place restrictions on apps, schedule downtime, create content restrictions, give you reports on how you’re using your devices, and a bunch of useful functions to help manage your screen time. What it won’t do is monitor who your kids are calling (although you can place restrictions on contacts). It won’t monitor what they’re saying in text messages. If you’re trying to use Screen Time to do those kinds of functions, you won’t find it. Instead, you’ll need something like Bark, OurPact, Circle, or MMGuardian.
Setting Up Screen Time
To set up Screen Time on your kid’s device, they will need to have their own Apple ID. You both need to be part of the same Family Group in Family Sharing as well. You also need to turn on Screen Time on your child’s device, which you can do from your iPhone (or your iPad). We prefer doing it all from the iPhone. The next steps are super simple. Then, add a Screen Time passcode to access certain features. Do not share this passcode with your children. Another important tip is this passcode should be different from your main device passcode. Below, we’ll briefly show you how to review your kid’s device use (and yours), add app limits, and schedule downtime.
Monitoring Your Child’s Device Usage
How your child uses their device is something you should have a firm understanding of. We have weekly discussions about our screen time use. On your device, go to Settings, then scroll and tap Screen Time. From here, tap your child’s name. You’ll see their weekly activity summary. Tap See All Activity to learn more, like which apps they use the most, how many times they pick up their device, where they go on those pickups, and which apps are sending the most notifications. You can view these stats based on a full week or just focus on today. Reviewing these stats each Sunday has led to many interesting and constructive conversations with the family.
Limiting Time With Certain Apps with Screen Time
What if you do want to put some time limits on some apps? If you want to limit how much time your child spends on certain apps, you’ll love Screen Time. You can set time limits on individual apps or on app categories, like games, entertainment, and social media. It’s really easy to set up.
To create these time limitations, you’ll need to do the following:
Tap App Limits.
Tap Add Limit.
Then enter your Screen Time passcode if prompted.
Now select the app category you’d like to limit. Or tap a category and select apps to set individual limits.
Then, tap Next. From here, set a daily time limit.
You can also customize app limits for specific days of the week and block the app for the day once the limit expires.
When you’re done making changes, tap Add.
Additional Scheduling Features With Downtime
If you don’t want your child using their device at certain times of the day, like bedtime or during school, you can schedule what is called “Downtime”, which will block selected apps and notifications. This is probably one of the most effective parental controls with Screen Time. To do this, tap Downtime, enter your Screen Time passcode if prompted, and tap the switch to turn it on. From here, you’ll want to choose which days you’d like to schedule downtime and pick a start and end time. We’ve customized downtime, so the kids have a little later start on the weekends vs. weekdays. During downtime, they’ll still have access to phone calls and the apps you select on their Always Allowed list. You can edit this list anytime back in Screen Time settings. Of course, you’ll have to customize that list to what fits your family’s needs. The three Always Allowed list apps we use are Phone, Podcasts, and Audible. There are some pretty cool podcasts out there to help kids calm down and get ready for bed. We’ve leveraged that.
When they’ve reached the limit, this screen will appear and block them from using the app. It happens instantly, and it’s wonderful. Your kid will have the option to ask for more time (which they will…over and over again), and you will receive a notification on your Apple device. To let them use the app a little longer (approve for 15 minutes, an hour, all day, or don’t approve), swipe down on the notification and extend their time. Or tap “Don’t Approve” to keep the app locked. One benefit of the Apple iOS ecosystem is all your Apple devices work in unison and communicate flawlessly with each other. If you’re working on your Mac and get an “Ask For More Time” alert, you can approve it right there on your Mac. If you’re on your iPad, it’ll come through on your iPad. Most of these requests will show up on your Apple Watch (if you have one) and that makes it really nice to have that functionality (and power) right on your wrist.
It’s Not About Control. It’s About Empowerment
All too often, we are seeking out solutions for maximum control on how our kids use their devices. And that’s up to you as a parent to decide if that’s the right course of action. Some parenting styles are more full-control and others are a little laxer in nature. With these screen time guidelines in place, you can help your family make the most of the time they spend on their devices. Of course, it’s not the BEST solution if you want a lot of control, but what screen time can deliver is unique in the way that it can lead to conversations about how your family is interacting and using technology. Even for yourself, to be able to see usage stats and how you’re spending time on apps can and will be an eye-opener at first. We think Screen Time is a clever way to make you and your family more aware of their tech habits and how you can use technology in a way that benefits and empowers your life instead of becoming beholden to the devices we are so close to.
The Chrome browser is very popular with users because it is the most stable and secure browser, in my opinion. However, this security comes at a price; it requires constant updates. The most recent example was when Google had to fix a significant vulnerability that allowed attackers to hijack your machine even after closing out all your tabs.
Recently, Google rolled out an emergency update that included fixes for two zero-day vulnerabilities that were being actively exploited in the wild
Zero-day means that the antivirus companies haven’t created a way to detect or keep you safe from that particular vulnerability.
According to a recent study, it’s estimated that 26.27% of active users are using outdated versions of Google Chrome. I know what you are thinking: “Wait, what? I have to update Chrome?” Yep. Any browser including Microsoft Edge, Firefox, Safari, Brave, etc., all need consistent updates to stop hackers from gaining access to your system. Updating Google Chrome on-going will be essential to ensure you are protected. Technically, many browsers are based on a version of Chrome, and they’re called “chromium-based browsers” (Microsoft Edge, Brave, Opera, etc.).
Google releases multiple updates every month to improve the security of Chrome.
So if you want to stay safe online, keep your browser updated. However, it’s important to recognize that browsers do not send notifications to remind you to update. Odd, but true. I check mine for updates at least once a week.
How do you update your browser?
To update most browsers, click on the hamburger menu or the three dots on the upper right side of the browser window.
Then select “About Chrome” or “About Edge” or “About ‘whatever your browser name is,'” and if updates are needed, they’ll start installing automatically.
Yes, this action does require a restart, but your browser will reopen any tabs that you had open at the time of the update.
Which browser should you use?
This question is often debated between my wife and me. I use Brave as it’s known to use less memory than Google Chrome. Some reports say up to 66% less, allowing your computer to run other programs in the background effortlessly. Brave is also known to beat out Google chrome in battery usage. Brave also works across all devices. The real benefit of using Brave is its automatic ad-blocking feature, which results in faster browsing speeds. Whereas Google Chrome automatically loads all the content on the webpage, content I don’t need to or want to see. My wife is faithful to Google Chrome as it’s a comfortable and familiar browser for her.
As with most of the technology we use, spend time reviewing features, then choose a browser that works best for your needs. Browsers like Firefox, Opera, Vivaldi, and Microsoft Edge all have useful features and easily sync across platforms. I am keeping an eye on DuckDuckGo, as it is a browser that doesn’t track you and has a feature that automatically elevates web connections to the highest security possible. Dale here, doing what I can to help all of us browse just a bit safer.
Why would you use a paid VPN service when there are free services available? Well, as a cyber security expert most known for my popular ‘Certified Ethical Hacking’ and ‘Penetration Testing’ training courses, I’m the person neighbors, friends, relatives, and even strangers on the plane ask for IT security and privacy help. I can confidently say, my most repeated phrase during these conversations is – ‘Please, trust me, and use a VPN.’ When you pay for a VPN service, you get enhanced features. The popular adage ‘you pay for what you get’ certainly applies here. Here are a few of my favorite features that I get for my paid service provided by ExpressVPN:
Access to servers in many different countries.
Unlimited bandwidth and fast servers.
Ability to connect multiple devices at once.
There are many advantages to using a paid VPN service, including unrestricted access to their entire server networks, speed optimization, and military-grade encryption. Plus, they have a no-logging policy, which means they never log your online activity so that you can stay anonymous at all times.
A VPN protects your data from hackers and third parties as everything is encrypted and cannot be decoded even if hackers intercept the transmission.
A VPN provides an encrypted tunnel between your machine and a data connection.
This tunnel secures your data from outside parties by routing your internet traffic more securely, ensuring optimal privacy and security. It also allows you greater flexibility by connecting to a server in another nation and accessing content that is only available in that country.
In my opinion, a paid VPN is an excellent investment to ensure you have unrestricted access to all of your favorite websites and services.
One major player in the paid VPN services is ExpressVPN is a major player in the paid VPN provider group. They have servers located in over 90 countries, unlimited bandwidth, good application support, and are easy to install. ExpressVPN also has a 30-day money-back guarantee, making it easy to test out the service to see if you like it. ExpressVPN works with platforms like Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS. You can even use it on your home router! While ExpressVPN is very popular, it certainly isn’t the only kid on the block.
Another great VPN is Norton Secure VPN which is also very easy to install, has unlimited bandwidth, and doesn’t keep logs of your activity. Cyber Ghost and Surfshark are two other reliable and popular providers. As with all things, do your research to see what will work best for you. A great VPN option is to use a home router that has a VPN service built into them. I use a Synology router (RT2600ac and MR2200) as it too adds extra protection, especially when I’m traveling. While on the road, my devices connect back to my home router via its embedded VPN and then back out to the internet, making it look like I am surfing from home. Dale here, sharing what I know to help keep families safe and smart with the technology they use.
What Is a VPN? A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is software that allows users to create a secure connection over a less-secure network between their computer and the Internet. VPNs are used all over the world and have been popular with those looking to circumvent censorship.
VPNs work by creating a virtual encrypted tunnel between your computer and the VPN server, which helps ensure your browsing and internet traffic is not seen by those who have no business in your business.
VPNs are most commonly used by businesses to allow employees to access a safer, encrypted connection to the companies network when working remotely. In addition, a personal VPN will enable you to connect remotely to your home network’s protected data and resources while you’re away from home.
Let me dumb it down a bit further, when you connect to a website, the website only knows the VPN’s IP address and not your actual IP address.
A VPN helps to protect your privacy by encrypting all of your data and browsing history from hackers and third parties tracking your browsing traffic. So should the average internet user use a VPN? My answer is always, yes! Preferably a paid VPN service, due to the extra security features they provide. but there are many free VPN service providers available.
A few of the most popular free VPN providers are:
Hide.me is a relatively small VPN company based in Malaysia and has been growing exponentially.
Hotspot Shield is an American-based VPN service that offers both free and paid subscriptions.
ProtonVPN is a new service that has been gaining a lot of popularity recently.
Free VPN’s are a good choice for those who want the security and privacy that a VPN provides but don’t want to pay a monthly subscription fee. Free VPN services come with limited data plans, and their servers aren’t usually fast enough to stream video or play online games. As my dad used to say, “You get what you pay for,” so don’t expect a lot of extra features on the free services.
I use ExpressVPN, which isn’t free but is well worth the cost. Norton Secure VPN is another paid provider I recommend. Cyber Ghost and Surfshark are also good providers with fees associated with them and have many benefits to offer as well. Keep in mind that free services don’t usually provide the same level of service as paid ones. So, if you’re in the market for a VPN service, make sure to check out multiple places before deciding on one. I prefer the extra features and security I receive with my paid service from ExpressVPN. If the decision Is to use a free VPN service or not use a VPN service then use a free VPN provider.
Paid VPN services start around $5.00 a month. I prefer the extra features the paid versions have, so when I’m in the Batcave, the authorities will think I’m at Wayne Manor. Dale here – doing what I can to keep families safe and smart with the technology they use.
There are many reasons why you might want to use a VPN. However, the most important reason is privacy. Privacy isn’t always about keeping information from those who shouldn’t have it; it’s also about keeping that information away from prying eyes even if they’re allowed to see it, like your ISP. Many ISPs claim they don’t snoop on customer browsing habits, but many of them do. We are seeing more and more ISPs compile anonymous browsing logs and sell them to marketing companies. A VPN will keep your browsing history safer and less visible to those who have no business in your business.
When you’re on the road and connecting to Wi-Fi spots at the airport or even your local coffee shop, a VPN encrypts your data and protects your connection and device if, by chance, the free Wi-Fi network is compromised. A VPN encrypts the traffic flowing to and from your connection. It’s difficult for the average user to tell whether a Wi-Fi network is what it appears to be. Just because it’s called Mcdolands_WiFi doesn’t mean the hamburger giant will be responsible for or even care if it’s a safe connection.
Many people use a VPN to pirate or bypass geographic limitations in order to see content from another region. In its most basic form, a VPN connects your PC, smartphone, or tablet to another computer (referred to as a server) located someplace on the internet, allowing you to browse the internet using that computer’s internet connection. So, if that server is in another nation, it will appear as if you are from that country, and you may be able to access things you wouldn’t ordinarily be able to. For example, when using a VPN while traveling and I wanted to watch my favorite Netflix or Hulu series, but that particular country blocks that particular content, I would still be able to view the shows despite the restrictions. A couple of years back, while traveling in Australia, I accessed Amazon, and the Wi-Fi I was on connected me directly to Amazon.com.au. When I reconnected via my VPN, I connected to Amazon.com to ensure the product I was ordering would be delivered from the Amazon distribution center closest to my home address instead of from an Amazon distribution center in Australia.
Browsing online without a VPN is never safe. Just like putting your buckle on in the car, using a VPN provides a layer of additional protection. I always use a VPN, and so should you.
My recommendation is ExpressVPN; they’re the best, at this time, with hundreds of servers worldwide and reputable customer service. They also have a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you don’t need to pay if you’re not satisfied with their services. The Batcave VPN enables me to communicate and share information as the Dark Knight online securely, as well as anonymously when using my laptop in crowded places like coffee shops and airports. Dale here, leaning in to encourage everyone to use a VPN provider
