As we gather with family and friends this Thanksgiving to enjoy good food, company, and conversation, something else might be listening in … and it’s not the guests at your table. Have you ever noticed ads for a product you just mentioned in passing while your phone was nearby? That’s right—your phone is tracking you. Your device gathers information from your location to browsing habits in multiple ways.
But don’t worry! Just like preparing a feast takes a little know-how and planning, safeguarding your privacy can be done with the right steps. Today, we’ll walk you through why this matters and the six key ways your phone tracks you, as well as how to turn off those features. Think of it as taking control over your digital life, just like organizing a holiday meal!
Why Is This Dangerous?
Just like we protect our homes from uninvited guests during the holiday season, we need to protect our digital lives from unwanted surveillance. The data your phone gathers is valuable to advertisers and cybercriminals, making safeguarding your privacy crucial . Here’s why:
- Privacy Invasion: Constant tracking by apps and websites can lead to a loss of privacy, similar to someone watching your every move.
- Identity Theft & Fraud: Stolen data can lead to identity theft and unauthorized access to sensitive information.
- Physical Security Risks: Real-time tracking can expose your location, making you vulnerable to stalkers or criminals.
How Your Phone Is Tracking You
- Location Services
Your phone’s GPS and location services keep tabs on where you are and for how long. This can be helpful for directions but can also compromise your privacy.
Turn it off:
- iPhone: Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services
- Android: Settings > Location > App Permissions
- App Permissions
Apps often request access to your contacts, camera, or microphone, even when not in use, gathering more information than necessary.
Turn it off:
- iPhone: Settings > Privacy & Security > Camera/Microphone/Contacts
- Android: Settings > Apps > Permissions
- Wi-Fi & Bluetooth Connections
Your phone constantly scans for networks, allowing tracking by nearby devices.
Turn it off:
- iPhone: Swipe down from the top-right corner, toggle off Wi-Fi/Bluetooth
- Android: Settings > Location > Wi-Fi & Bluetooth scanning
- Browsing Activity
Websites and apps track your online activity to serve targeted ads.
Turn it off:
- iPhone & Android: Use your browser’s incognito mode, clear browsing history
- Ad Tracking
Your phone assigns a unique ID for tracking your app and web behavior for personalized ads.
Turn it off:
- iPhone: Settings > Privacy & Security > Tracking
- Android: Settings > Privacy > Ads
- Social Media & Search Engines
Platforms like Facebook and Google monitor your searches and online interactions.
Turn it off:
- Social Media: Adjust ad preferences in each app
- Google: Google Account > Data & Privacy > Web & App Activity
Protect Your Business Like You Protect Your Feast
Just as you safeguard your personal privacy, protecting your business’s sensitive data should be a priority. Tracking methods that invade your personal space can also expose your business to risk, making it easier for cybercriminals to gather valuable information. But just like preparing for Thanksgiving, being proactive can help prevent disaster.
Taking the time to review and adjust your phone’s privacy settings helps protect you and your business from identity theft, data breaches, and cyber-attacks. If you’re unsure about the overall security of your business, don’t wait until a “turkey” of a problem occurs. Schedule a FREE Security Risk Assessment with us today. Let’s make sure your business is as secure as your secret stuffing recipe!
From all of us at 10D Tech, we wish you a safe and joyful Thanksgiving. Let’s keep your digital life—and your business—protected!
Click here or call us at (541) 243-4103 or (917) 915-9103 to get started.
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