How to Prevent your Devices From Spying on You

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You might not realize it, but your electronic devices may be tracking you. They know what you are doing, what you are reading, and the things you like to do. In almost every case, you give these devices permission to collect this info when you start using them. Here are some tips to help you prevent your devices from spying on you:

Laptops

Macs

If you are using a macOS computer, you can limit the information you are sending to Apple by choosing the Apple menu > System Preferences > Security & Privacy. Click the “Privacy” tab, and then you will see options about what apps can use and share data. If you click “Analytics,” you can do even more. Also, keep in mind that if you install a new app, you have to do those updates, too.

Windows

If you use Windows, you can limit the info you share by going to “Settings,” and then clicking on “Privacy.” You can enable and disable settings for each app. Again, any new apps that you install must be taken care of separately.

Chromebook

Google collects a ton of data, so Chromebook users should pay attention. Got to My Activity, and then delete what you want. You can also turn off some of the data collecting by clicking “Manage your Google Activity,” and then “Go to Activity Controls.”

Phones

You can do similar things to stop data collecting on your phone, too.

iOS

If you have an iPhone, there is a Privacy setting in the Settings menu. Open it, and then click on “Analytics,” to see what you share with Apple. If you don’t want to share this, simply toggle it all off. You can go back to “Privacy,” and then take a look at what the settings are for every app you have downloaded to your phone.

Android

If you have an Android phone, you can choose Google, then go to “Personal Info & Privacy.” Choose the “Activity Controls” screen, and then pick and choose what you want to share. Again, you have to also go to change settings for each app, too.

Fitness Trackers

Your fitness tracker is also spying on you. Apps like Strava and FitBit can be controlled through the Settings and Privacy options on your phone. You can do more, though:

Strava

Click on “Menu,” if you have Android or “More,” if you have iOS. Choose “Settings,” and then “Privacy Controls.”

FitBit

With FitBit, tap your profile, and then your account name. Tap “Personal Stats,” and then “Settings” followed by “Privacy.”

ROBERT SICILIANO CSP, is a #1 Best Selling Amazon author, CEO of CreditParent.com, the architect of the CSI Protection certification; a Cyber Social and Identity Protection security awareness training program.

What is Synthetic Identity Theft?

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Identity theft is when a person steals another person’s private and personal information, generally to make money from it. You probably already knew this, but have you heard of synthetic identity theft? This is a bit different.

With synthetic identity theft, a person creates a new and very fake identity by combining the real information from a person with made-up information. You might not think this is a big deal, but it can be very bad for anyone who has their identity stolen.

Here are three ways that ID thieves can create synthetic identities:

Creating a New Credit Profile

The most common way to create a synthetic identity is to create a new credit profile using the victims SSN but a different name. Basically, they apply for credit using these fake identities. Generally, the application will be denied, but in the process, it creates a credit profile. Then, they can apply to companies that cater to people with poor or no credit. Though the card limits are typically small, less than $500, it still gives them money.

The Piggyback

Another thing that people do to create a synthetic identity is the piggyback. Basically, they look for people who have good credit, and then add a fake person as an authorized user to the account. They do not use the account, however. Instead, they let it sit for a few months. The credit agencies create a report of the synthetic identity, who now has an excellent credit rating and can get high limit credit cards.

Data Furnishing

The third tactic is called data furnishing. This is quite effective and sophisticated and requires the participation of someone from some type of business. Basically, they need a small business owner or manager who is willing to help with this fraud. The company is already vetted and is then approved to offer information on customers. They allow fake IDs, or synthetic identities, for malicious duties. This generally takes several months to set up, but the thieves can make a ton of money.

Right now, it’s hard to really pinpoint the financial impact of what these synthetic identities have, though it is believed that it has caused billions in losses. That means, however, for an ID thief, there are billions to be made. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to protect yourself including being very careful about the information you are sharing, especially on social media. Also, make sure you have a credit freeze and identity theft protection and that you are regularly checking your credit report.

ROBERT SICILIANO CSP, is a #1 Best Selling Amazon author, CEO of CreditParent.com, the architect of the CSI Protection certification; a Cyber Social and Identity Protection security awareness training program.