How To Keep Your Data Away from Prying Eyes

Imagine if you discovered someone was following you everywhere you go, recording every place you visit, everything you buy, and even who your friends are. Well, there is, and that person is your phone. You generate data every time you access the internet, and your data tells your very personal story. That story is worth a lot of money to different entities like corporations, advertisers and the people they do business with. We could all stand to be a little more careful when it comes to who we share our data with, and what we expect in return.

Here are some tips on how to better protect your valuable data.

Decide what you’re willing to share

There is a trade-off between convenience and privacy. To use the features of your devices, apps and software, you will often have to share at least some data. A map app cannot suggest directions if it doesn’t know where you are located. An image-sharing site needs access to your photos. Make a list of the apps and software you use most to help you prioritize convenience or privacy when you’re using the services they provide.

Cultivate a data privacy habit

Apps, websites, devices and software often seek more data than is necessary. Why does a game app need to know your location? It doesn’t. Below are some common types of data requests:

• Your location
• Your contacts
• Your photos, camera or microphone
• Data about your behavior or use of a service

Think carefully about what you want to share. On mobile devices, you can often decide if you want an app to only have access to your data while you’re using the app. If an app refuses to function unless you share data you don’t think it needs – like that game app demanding your location – find another app.

Check your settings

Even if an app or software program does not ask you for data, you should assume the app is still collecting your data. Routinely check your privacy settings to ensure you are not sharing more than you are comfortable with.

Remember, apps will often ask for access at all times, but you usually only need to give them permissions for while you are using the app. Here are some default settings you should generally turn off unless you need them for the app to function and you trust the app:

• Camera – off
• Microphone – off
• Location – off
• Sync contacts – off

Delete apps you don’t use

Some apps will collect and share data even when you don’t use them. Every few months, you should perform an “app audit” – go through your devices and think about each app you have downloaded. If you haven’t used the app in months, delete it from your device. You can always download it again if you change your mind.

Your data, your choice

No matter what you decide about how much data you want to share, the power is in your hands. Your data cannot be collected without your consent. Put a little thought into which conveniences you value most, adjust some settings, and you could gain a little more peace of mind.