Are your own devices inadvertently spying on you?

Is it “Big Brother” or your phone that you should worry about?

The constant assault on privacy seems unavoidable in this digital age. When you think of being spied on, it’s easy to think of the devices shared in “How to find out who’s spying on you.” Yet as you educate yourself against some obvious culprits invading your privacy, it might be hard to imagine that one of the most invasive entities is a product you use daily: your smartphone, computer or tablet.

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Part of the appeal of such an intelligent device is that the phone and the apps it hosts collect information on your preferences and behaviors to anticipate your needs and make your life easier. However, a slew of apps does not need access to certain functions of your device or data to perform as needed.

While manufacturers have made strides to help people identify when their cameras and microphones are being used, it is up to you to take the extra step to safeguard yourself. iPhones have indicators at the top right corner that notifies you with a green dot when the camera is being used and an orange dot when the microphone is being used.

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As apps continue to push for more access than is necessary for their basic function, below are ways to control them more proactively on iPhones, iPads, Macs and Androids. It will help you be more aware of what your apps are doing actively or in the background, and it will give you your power back to determine who’s watching, listening and studying you.

How to limit unwanted access

While there is a convenience in seeing the green or orange dot indicators, you don’t have to wait until your app is open to find out. After all, some apps access your devices’ microphone, camera or data even while unopened.

1. Delete unwanted or unused apps

Some apps use your device’s camera and microphone and collect your data even while it is not in use. Getting rid of unused apps frees up storage space on your phone and declutters your lock screen. It can also eliminate one more potential apps that might be collecting information from you unknowingly.

On an iPhone & iPad:

Hard press the app icon of the app you want to deleteSelect Remove App

You’ll be prompted to confirm your decision in the next window by tapping Delete AppThen again by tapping Delete

On a Mac:

Click and hold the icon of the app you want to deleteDrag into the trash iconEmpty the trash

?On an Android:

Go to the Google Play Store appAt the top right, tap the Profile iconSelect Manage apps & devices, click ManageSelect name of the app you want to deleteSelect Uninstall

Android settings may vary based on the manufacturer’s settings.

2. Review & change permission settings

While it may seem like an extra effort to review and change your apps’ permission settings, it’ll give you more peace of mind knowing which apps have access to specific device functions and data. Most devices now have a dedicated part of their settings to view which apps are using the different functions of your phone and what data it has access to.

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Changing camera settings:

It may seem simple to just give access to your camera to certain apps. This way, you can easily use the camera function whenever you pull up the app to use. There, however, are apps that do not need access to your camera to function. Does your navigation app need access to your camera even when it is not in use? Take back control of your camera by using the steps below to find out which apps have access to your camera and turn it on or off.

On an iPhone & iPad:

Go to SettingsScroll down and select Privacy or Privacy & SecuritySelect CameraYou can see which apps have access to your camera. Of course, you can leave the apps where it makes sense to have access to your camera toggle on. For apps that do not, you can toggle access off (it will be greyed out)

On a Mac:

Select System Preferences in your dockClick Security & Privacy or it might be listed as Privacy & SecuritySelect Privacy tabClick Camera to see which programs and apps have access to these functionsCheck or uncheck apps or programs you wish to give or deny access to the camera

On an Android:

Open SettingsSelect AppsSelect the app you want to change (If you can’t find it, select See all apps)Select Permissions to view if you allowed or denied any permissions for the appTo change a permission setting, select it, then choose Allow only while using the app, Ask everytime or Don’t allow

Android settings may vary based on the manufacturer’s settings.

Changing Microphone settings:

On an iPhone & iPad:

Go to SettingsScroll down and select Privacy or Privacy & SecuritySelect MicrophoneYou can see which apps have access to your microphone. Of course, you can leave the apps where it makes sense to have access to your microphone toggle on. For apps that do not, you can toggle access off (it will be greyed out)

On a Mac:

Select System Preferences in your dockClick Security & Privacy or it might be listed as Privacy & SecuritySelect Privacy tabClick Microphone to see which programs and apps have access to these functionsCheck or uncheck apps or programs you wish to give or deny access to the microphone

On an Android:

Open SettingsSelect AppsSelect the app you want to change (If you can’t find it, select ‘See all apps’)Select Permissions to view if you allowed or denied any permissions for the appTo change a permission setting, select it, then choose Allow only while using the app, Ask everytime or Don’t allow

Android settings may vary based on the manufacturer’s settings.

Changing location service:

A quick check of who and what is on the receiving end of your exact location will surprise you. We all tend to simply click yes or okay when downloading an app. Over time, the list of location stalking apps starts to grow longer than is safe for your privacy and protection.

On an iPhone & iPad:

Go to SettingsScroll down and select Privacy or Privacy & SecuritySelect Location ServicesIn Location Services, you can see which apps have access to your location and whenSelect the app you want to change the location services setting (For example: I selected ‘Allrecipes’)

You’ll see the following options:
Never
Ask Next Time
While Using the App
Always
NeverAsk Next TimeWhile Using the AppAlwaysIn this specific example, I don’t feel that a cooking recipe app needs my location at all times. It is helpful, however, to have accurate location service while using the app as it does aggregate information about where and for how much the ingredients in a recipe are being sold for near me.Still nervous about giving your exact location? Toggle off Precise Location to provide an approximate location instead.

On a Mac:

Select System Preferences in your dockClick Security & Privacy or it might be listed as Privacy & SecuritySelect Privacy tabSelect Location Services and check off the apps or programs you want to give access to your location information

On an Android:

Swipe down from the top of the screen twiceTap and hold LocationSelect App permissionsUnder categories such as Allowed all the time and Allowed only while in use, you’ll find which apps that can use your phone’s location and whenSelect the app if you want to change its permissionUnder Location Permission, select one of the following:
Allow all the time
Allow only while using the app
Don’t allow
Allow all the timeAllow only while using the appDon’t allow

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Putting the control back in your hands

It’s easy to shrug off the importance of guarding your privacy on your devices. Yet, so much information is getting collected about you and your loved ones beyond the necessary scope to operate accurately. It is essential to take control of your privacy by making sure that you:

Know which apps are using certain functions of your phone and what data is being collectedLimit unnecessary access.

While it is convenient to call out to Siri when your hands are full, it is an entirely different situation knowing that your rideshare app is utilizing access to your microphone and camera when you’re not even using it.

Sure, you may have nothing to “hide,” however, do you really want bits of text messages and contact information being collected about you and sold to the highest bidder?

Other preventative measures to take include:

Only download apps from official sources such as the Apple App Store or Google Play StoreMake sure the apps you are downloading come from well-reviewed and reputable developersInstalling antivirus software. See my expert review of the best antivirus protection for your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices by searching “Best Antivirus” at CyberGuy.com by clicking the magnifying glass icon at the top of my website.

Related: Free antivirus: should you use it?

Let us know how you set your controls on your device to help protect your privacy. We’d love to hear from you.

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