Archives - Privacy


Keep tabs on your apps

Most connected appliances, toys, and devices are supported by a mobile application. Your mobile device could be filled with suspicious apps running in the background or using default permissions you never realized you approved—gathering your personal information without your knowledge while also putting your identity and privacy at risk. Check your app permissions and use […]

Get a paper shredder for any sensitive documents

Do you work with a lot of paper documents or other types of physical media (e.g., CDs or DVDs) that contain sensitive data? If so, it may be advisable to get a paper shredder for safe disposal of such assets once you no longer need them. Pay attention to whether the shredder makes strip, cross, […]

Think about using a privacy screen

Ever worried about someone looking over your shoulder while you’re on your laptop or tablet? A privacy screen can help. These specialized add-ons reduce the viewing angles on your device so that onlookers can’t see what you’re doing or steal sensitive information. Plus, these screens are usually unobtrusive and easy to install.

How to safely manage your voice-controlled gadgets

Devices with voice recognition became much more common throughout the 2010s. The addition of Siri to the iPhone 4S in 2011 spurred major competition among tech vendors looking to put voice-powered assistants at the center of how end users interact with their phones, tablets, speakers and smart TVs. Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, among others, […]

Prune revealing content from your social media accounts

It’s prudent to review your social media accounts every now and then to see if you’ve left any photos, videos, or textual updates on them that might reveal sensitive details about your identity or location. Delete such posts or at least hide them from public viewing to minimize exposure.

Curb online tracking in your browser

Most websites collect a lot of information on a visitor, which is then used to track them across the web and target ads. If you’re uncomfortable with that, consider setting up an ad blocker or installing specialized extensions that limit what any site can see about your device and activity.