personal data - Softonic English

Warning: Android apps collect your data without permission

Android apps have the ability to collect your data through hidden channels.

After you tell an app that it does not have permission to collect any of your data, you expect that to be the end of the story.

However, a recent article from CNN says that these apps continue to collect your information even after you told them to stop. According to the article, there are thousands of apps have the ability to still collect data through hidden channels on your phone. About 60 apps were discovered to be doing this. This is potentially affecting millions of Android users.

This was uncovered by researchers from the nonprofit research center International Computer Science Institute. They reported the issue to Google who compensated them for their work and said that the issue will be fixed in a future update.

Although the issue is concerning, apps that are taking data may not be doing so maliciously or intentionally. In some cases, apps that have permission to collect data and then stored it on the phone’s SD card. From there, apps without permission were able to access the data.

Google Chrome has 11,000 cookies skimming your data

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Wrapping up

Although we do not know whether or not apps were collecting data with malicious intent, this is still a major privacy concern. Although the iPhone isn’t faring much better these days, it’s within your best interest to make sure you update your phone to avoid having your data stolen.

Google Chrome has 11,000 cookies skimming your data

Chrome is sending your personal data to businesses and advertisers.

Switching browsers has never sounded better.

According to the Washington Post, more than 11,000 tracker cookies were found in Google Chrome. These tracker cookies were making profiles for companies and marketers to help advertise products to you. Interestingly enough, the writer discovered that all of them were blocked when he browsed with Firefox.

How the newest Firefox keeps you safe

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How does Google track my data?

If you’re logged into Chrome, these tracker cookies are stealing and sending your personal data. However, even if you aren’t logged in, Google is still working to take your info.

If you have an Android, Google is sending your location data whenever you make a search. Even if you have your location settings turned off, Google will send coordinates instead.

If you are logged into Gmail, Google will track your data just the same as if you’re logged into Chrome.

Google Chrome Download Google Chrome ►

Chrome is a young, fast browser that can browse any web page. It supports all major technologies and standards such as HTML5 and Flash.

How to block and kill tracker-cookies on Chrome

If you are looking to clear out the tracker cookies Google has on you while you’re browsing the internet and block sites from tracking you, there is a way. However, please note that this will sign you out of most websites, so make sure that you remember your passwords!

On your desktop browser

Open Chrome
Click on the three vertical dots in the top right
Go to Settings
Click Advanced to reveal Privacy and Security
Enable the option to send a “Do to track” request with your browsing traffic
Scroll down further to the option to clear browsing data
Choose how long you want to clear cookie data
Select the option to clear cookies and other site data
That’s it, you’re all done

On mobile

Open the Chrome app
Click the three horizontal dots at the bottom right corner
Click settings
Click privacy
Select the option to not send usage data
Go to Clear Browsing Data
Make sure Cookies, Site Data is selected
Click Clear Browsing Data
You’re all set

Please note that not all websites will stop collecting data on you despite you requesting that they do not track your data.

“Many websites will still collect and use your browsing data – for example, to improve security, to provide content, services, ads, and recommendations on their websites, and to generate reporting statistics,” according to Google.

What should I do?

This isn’t the first piece of despairing new info about Chrome to come out lately. Google recently announced that ad blockers essentially won’t work on Chrome unless you pay.

Google: Pay us or your ad blocker won’t work on Chrome

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That said, we strongly recommend choosing another browser if you want to keep your personal data safe.

The Brave browser has built-in ad blocking. You can also use your favorite Chrome extensions.

Brave DOWNLOAD free ►

Enjoy private, secure and fast browsing with Brave.

Firefox has a whole host of tools that help keep you safe on the internet. From blocking cryptomining attacks to stopping invasive ads, there is no better time to start browsing with Firefox.

Mozilla Firefox

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Chrome may have the largest market share, but they’re starting to flex that power in scary ways. It’s best to get familiar with a new browser now before something drastic happens that makes you regret hanging on too long.

Zuckerberg knew about Facebook’s privacy issues and did nothing to stop them

In 2012, Facebook knew about an app that could steal millions of users’ data and did nothing to fix the problem.

Emails show that Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg had prior knowledge of Facebook’s privacy issues, according to a report from the Wall Street Journal.

One of the emails from April 2012 is deeply concerning. It shows Zuckerberg and Facebook insiders learning about a third-party app that took data from tens of millions of Facebook users while ignoring Facebook privacy policies.

The app was eventually suspended, but sources told the WSJ that this did not cause Facebook to look into their privacy issues.

Keep in mind that this was six years before millions of users had their data compromised in the Cambridge Analytica Scandal. It was also long before we knew about other apps that were stealing our data without our knowledge.

Facebook steals information about your menstrual cycles, home buying, more

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To clarify, none of the emails appear to show Zuckerberg deliberately disobeying Facebook policy. However, they do show a huge lack of responsibility and respect for Facebook users.

The emails were discovered by a probe from the Federal Trade Commission and were later reported by the WSJ.

Our take

Recently, Zuckerberg has been pushing privacy for Facebook. He wants to add more tools so users can be protected on Facebook, Messenger, WhatsApp, and Instagram.

Zuckerberg’s Facebook privacy push

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Although some were inclined to believe him, this news suggests that Zuckerberg is only doing so because Facebook was caught with its pants down.

Your privacy and personal data should be your top concern when you’re on social media, and Facebook’s users deserve to be on a platform where the company has the same concern.

Facebook’s future plans could eliminate all your privacy

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Airport charging stations could give your phone malware

Think twice before charging your device in public.

By 2019, you probably know it’s not safe to hop on the internet without a safety net in place: Anti-malware protection, a firewall, a solid VPN, and a secure password manager. We create quintillions of bytes of data every day, and it’s easy to make an innocent mistake that puts it at risk. Now that innocent mistake can include plugging your phone into a charger at an airport.

10 tips to keep your data private

Keep your data under lock and key

It’s no secret that public Wi-Fi can be sketchy at best, and while it’s convenient to charge your phone at the nearest port, it’s not necessarily safe. Free public phone chargers can be used to secretly install malware on your device, malware that can eat up your data in a process called “juice jacking.”

What’s juice jacking?

It sounds like tinfoil hat propaganda, but in reality, it’s an underrated but serious security threat. ‘Juice jacking’ was coined back in 2011, and refers to a hack attempt that uses public charging terminals to install malware on your device. It does so covertly via USB charging port, and it copies your phone’s data, pictures, and email into someone else’s hands.

“All they really need to do is load malware on the USB port,” explains IBM cybersecurity expert Charles Henderson. It’s unlikely you’ll even know it’s happened until it’s too late. “There’s really no way to tell,” says Henderson. “You really have to be extremely technologically savvy to detect such an attack.”

IBM (ie @angus_tx from @xforcered) warns of increased cyber threats while traveling https://t.co/RzaPa4AqSo

— X-Force Red (@xforcered) May 28, 2019

3 easy solutions to stay safe in airports

1. Use a portable charger

The best thing you can do is avoid airport charging terminals altogether. These days it’s not too hard to get your hands on a cheap, reliable portable charger. It’s a safe, convenient way to keep your phone charged and ready to go without putting your data at risk with a public outlet.

Top 5 portable chargers

Which is the best portable charger?

2. Use an electrical outlet instead

It should also be noted juice jacking can’t be done unless it’s via USB, so as long as you opt for an electrical outlet instead you’ll be safe.

3. Turn off your phone first

Lastly, if you’re in a situation where you’ve got no choice but to charge with a public USB port, completely powering off the device beforehand will prevent the download and transfer of your data.

Luckily, preventing your phone from being juice jacked is pretty easy. Just remember that any time you use public charging stations or Wi-Fi, your online activity could be at risk. Follow these easy steps, and stay informed!

Ultimate Online Privacy Guide

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BlueKeep security issue threatens nearly one million Windows users

If you’re running an older version of Windows, your data could be at risk.

There’s a reason people update to new versions of Windows: Old versions don’t get updated, and that makes them more susceptible to issues, both internal and external. While not every Windows update is a move forward, transitioning to a newer OS is almost always a smart step. Google is making the same assertion, too: If you haven’t upgraded to Windows 8 or 10, now’s a very good time; anything older is now putting you at risk.

Windows 10 Download

Update to a safer OS

The BlueKeep vulnerability

Just like old browsers are full of holes for malware to enter, an old OS can start becoming fallible as new threats emerge and evolve. Technically known as CVE-2019-0708, BlueKeep is a remote code execution vulnerability that exists in Remote Desktop Services. It’s when an unauthenticated attacker connects to a target system using RDP, and then starts sending requests. A successful hack attempt could then start to inflict arbitrary code on the targeted system, installing programs, deleting data, or creating new accounts that still mimic your user rights. It’s a nasty pre-authentication vulnerability in older Windows Operating Systems, and therefore doesn’t require any user interaction before it latches on.

Which OS is at risk?

Anything less than Windows 8. So if you’re running 7, 2008 R2, Vista, Server 2008, or XP, BlueKeep leaves your computer open to infection. How many people are running these old versions of Windows? Almost a million, Microsoft discovered in a recent report. Frighteningly, that’s not even including the computers on corporate networks. Errata Security predicts that anyone using an older OS probably has a month or two before BlueKeep worms its way in.

How to tell if you’re already infected

If you’re running an older OS, now’s the time to upgrade. In the meantime Errata Security’s Rob Graham has put together binaries on Github to scan for BlueKeep. If you think your PC might be infected, go to the link in his tweet and run the scan:

So I've posted both Windows and macOS binaries (self-contained, statically linked) for scanning for CVE-2019-0708 bluekeep. Just click on the badge at the top of the readme.https://t.co/aBA6PRkPD5 pic.twitter.com/C8javjaiP0

— Robᵇᵉᵗᵒ Graham (@ErrataRob) May 28, 2019

Hopefully, both your computer and network have not been compromised, but trust us – you don’t want to procrastinate on things like this. Get Windows 8 or 10 today and stay secure!

Ultimate Online Privacy Guide

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Your iPhone is probably packed with thousands of trackers sending private data

A report shows that trackers guzzled 1.5 gigabytes worth of data over a month.

The Washington Post tested an ordinary iPhone and found it had more than 5,400 trackers that were sending private data without the owner’s awareness.

This data included email addresses, phone numbers, and location data.

In the story, the writer, Geoffrey Palmer, conducts an experiment to see how much data his iPhone is sending while he sleeps. It turns out that even though he isn’t actively using his phone, apps are sending data to entities like marketing companies and research firms in the background.

Over the course of a month, these trackers would have guzzled 1.5 gigabytes of data.

Which apps use the most data and how to cut down

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How serious is this problem?

Believe it or not, a lot of apps do have legitimate reasons for sending your data. For example, GrubHub needs to know where you are if you want food delivered.

According to an article from 9to5Mac, many credit card and banking apps regularly use data to send signals to help detect fraudulent activity. In cases like these, you absolutely need these apps to send data.

Finally, many free apps are only free because of ads. In order to show you these ads, these apps need to send and receive data. If there are no ads, there are no free apps.

Alternatively, there are instances where apps are problematically sending your data.

Facebook steals information about your menstrual cycles, home buying, more

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Although there are legitimate reasons as to why an app would send personal information, Palmer did raise a good point.

“The problem is, the more places personal data flies, the harder it becomes to hold companies accountable for bad behavior — including inevitable breaches,” Palmer wrote.

Just how bad is the Facebook data breach?

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What can Apple do to help?

If you’ve ever downloaded a new app on your iPhone, you’ve probably seen the message asking for your permission to allow the app to access your data.

This is routine for apps you download on iPhone as Apple wants/needs to be transparent. However, the transparency stops here as it often doesn’t tell you what the app is doing in the background.

Most apps don’t tell you what companies are collecting your data and how they are keeping it safe. This opens the door for concern as you have no idea whether or not the data that has already been collected is safe.

Palmer suggests that Apple should be more accountable about what apps are doing with your personal data.

“Apple could require apps to label when they’re using third-party trackers,” Palmer wrote. “If I opened the DoorDash app and saw nine tracker notices, it might make me think twice about using it.”

DoorDash Download now ►

Should I be worried?

If you’re concerned about what apps are doing in the background, we would recommend downloading Datally. Unfortunately, that’s only available for Android phones.

Datally Download Now ►

Through Datally, you can disable apps that run in the background, and you can whitelist apps that you want to have unrestricted access.

As to whether or not you should be worried about your phone sending data, the answer is kinda.

Apps send data in the background all the time. Heck, it seems like we write a story about Facebook acting irresponsibly with personal data once a week. Oh look, there’s another one!

Leaked docs: Zuckerberg leveraged Facebook user data

Read now ►

There are plenty of reasons why you should throw your phone out the window and go off the grid altogether. However, if you pay close attention to what you are downloading and the permissions you give it, you can keep your data safe. Use common sense and best practices to protect your privacy, and you can keep yourself protected.

Facebook braces for users who will erase their data

Facebook is letting users clear their data history, but how will this affect the ad experience?

Before launching its new “clear history” feature, Facebook is prepping advertisers for the change.

Earlier this year, Facebook announced they were adding a “clear history” feature. The feature would show Facebook users what apps and websites were sending data to Facebook. You could then clear the data from your account, and then delete all the information currently collected.

Facebook said in a blog post that there are four key takeaways for advertisers as they unroll the clear history tool:

Giving people transparency and control is good for businesses
We’re showing people how advertisers use our tools
This feature may impact targeting
Measurement will remain intact

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Giving people transparency and control is good for businesses

This point was more of an explanation as to why they are doing it. Facebook and the apps under its umbrella: Instagram, WhatsApp, and Messenger are all free for users.

This is only possible because of advertisers. Facebook did not flat-out say that they were unethically collecting user data for more targeting advertisers. However, they did say that the company can provide advertising options while also protecting users’ privacy.

Facebook has been under fire for how they’ve been collecting user data. Trust us, we’ve been covering it:

Facebook steals information about your menstrual cycles, home buying, more

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Along with the bad publicity, many users have been deleting Facebook. According to a report for the Pew Research Center, 44% of young American Facebook users deleted the app. Basically, Facebook has realized that they can’t advertise to users if there are no users.

Showing people how advertisers use Facebook’s tools

This one is a bit self-explanatory. Facebook has data on its users; now, they want users to know what advertisers are doing with it.

Here’s where the problem lies: Facebook hasn’t given us the resources that show 100% clarity of what is happening with our data.

According to Facebook’s data policy, they collect data “including information about your interests, actions, and connections – to select and personalize ads, offers, and other sponsored content.”

You can also select your advertising preferences with Facebook.

However, this doesn’t cover everything by a long shot. Recently, it was discovered that Facebook was using user data as a leveraging point to gain advertisers.

Leaked docs: Zuckerberg leveraged Facebook user data

Read now ►

In one case, Facebook gave Amazon extensive user data information. This was because Amazon was spending money on Facebook advertising.

This feature may impact targeting

Facebook is clarifying that if a user disconnects their data, their data can no longer be used for targeted ads. Basically, many advertising strategies are going to have to change as a result.

Facebook was recently charged by HUD for discriminating users with how they targeted ads. Basically, companies could refuse to advertise to users due to their race, gender, and sexuality.

Measurement will remain intact

For its advertisers, Facebook has tools for measuring how ads are performing.

However, these tools will NOT give businesses access to personal data (not that it ever did) Basically, this is a feature that will not be changing, and Facebook wants advertisers to know that.

What should you take away?

Facebook has been in a lot of hot water over how it has handled user data and privacy. In fact, they may be fined up to $5 billion by the Federal Trade Commission over privacy issues.

With scandals, fines, and people leaving Facebook in droves, Facebook is finally making some changes. They are also making sure that their advertisers know it is coming.

Is this going to solve all of our problems with Facebook collecting our data? As history shows, probably not. However, this does look like a step in the right direction.

Google saves your information, here’s how to delete it automatically

You can now automatically delete all the data that Google stores about you.

Google can sometimes be creepy.

From autocompleting to something you looked up months ago, to knowing your location data, Google can feel like a crazy ex who isn’t getting the memo.

Luckily, Google has unveiled a new feature that will automatically delete all of the data it has on you after a certain period of time.

Here’s how to do it:

How to get Google to delete all the information it has on you

Step 1: Log in on myaccount.google.com

=Step 2: Click on “Data & Personalization” on the left side.

Step 3: Select “Web & App Activity”

Step 4: Click “Manage Activity”

Step 5: Click on the option to “Choose to delete automatically”

Step 6: Select the time frame you want to delete, and save your preferences

Should I do this?

The choice is yours.

Google can be more personalized if it has some of your personal data.

“Data makes Google services more helpful and relevant, but how we use this information is an individual choice that belongs to you,” according to the Google safety page. “We keep you informed about what data we collect, how it’s used, and why. And we build powerful data controls into your Google Account, so you can choose the privacy settings that are right for you.”

Google has an option to delete all the data it has on you from a specific day. Essentially, if you looked up something on Google that you don’t want it to remember, you can have it deleted.

This new tool is the quickest and easiest way to have your data automatically deleted. If companies having access to your personal data is a concern of yours, this is your answer.

Facebook cracks down on personality quizzes

Personality quizzes may be leaving Facebook in an attempt to protect our data.

We’ve all seen them: personality quizzes on Facebook. They’re all pretty much the same. Your balding, overweight Facebook friend posts quiz results stating that if they were a superhero, they would be Wolverine.

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Although these can be fun from time to time, we wouldn’t miss them if they bit the dust.

Facebook recently updated its platform policies. The update says that apps with minimal utility, such as personality quizzes, “may not be permitted on the platform.”

According to a company spokesperson, personality quizzes and other apps will heavily be scrutinized.

“The update also clarifies that apps may not ask for data that doesn’t enrich the in-app, user experience,” wrote Director of Product Management at Facebook Eddie O’Neil in a blog post.

What does this have to do with the Cambridge Analytica Scandal?

The Cambridge Analytica Scandal occurred a few years ago when millions of Facebook users’ data was stolen. The stolen data fell into the hands of political campaigns.

At the heart of the scandal was a quiz.

A quiz was created using the Facebook app “thisisyourdigitallife.” The quiz collected data from about 87 million users. The people who took the quiz allowed the quiz to collect their data, but they didn’t know that it was going to go to aid politicians. As a result of the scandal, Facebook ended up deleting several hundred data-stealing apps.

Where do personality quizzes fit into this?

Believe it or not, personality quizzes can reveal details about your password and security questions. Quizzes can ask questions that ask for things like the name of your first pet, or who you saw at your first rock concert. Both of these are common security questions that can lead to someone logging into your account.

Facebook has also said it is revoking expired permissions for apps. Apps that haven’t used or accessed permissions from Facebook users during the last 90 days “may be considered expired.”

Is this going to make a difference?

Facebook has undergone a great deal of scrutiny over the past few years. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development recently charged Facebook with discrimination. This, paired with the Cambridge Analytica Scandal and other data-stealing scandals, has made users cautious of Facebook.

Along with users deleting their account altogether, about 40% of users have taken a break from the social media juggernaut.

We can’t say for certain whether or not this move will remove personality quizzes altogether. We also don’t know if it will put a decisive dent in the war against data theft. This is a step in the right direction. Only time will tell if that step is a tip-toe or a leap.

Leaked docs: Zuckerberg leveraged Facebook user data

A new leak shows that Facebook cherry-picked partners, advertisers for who got our personal data.

News about Facebook selling our personal data is nothing new. However, this time we got a little more insight about the backdoor dealings with our data.

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Leaked documents show that Mark Zuckerberg, along with his board and management team, used Facebook user data as a bargaining chip with its business partners.

The documents were shared with NBC News, Computer Weekly, and Germany’s Süddeutsche Zeitung newspaper.

Private information included info about your friends, photos, and relationship data.

In one case, Facebook gave Amazon extensive user data information. This was because Amazon was spending money on Facebook advertising, according to an article from NBC.

Is this anything new?

Companies share data about you with other companies. That’s nothing new. The issue is that there isn’t another company like Facebook that knows this much about you or one that has the ability to profit from your data this much.

These leaked documents showed that Facebook was monetizing user data through third-party methods. These methods include direct payment, advertising spending, and data-sharing arrangements.

The data wasn’t sold to just anyone. According to the documents, the company instead dished it out to app developers considered to be “friends” of Zuckerberg, or Facebook advertisers.

Facebook has a lot of data on you. Even if you permanently delete your profile, some information will remain on Facebook for up to 90 days after you delete your account. Even then, some traces of your Facebook presence will still be detectable, according to the Facebook Help Center.

How to find out what Facebook knows about you

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Why is this dangerous?

Last year, you might have heard of the Cambridge Analytica scandal.

A political data firm hired by the Trump campaign took data from millions of Facebook users. This was done without their knowledge. Although Facebook suspended Cambridge Analytica from its platform, it insisted what the firm did was not a data breach. Furthermore, Facebook claimed that users opted to have their data taken.

Facebook took action against Cambridge Analytica after the deed was already done. Whether or not you’re a fan of Trump, the facts show that this Facebook deal helped his election. If our personal data can alter election outcomes, then selling it can be dangerous.

What should I do?

After the Cambridge Analytica scandal, users left Facebook in droves. After this scandal, we wouldn’t be surprised if those numbers grew.

Facebook needs to hold itself accountable. Unfortunately, as long as the company keeps making money, they may not change without government oversight.

HUD recently charged Facebook with discrimination. We are still waiting to see how that unfolds. Hopefully, this and the current scandal will inspire Facebook to make some changes. Until then, it might be time for us to join the millions of people who have already decided to leave Facebook.

And if Facebook is selling your data, you might as well do it, too.