Modern smartphones collect and share an overwhelming amount of data. While this improves functionality, it also poses serious privacy and security risks. For Utah businesses, understanding how phones track users is essential to protecting sensitive data and maintaining cybersecurity.
Here are six ways your phone tracks you and practical steps to stop it. #UtahITSupport #ManagedITServices #CybersecurityUtah
Why Phone Tracking Is a Concern
Smartphones constantly gather data about your behavior, location, and habits. For individuals and businesses in Utah, this can result in:
- Privacy Risks: Apps and devices collect personal information, often without clear consent.
- Cybersecurity Threats: Hackers can exploit tracking data to target you or your business.
- Data Exposure: Publicly shared location data can increase the risk of breaches.
Limiting phone tracking reduces these risks and helps safeguard your privacy and sensitive business information.
6 Ways Phones Track You—and How to Stop It
1. Location Services
Your phone uses GPS to track your real-time location. Apps rely on this data for navigation and recommendations but often retain unnecessary information.
How to Turn It Off:
- iPhone: Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services. Disable or adjust permissions for each app.
- Android: Open Settings > Location > App Permissions and restrict access for specific apps.
2. App Permissions
Apps often request access to your microphone, camera, or contacts, even when those features aren’t required. This data can be used to track your activity.
How to Turn It Off:
- iPhone: Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > App Permissions to review and disable access.
- Android: Navigate to Settings > Apps > Permissions and manage app access.
3. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Connections
Phones constantly search for Wi-Fi networks and Bluetooth devices, which can be exploited to track your location.
How to Turn It Off:
- iPhone: Swipe down from the top-right corner to disable Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. For deeper settings, go to Settings > Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
- Android: Open Settings > Location > Wi-Fi & Bluetooth Scanning and disable both options.
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4. Web Browsing and Search Activity
Web browsers collect your history, cookies, and search queries, creating detailed profiles of your behavior.
How to Turn It Off:
- iPhone & Android: Use incognito mode for private browsing. Regularly clear cookies and history in browser settings.
5. Advertising IDs
Smartphones assign an advertising ID to track user activity across apps and websites, enabling personalized ads.
How to Turn It Off:
- iPhone: Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Tracking and disable app tracking.
- Android: Open Settings > Privacy > Ads and opt out of ad tracking.
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6. Social Media and Search Engine Activity
Social media platforms like Facebook and search engines like Google monitor your activity to refine ads and suggestions.
How to Turn It Off:
- Social Media: Visit the privacy settings of platforms like Facebook and Instagram to reduce data collection.
- Google: Go to Google Account > Data & Privacy > Web & App Activity to limit tracking.
Why Utah Businesses Should Care
Phone tracking isn’t just a personal issue—it’s a business risk. If employees use personal or company devices for work, tracking can expose sensitive business data. This increases the risk of:
- Data Breaches: Tracking data could be exploited by hackers.
- Identity Theft: Personal and company information may be at risk.
- Cyber Threats: Targeted attacks based on tracking data can disrupt operations.
By addressing these risks, Utah businesses can enhance their cybersecurity posture and protect their operations.
How Managed IT Services Can Help
For businesses in Utah, partnering with a managed IT services provider is a critical step in protecting company devices and data. Maise Technology offers:
- Device Management: Secure phones and other endpoints to prevent unauthorized tracking.
- Cybersecurity Solutions: Protect your business from phishing, malware, and other threats.
- Employee Training: Educate teams on privacy settings and safe device usage.
Get a Free Cybersecurity Risk Assessment
Protecting your data starts with understanding your vulnerabilities. At Maise Technology, we provide a FREE Cybersecurity Risk Assessment for Utah businesses. Our team will:
- Identify risks in your devices and network
- Recommend actionable solutions to secure your business
- Help you maintain compliance and privacy
Call us today at 888-624-7383 to schedule your free assessment. Stay informed by subscribing to our newsletter for tips on IT support and cybersecurity. #ManagedITServices #UtahITSupport #CybersecurityUtah
