🛌 True story I have to share: A friend was having trouble with his teen son playing video games too much. He decided to take the door off the kid’s bedroom. When his son came home and asked what was going on, he told him, “Son, we’ve updated the privacy policy in our home.” Classic.
The worst money apps for your data revealed
I can’t remember the last time I went into a bank. No reason to now that I do it all from my phone. We trust banking apps to keep our financial info safe and secure — but what about privacy? Oh yeah, that.
Merchant Machine reviewed the privacy policies of today’s top banking and finance apps. Researchers found that the 20 worst offenders take an average of 20 unique types of data. Major yikes.
We’re not just talking about your location, purchases and username. It’s everything from browsing history to contacts, search history, usage data and even health and fitness metrics. What are you giving away?
Robin my data
If you use your smartphone to make investments, you’re probably familiar with Robinhood. You might not realize how much info it takes from you: 25 data points, to be exact. And no, it’s not giving it to the poor. Btw, it fell victim to a data breach in 2021.
A newer bank on the scene is Chime, which has had its fair share of controversy. In addition to collecting 23 personal data segments from app users, Chime is guilty of locking users out of their accounts and holding their cash hostage.
What about the big hitters?
Chase is one of the biggest names in the biz and one of the worst data-collection offenders. The Chase mobile app takes 20 data points on users.
In case you forgot, Chase was fined $200 million in 2021 for allowing employees to discuss bank business over messaging apps “to circumvent federal record-keeping laws.” Where there’s smoke, there’s fire.
Download now, steal data later
The buy now, pay later (BNPL) business is booming. BNPL giant Klarna has about 150 million active users — who buy stuff from half a million merchants. The app grabs 24 types of personal data.
BNPL apps definitely take the edge off a large purchase, but they’re also closely tied to your credit score. Something to consider before allowing an app like Klarna to access your shopping habits.
Removing your info from the web takes forever - Unless you do this
I’ve warned you about all the scummy sites that collect your personal details for years. I’ll never forget, not too long ago, when my son Ian asked about a house I lived at in my 20s. I couldn’t remember where it was.
Here's what Amazon knows about you when you use a Ring doorbell
When you want to protect your home, you look for security systems that warn when people are on your property, record footage you can access at any time and can sound an alarm that scares off any would-be burglars.
Alarm systems should have your protection at heart. The information your alarm company accesses should be used for that purpose and that purpose only.
Opt-Out Tuesday: How to remove your info from ZabaSearch
As you surf the web and social media, companies and data brokers are building a robust online profile. They use everything from the ads you click on to the topics you spend the most time browsing to hit you with related ads.
Is TikTok banned? Everything you need to know to protect yourself
TikTok has been under scrutiny for its dangerous privacy practices since its inception, and things are reaching a boiling point.
Rumors of a domestic ban on the China-based video-hosting service have been swirling, and there is some evidence to back them up. Here’s what you need to know.
How to see everything Amazon knows about you
Tech giants don’t become enormous by guessing what users want or need. Behind the scenes is a complex operation of algorithms, customer information and personal data. That information must be gathered from somewhere.
Taking surveys to earn money? Don't fall for scams out to get your info
The new year is upon us, and what better way to get a headstart than to bring in some extra cash? There are several ways to go about this, from selling your old stuff to renting out your property. Tap or click here for five ways to save and make money in 2023.
Have this security cam at home? You should probably stop using it
Tech makes for great Christmas presents, but be careful — you may be giving your loved ones more than they wish for. Here are the five worst and five best tech devices regarding privacy.
Among the biggest offenders that have made headlines recently is Eufy, a subsidiary of Anker. The company sells smart locks, doorbells, cameras, hubs and more.
Here's everything TikTok collects on you - Delete it now
TikTok has exploded in popularity recently. The video-sharing platform has some fun things to watch, and you might find your next favorite recipe.
The problem is the platform has a shady history with security and privacy. In fact, we recently told you that TikTok has the capability to record everything that you type. Tap or click here for our report.
Data-hungry apps: These are the worst for your privacy
Big Tech is always after your data, and that’s especially bad when it affects national security. TikTok has been accused of spying and sending U.S. data to China. Tap or click here to keep your info safe.
Facebook, Instagram, PayPal, YouTube, eBay, Google, and TikTok. These are some of the biggest names in tech, with billions of active users worldwide. You likely have accounts with some or all of these companies. Did you read the fine print before agreeing to their privacy policies? Most people don’t.
Warning: Trendy ‘New Profile Pic’ app could be a risk to your data
Social media is a great way to keep up with friends and family. But nobody wants to look at the same profile picture for months on end. You could pose for a new photo or use an app to get creative with one in your library.
Check your phone - These prayer and mental health apps fail to protect your data
Think about all the apps on your phone, and how many of them contain potentially sensitive information. You might have social media accounts, banking details and health records.
You might think apps like that would take your personal information seriously – especially when the subject matter can be sensitive. We all know by now that’s definitely not always the case, and plenty of apps have been known to expose user data. And here we go again.
5 dangerous cybersecurity mistakes you’re probably making
The FBI’s latest Internet Cybercrime Report paints a bleak picture. Last year, Americans lost more than $6.9 billion to cyber crooks.
Don’t think you’re too smart to fall for their tricks. Even savvy people can get conned out of money before realizing what happened. Tap or click five simple, effective ways to secure your smartphone.
Popular app parents use to keep an eye on the kids reportedly selling kids' and parents' locations
Technology can play an essential role in keeping your family safe. Your smartphone comes with built-in features like emergency contact lists, emergency SOS and the option to display vital medical information on your lock screen.
An easy way to spot fine-print 'gotchas' before you agree to online terms of service
Quick show of hands: Who here actually reads all the way through the terms of service when signing up for a website or app? Aside from the lawyers among us, we’ll hazard a guess that the number is low. Terms of service tend to be dense and boring, but they contain critical information that has huge implications.
Privacy warning: Do mental health apps share your data?
No matter what you do online, your privacy should be a priority. Whether you’re shopping or working, your information and data are at risk.
There are ways to protect yourself, including changing your browsing habits, keeping your devices updated and more. Tap or click here to see how a virtual private network can help keep you safe.
Tips and tricks for buying a used Peloton bike
The pandemic has not only forced people to rethink their working routines but also where to exercise. Social distancing protocols and mask-wearing ruled out going to the gym for many.
Through these trying times, Peloton’s exercise equipment became all the rage. And where demand is greater than the supply, it can be rather tough to get your hands on a Peloton Bike right now. Tap or click for fitness gadgets you can pick up right now.
Hacker exposes 99% of Parler messages and posts, including location data
To say Parler has had an eventful week would be the understatement of the year. First, Apple and Google booted it from their app stores. Then, an Amazon subsidiary deactivated the app, so you can’t find it anywhere.
Has WhatsApp been sharing your data with Facebook for years?
Facebook is one of the worst tech companies when it comes to safeguarding its users’ privacy. It’s been known to share your personal information with advertisers to provide targeted ads and third-party companies like Cambridge Analytica.