Safer Internet: Connection: Turn Off Unnecessary Services

Summary | Sys. Prefs | Login Screen | Find My ... |
Location | Camera, etc. | Bluetooth | Notifications | Speech |
References: General | Android | Bluetooth | Camera | iOS | Location |
macOS | Microphone | Notifications | Screens | Video | Windows

---

Summary

• [1] Review System Preferences to control what information is shared between apps and over the internet
• [1] Add Contact Info to Login ('Lock') Screen -- useful for medical emergency or if device found
• [1] Enable Find My xx to locate, and optionally erase, your lost/stolen device
• [1] Control Access to your Location by apps and sites: maps, local stores, advertisers?
• [1] Control Access to your Computer, Keyboard, Camera, Microphone, Screen by apps and sites
• [1] Limit Bluetooth Access, e.g., to known contacts only, esp. with AirDrop
• [2] Control System and App Notifications
• [2] Control Sharing of Speech & Analytics Data, e.g., Siri, Alexa; app crashes
• Later sections: Internet of Things (SmartTVs; Game boxes; Amazon Alexa, Apple Siri, Google Home); Share Files Privately
• References

[1] Review System Preferences

• Besides exploring every option under Preferences / Settings, you can use Search
• macOS: System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Privacy : Location Services, Contacts, Calendars, Reminders, Accessibility, Diagnostics & Usage [screenshot]
• macOS: System Preferences > Sharing : Screen, Files, Printer, Remote, Internet, Bluetooth [screenshot]
• macOS: System Preferences > Extensions : All, Actions, Finder, Photos Editing, Share Menu, Today
• iOS: Settings > Privacy : (many) [screenshot]
• iOS: Settings > General > Restrictions: (many)
• Windows: (File Sharing) {Figure 7. TCYOP-4: 72; TCYOP-3: 59}

[1] Add Contact Info to Login ('Lock') Screen

• macOS: System Preferences > Security & Privacy > General (lock message) [screenshot]
• iPhone: Health > Medical ID: Medical Conditions, Spouse, Child, Blood Type, Organ Donor
• result: "Emergency" link on lock screen
• iOS: add a message to your Lock Screen by overlaying text* on an image
• You can also set this (or a different) image as your Home Screen (background for app icons).
• iOS: Settings > Wallpaper > Choose a New Wallpaper > Camera Roll > [screenshot]
• ... (tap lock image) > (iPhone:Set) > Set Lock Screen
• ... (tap home image) > (iPhone:Set) > Set Home Screen
• *[2] Use an image app on desktop or iOS to add text to an image; tradeoffs: cost, simplicity, flexibility.
• e.g., use Preview on Mac to create 2 appropriately-sized images: one for use with Home Screen, one with text for Lock Screen
• macOS: Finder > (select original image) > File > Duplicate; rename with suffix, e.g., 'home'
• macOS: Preview > File > Open: 'home' image, e.g., my-ipad-screen-home.jpg
• Preview: use rectangular selection tool to highlight a square area corresponding to device's smaller dimension
• e.g., iPad Air: 2048x2048, iPhone 7: 750x750; square wallpaper will work with both portrait and landscape screen orientations
• macOS: Preview > Tools > Crop; File > Save
• macOS: Finder > (select 'home' image) > File > Duplicate; rename with suffix, e.g., 'lock'
• macOS: Preview > File > Open: 'lock' image, e.g., my-ipad-screen-lock.jpg
• macOS: Preview > Tools > Annotate > Text
• add text, e.g., name, email, phone: yours(iPad), spouse(iPhone); customize font, size, etc.
• macOS: Preview > File > Save
• transfer lock (& home) image file(s) to Photos (iOS) via AirPlay, Messages, Mail, ...
• set wallpaper(s) -- per earlier instructions
• iOS: Settings > Control Center > Access on Lock Screen If on, someone would be able to enable Airplane Mode on a lost/stolen phone, which would disable Find My iPhone
• iOS: Settings > Passcode (or Touch ID & Passcode) > Allow access when locked: Notifications, Siri, Wallet, etc. [screenshot]

[1] Enable Find My iPhone, iPad, Mac, Windows

• To use: login to iCloud account
• macOS: System Preferences > iCloud > Find My Mac [screenshot]
• iOS: Settings > (my acct) > iCloud > Find My iPad/iPhone [screenshot]
• [2] iOS: Settings > Privacy > Location Services > System Services > Status Bar Icon: off If your phone is lost/stolen, and you're tracking it, it's better not to advertise it, though this turns off for all location services?
• Windows: Windows Settings > Update & Security > Find my Device
• Windows iCloud setup for iOS devices

[1] Control Access to your Location

• Before
• And: Settings > Security & Location > Location > App-Level Permissions: on, off
• macOS: System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Privacy : Location Services [screenshot]
• macOS: ... Location Services > System Services > Details > Show location icon in menu bar when System Services request your location
• macOS: Safari > Preferences > Privacy > Website use of Location Services [screenshot]
• macOS: Firefox -- none?
• macOS: Chrome > Preferences > Advanced Settings > Privacy > Content Settings > Location
• iOS: Settings > Privacy : Location Services: Share My Location; Apps; System Services choices: Never, Always, While Using [screenshot]
• iOS: Settings > (your acct) > iCloud > Share My Location
• After: allow/deny for specific web sites that request access on an adhoc basis

[1] Control Access to your Computer, Keyboard, Camera, Microphone, Screen

• An entrepreneur has made a device that can prevent the NSA from spying on you by blocking your laptop's camera. This new high-tech device is... called a small piece of tape.
• Avoid snooping on your keyboard and screen over your shoulder in public places; control remote access
• macOS: System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Privacy > Accessibility > Allow apps to control your computer [screenshot]
• macOS: System Preferences > Sharing > Screen Sharing; Remote Login [screenshot]
• macOS: System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Privacy > Camera
  older versions: use a piece of cardboard & tape except for specific apps!
• macOS: Chrome > Preferences > Advanced Settings > Privacy > Content Settings > Mouse cursor; Media (camera, microphone)
• iOS: Settings > Privacy > Microphone, Camera, Motion [screenshot]
• iOS: Settings > Safari > Camera & Microphone Access
• Windows: Windows Settings > System > Remote Desktop

[1] Limit Access to Bluetooth

• a wireless technology standard for exchanging data over short distances between "paired" devices, e.g., for keyboard, headset, AirDrop (file sharing), share Internet connection
• range: 30-300' depending on device power Class and environmental factors
• most modern devices and implementations support encryption
• however, if you enable only temporarily when you need it, your device will be more secure, use less power, etc.
• macOS: System Preferences > Bluetooth > Turn Bluetooth: On/Off [screenshot]
• iOS: [swipe up] > AirPlay
• iOS: General > AirDrop: Contacts Only -- or Receiving Off; if Everyone then just temporarily
• iOS: Settings > Bluetooth: On/Off [screenshot] -- note: disabling via iOS11 Control Center does not completely turn off!

[2] Control System and App Notifications

• Messages that appear in the 'Notification Center' can be useful vs. annoying
• risk if someone sees screen, e.g., verification codes via SMS; allow/deny for web sites that request access?
• macOS: System Preferences > Notifications [screenshot]
• macOS: Safari > Preferences > Websites > Notifications: Allow websites to ask for permission to send push notifications
• macOS: Chrome > Preferences > Advanced Settings > Privacy > Content Settings > Notifications
• iOS: Settings > Notifications [screenshot]
• iOS: Settings > Notifications > Show Previews > When Unlocked
• Windows: Windows Settings > System > Notifications & Actions

[2] Control Sharing of Speech & Analytics Data

• Collecting data about crashes and usage of services can improve system services and applications
• Is it anonymized? Read privacy policies
• iOS: Settings > General > Siri > About Siri and Privacy (read)
• Dictation online: spoken words are recorded and uploaded to Apple's servers for translation
• Enhanced (offline) mode more private but requires software install
• macOS: System Preferences > Dictation & Speech > Dictation > Use Enhanced Dictation
• iOS: Settings > Privacy > iPad/iPhone Analytics: [none/all] Share iPad Analytics (with Apple), Share With App Developers, Share iCloud Analytics (with Apple)
• macOS: System Preferences > Security&Privacy > Privacy > Analytics: [select] Share Mac Analytics (with Apple), Share with App Developers, Share iCloud Analytics (with Apple)

References

• {TCYOP-4: 72-73; TCYOP-3: 59-60}
• sections: Refs: Android; Bluetooth; Camera; iOS; Location; macOS; Microphone; Notifications; Screens; Video; Windows
• see also VPN section (for hiding location), Mobile Privacy section
• topics: AirDrop, Alexa, autoplay, geofencing, maps, Medical ID, photos, Siri, tape
• Wikipedia: Location-based service; Geo-fence; Find My iPhone/Mac
• HowStuffWorks: How Location Tracking Works
• The Best Thing About Apple's AirTags Is Also the Scariest abusers installing unwanted trackers; Giz; 4/30/2021
• 6 Privacy-Focused Alternatives to the Apps You Use Every Day Signal for Messaging; Firefox for Web Browsing; DuckDuckGo for Search; OsmAnd for Maps (OpenStreetMap); ProtonMail for Email; Jumbo for Social Media; Wired; 12/13/2020
• macOS systems abused in DDoS attacks Apple Remote Desktop enabled; ZD; 10/3/2019
• Researcher: devices can be tracked across apps and sites with info from sensors like gyroscope patched on iOS; a minor issue on Android, given poor calibration; ZD; 5/22/2019
• iOS 12.2 will be able to block Web access to your iPhone's motion sensors ad agencies are reportedly worried about the change; ApIn; 2/4/2019

Android

• Google: Choose which apps use your Android device's location
• More than 1,000 Android apps harvest data even after you deny permissions e.g., location; CNet; 7/8/2019
• Here's the easiest way to find, lock, or wipe your lost Android phone TNW; 7/1/2019
• How to stop location tracking Verge; 4/12/2019

Bluetooth

• Wikipedia: Bluetooth; Bluetooth Security
• HowStuffworks: How Bluetooth Works; How Bluetooth Surveillance Works
• Thieves Are Using Bluetooth to Target Vehicle Break-Ins How to keep your devices safe when you park at a trailhead -- or anywhere; power off or Airplane mode; Out; 12/9/2019
• New Attack exploiting serious Bluetooth weakness can intercept sensitive data Key Negotiation of Bluetooth (KNOB) forces devices to use encryption keys that are trivial to break; attacker within 10-400m; Ars; 8/17/2019

Camera

• Can Someone Really Spy on Me Through My Webcam or Phone Camera? LH; 12/16/2021
• How to Stop Apps from Using Camera on Mac OSXD; 7/11/2019

iOS

• Apple: Privacy: Siri and Dictation; Maps; Health
• Apple: iOS Security Network security pp. 27-30; 9/2015
• Apple: iOS: Supported Bluetooth profiles 3/5/2015
• Jamf's Quick Guide to Which iOS Permissions Apps Really Need TB; 8/26/2021
• How to Manage Which Apps Access Location Data on iPhone & iPad OSXD; 12/29/2020
• How to set up Medical ID on your iPhone MW; 10/21/2020
• Double-Check Your iPhone's Medical ID Emergency Contacts TB; 2/18/2020
• Stop AirDrop in iOS with Screen Time MW; 2/13/2020
• How to See & Change What Apps Can Access Health Data on iPhone OSXD; 1/30/2020
• What is the Screen Time Passcode in iOS 12? OSXD; 3/30/2019

Location

• How to find, block, and disable an unknown AirTag moving with you MW; 5/2/2023
• How to Make Sure You're Not Accidentally Sharing Your Location Wired; 2/12/2023
• How the Find My App Became an Accidental Friendship Fixture
  introduced 10 years ago, the app has slowly become a popular way to keep track of friends.
  But it comes with considerable privacy concerns; NYT; 8/20/2022
• Your Phone's Location Access Reveals a Lot. Here's How to Turn It Off. NYT; 6/29/2022
• How to find, block, and disable an unknown AirTag moving with you MW; 5/1/2022
• Can Controlling Vehicles Make Streets Safer and More Climate Friendly?
  geofencing, Sweden; NYT; 3/28/2022
• How to Hide / Blur Your Home on Google Maps & Apple Maps OSXD; 3/1/2022
• How to find, block, and disable an unknown AirTag moving with you MW; 2/18/2022
• How to find, block, and disable an unknown AirTag moving with you MW; 2/11/2022
• An update on AirTag and unwanted tracking Apple; 2/10/2022
• Apple's New 'Personal Safety Guide' Helps You Deal With AirTag Stalkers Giz; 1/25/2022
• Are Apple AirTags Being Used to Track People and Steal Cars? NYT; 12/30/2021
• What to do when you find an AirTag, or are told by your iPhone that one is following you ApIn; 12/20/2021
• Life360 Family Tracking App Is Selling Its Customers’ Precise Location Data TB; 12/15/2021
• How to opt out of the Find My network
  participating in Apple’s crowdsourced network for devices and AirTags is optional; MW; 5/28/2021
• Six Reasons Why Google Maps Is the Creepiest App On Your Phone
  1. Google Maps Wants Your Search History
  2. Google Maps Limits Its Features If You Don't Share Your Search History
  3. Google Maps Can Snitch On You
  4. Google Maps Wants to Know Your Habits
  5. Google Maps Doesn't Like It When You're Offline
  6. Google Makes It Seem Like This Is All for Your Own Good;
  Vice; 11/12/2020
• What are geofence warrants? TNW; 9/5/2020
• Beware of find-my-phone, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth, NSA tells mobile users plus ad tracking; Ars; 8/4/2020
• How to Remove Location Data from Photos Before Sharing on iPhone & iPad OSXD; 5/29/2020
• How to Find a Lost iPhone, iPad, Mac with FindMy on Mac OSXD; 11/25/2019
• Find My: How to use Apple's new all-in-one app to find friends and devices MW; 10/14/2019
• How to Set Your Google Data to Self-Destruct
  option to set search and location data to automatically disappear after a certain time;
  myactivity.google.com; NYT; 10/2/2019
• How Incognito Google Maps Protects You -- and How It Doesn't Wired; 10/2/2019
• How to Disable Location Based Apple Ads on Mac OSXD; 8/30/2019
• Researchers find that in four dating apps, including Grindr, any user's location can be determined using the apps' public APIs, if the username is known 8/12/2019
• The Terrible Anxiety of Location Sharing Apps Wired; 7/28/2019
• EFF Hits AT&T With Lawsuit Over Sale Of User Location Data TD; 7/16/2019
• Secret Palantir User Manual Sheds Light on How ICE and Law Enforcement Track Families Vice; 7/12/2019
• How Apple's New Find My Service Locates Missing Hardware That's Offline TB; 6/21/2019
• iOS 13 will show you where apps have tracked your location, on a map TNW; 6/10/2019
• [2] The Clever Cryptography Behind Apple's 'Find My' Feature Wired; 6/5/2019
• Study: many iOS apps, including the Washington Post's, use "background app refresh" to send tracking info like location and IP address, even late at night Our privacy experiment showed 5,400 hidden app trackers guzzled our data — in a single week; WaPo; 5/28/2019
• Google Is Probably Tracking Your Location Right Now -- Here's How to Stop That MF; 5/5/2019
• How to Return a Lost Phone Contact Info (on case; ICE (in case of emergency); Voice Assistant; NYT; 4/24/2019
• Tracking Phones, Google Is a Dragnet for the Police NYT; 4/13/2019
• Google's Sensorvault Is a Boon for Law Enforcement this Is How It Works; NYT; 4/13/2019
• The Chicken Is Local, But Was It Happy? GPS Now Tells The Life Story Of Your Poultry NPR; 2/24/2019
• Your phone and TV are tracking you, and political campaigns are listening in 'digital fence' pushed ads onto the iPhones and Androids of all those attending the meeting. Not only that, but because the technology pulled the unique identification numbers off the phones, a data broker could also use the digital signatures to follow the devices home. Once there, the campaign could use so-called cross-device tracking technology to find associated laptops, desktops and other devices to push even more ads; possible solutions? VPN, ad blocking, app settings (or safer apps), TV settings; LAT; 2/20/2019
• How to stop Facebook from tracking your location And, iOS; TNW; 2/21/2019
• Apple, Google Criticized For Carrying App That Lets Saudi Men Track Their Wives Absher, an app from the Saudi government, helps men in the country track and dictate where women can travel; Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., sent a letter to both companies asking them to remove the app; NPR; 2/12/2019
• 'Find my iPhone' warned murder victim of assailant's location minutes before death she was shot to death, but it gave her enough time to save her son; ApIn; 2/6/2019
• How to Change IP Address & GeoLocation for Web Browsing with Epic OSXD; 1/30/2019
• AT&T and T-Mobile say they will stop selling customers' location data to 3rd-party service providers by March; Verizon says it's winding down sharing agreements WaPo; 1/10/2019
• Los Angeles sues the company behind the Weather Channel app, which is owned by IBM, for slyly using location data for commercial purposes NYT; 1/3/2019

macOS

• How to find out which Mac apps are tracking your location MW; 6/14/2021
• How to Prevent Microphone & Camera Access for Websites in Safari on Mac OSXD; 4/22/2021
• Feeling Paranoid? Micro Snitch Tells You If Your Mac Is Spying on You TB; 7/22/2020
• How to Delete Siri & Dictation History on Mac and Opt-Out of Audio Recording Storage OSXD; 11/21/2019
• Apple's AirDrop and password sharing features can leak iPhone numbers AirDrop: Contacts Only? disable Bluetooth? Ars; 8/1/2019
• Best Mac remote access apps MW; 7/4/2019
• Know When Malware Tries to Access Your Mac's Camera or Mic With This App Oversight; LH; 3/9/2019

Microphone

• How to manage camera and microphone permissions on iPhone and iPad ApIn; 7/6/2022

Notifications

• How to Take Control of Your Notifications NYT; 2/5/2020

Screens

• The Sometimes Catastrophic, but Mostly Just Embarrassing Consequences of Screen Sharing at Work NYT; 3/21/2019
• How to Not Ruin Your Life (or Just Die of Embarrassment) With a Screen Share NYT; 3/21/2019

Video

• Apple says it has notified app developers to remove code that lets them record how a user interacts with their apps without explicit user consent Glassbox 'session replay' records taps, button pushes and keyboard entry; TC; 2/7/2019
• Microsoft introduces background blur feature to Skype, which uses AI to detect the user's hair, hands, and arms, and blur distracting objects in the background Giz; 2/7/2019

Windows

---