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A Cybersecurity Expert Reveals How To Boost Privacy And Security By Disabling This One Setting That Tracks Your Exact Location

December 15, 2024 by Lisa Cupido

 
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Apps take a lot of permissions — or at least they try to. If left to their own devices, apps would have access to your exact locations (every time you move), your preferences, contacts list, and so much more. The more of your data an app like Facebook (for example) can access, the more they can do with that data — namely, sell it to third-party advertisers who will pay top dollar to figure out how to best market their products to you.

Some apps are sneakier than others and will be more successful at getting your data. But most apps can’t access your exact location unless they have your permission. And there is a speedy way to figure out which apps know your whereabouts and cut off that access.

One cybersecurity expert explains in simple terms how you can pick up your iPhone right this very minute, visit one important setting — Location Services — and make a change that will automatically boost your privacy and security.

Location Services


To cut off an app’s access to your exact location, go to Settings > Location Services. Scroll down and view all of the apps on your phone. Next to the app’s name you’ll be able to see if your location is toggled on or off for the app. Turn off each app’s location permission individually or turn them off all at once on top. For some apps, you can also opt to allow them to only access your location when you’re using them (which comes in handy with apps like Apple Maps).


This simple setting is an important one that can help keep your data more private and secure.

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