FBI Alert – Stop Apps That Track Your iPhone or Android Now

The FBI is warning iPhone and Android users to ditch apps that track their data, with a way to harvest more than you might think. The bureau’s focus is on Chinese apps, but the risk is broader. Any number of apps on your phone may be secretly monitoring your activity. You need to stop this tracking now.

“Disable unnecessary data sharing,” the FBI warns US citizens in a new directive. “Data security risks are not unique to mobile apps or foreign-developed ones. Good cyber hygiene is critical to protecting your digital identity.”

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If you have an iPhone, go to Settings > Privacy & Security. You’ll find three tracking settings to check and change. The first place is service. It lists every app that has permission to track you and your device. Disable or change permissions for any apps you don’t need always-on location access. “While using the app” or “Ask next time” are benign. Be careful with apps that ask “always”.

You should also make sure that under Settings > Privacy & Security > Tracking, you disable the setting “Do not allow apps to request tracking”. I can’t think of a good reason why anyone would leave it enabled.

Finally, see the broader permission settings listed app-by-app under Settings > Privacy & security, focusing on sensitivities like contacts, health and photos, as well as your camera and microphone. Don’t be afraid to disable permissions. If you are using an app and it needs permission, it will prompt you.

If you’re on Android, you can use the Privacy Dashboard. Search on your phone. From there, Google explains, “You can see which apps are accessing data, what permissions apps are using, and when that access is happening. You can also manage permissions for the camera, microphone, calendar, and more.”

Permissions management isn’t as easy as on the iPhone, but Google has made a lot of improvements over the last two years, introducing much stronger user controls and protections. You can find the details here, although the actual UX may vary by Android version and manufacturer, Samsung offers better options.

“You can scan your device for threats and fix any issues from the Security and Privacy screen,” says Samsung. “Navigate and open Settings, then tap Security & Privacy, and your device will automatically scan. The first time you visit this feature, you’ll need to tap Dismiss on the notification. Then, tap Results to fix any issues if necessary.”

Again, like iPhones, you’re looking for location settings and access to sensitive data (health, contacts, messages) and functions (phone, microphone, camera). Don’t be afraid to stop anything that worries you.

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The FBI’s warning is very strong when it comes to sharing data with foreign-owned apps, especially from China. But you should also err on the side of caution when it comes to this any from the app any Country tracking you and your phone.

“Users should be aware of what user data these apps request access to after downloading them,” the bureau says. “When access is granted by the user, the app may collect data and users’ private information continuously across the device, not just within the app or while the app is active.”

You have been warned – now check and change your settings.

This article was originally published on Forbes.com