You’re being watched and there is nothing you can do about it. One billion security cameras are believed to be recording right now and they’ve got you tagged. It’s true that half of the world’s CCTV cameras are in China but don’t get too comfortable. Some 180m of those cameras are focused on the US - about one camera for every two Americans - and the numbers grow every year.

That’s one reason SPYSCAPE is on a mission to empower people to find their inner superhero, the type of person who knows that when it comes to privacy and security there’s really only one solution: Question everything. 

‍

Question everything

Privacy is the key to protecting your safety, so decide for yourself why, when, and how your data is handled in an increasingly virtual world. Secure your digital communications. Limit private information shared on social media. Browse in incognito mode. Vary your search engines. Use a VPN (virtual private network). Safeguard your cell phone, your tablet, and your laptops with antivirus software. And if you’re still worried about privacy, ask yourself: Why? How can you improve it?
‍

Online security

Security is crucial online and off, so take steps to avoid data theft or sabotage. Are your home and work computers free of spyware? Is your shared data secure? Is your antivirus software up to date? How can you improve your digital hygiene? US data breaches soared to a reported 1,862 data compromises in 2021, the third year in a row numbers rose, and Ransomware threats doubled, so why take a chance? In 2022, more than 422m individuals were affected by data compromises, including data breaches, leakage, and exposure.

‍

‍

Question every app you download‍

Living in the 21st century means you’re constantly monitored by half a dozen apps every waking hour of the day - and, if you use a sleep tracker app, it doesn’t stop even when you call it a night.

Do you use your phone to access the Internet? Then it’s likely apps are collecting your personal data. In fact, apps are probably spying on you as you read this article so find out how they do it with our SPYSCAPE tips. 

Question everything you read‍

You’ll recognize the pattern: a series of social media posts are designed to look like news articles and spread inflammatory messages. One post alleges that a well-known person is involved in a crime or made an offensive remark. Commentators troll the celebrity.

We've seen and read about fake news over and over, but memories are short. Misleading information has been used by world leaders, royalty, dictators, democratic governments, political parties, influencers, and others over the centuries to help them achieve various ends since long before the dawn of social media.

In a world where ‘truth’ is elusive, there’s one way to understand what’s going on and avoid being duped: Question everything. 

Own your digital footprint‍

All of the breadcrumbs you drop online add up to a daunting profile of your life, family, and friends. The good news is that you can control your digital footprint and it’s easier than you think.

Start with open-source intelligence. Don’t just Google your own name. Use a search term like FirstName Lastname@ (in that format without a space before @) to find information showing your email addresses. Look for: FirstName LastName filetype:doc (exactly in that format) to find Word documents containing your name. Check your name followed by filetype:jpg, filetype:xls, and filetype:pdf. You can also check intex:FirstName Last Name to locate your name in a text.

If you’re married or have changed your name then check for variations. And don’t forget to search for your image as well as text. If you’re worried your email account is compromised, check HaveIBeenPrawned.Com.
‍

Find your superpowers

There are also websites that aggregate online intel so check what they’ve got on you at PeekYou.com, Spokeo.com, Whitepages.com, and Radaris.com. If you want your data removed there are sites for that too.

Go through all of your social media accounts. Some of your friends may have tagged you in photos when you weren’t paying attention. If you feel any photos or information breaches your privacy or security, request that the data be removed. You might also recall social media accounts you don’t use anymore. Shut them down.

We all have superpowers. Tap yours and Question Everything.