Windows 10 Privacy Setting issues

As many of you move to Microsoft Windows 10 on your personal computers and devices there are a few new and not so obvious privacy issues to consider and configure.  Below is a tip sheet that I have put together on the main items that have either been added or changed from previous versions of Windows.  While these changes restrict some of the functionality of the new operating system – those that are concerned with protecting their privacy, data, identity and security of same should review and be aware.

 

Thanks,
Don

 Windows 10 Privacy Settings Tips

 If you choose Custom settings – not Express settings when setting up your Windows 10 install or upgrade - you were already prompted for several of the Privacy options.  Below is a breakdown of all the privacy settings and reasons to turn off or leave on if you want to protect your privacy and data on Windows 10.

 The most glaring privacy hole opened in Windows 10 is the WiFi Sense option.  This will not only allow you to connect to suggested hotspots yourself – but also to wifi networks that your contacts share with you.  This means that you are giving permission and getting permission for internet access to and with all your contacts.  You will get connected to their networks and they will get connected to yours.  Turning this off is good way to protect your device and wifi network.  They will have access to shared printers – directories and any computers on that network – not a safe practice.

 Settings – Network & Internet – scroll to Manage Wi-Fi Settings

Connect to suggested open hotspots – OFF

Connect to networks shared by my contacts – OFF
·         You can also manage known wireless networks from this page

Start button – Settings – Privacy

General

·         Turn OFF the first option of letting apps and websites use your advertising ID.  This will pass your computing habits on to outside parties so that ads you may like based on your usage will be shown to you.
·         Leave SmartScreen Filter ON as this can protect you from malicious code from websites.
·         Turn OFF sending Microsoft info on typing and writing, this can lead to key logger problems if malware gets at this data.  Microsoft says it uses this information to improve autocorrect and handwriting recognition.
·         Leave the last option ON in General - unless you want to start seeing ads for services and products in other languages and areas.

Location

·         Turn OFF Location for your device/computer.  Unless travelling with device and need for navigation purposes or finding stores or restaurants nearby.  If this is on – your location history will be tracked and given to apps and websites if requested.
·         Location history can be cleared on this page.
·         You can also choose the apps from a list on this page that you want to grant access to your location service.  News / social media / navigation needs

Camera

·         On this page you can control which apps can access your camera or turn off camera access for apps and websites entirely.

Microphone

·         On this page you can control which apps can access your microphone or turn off camera access for apps and websites entirely.

Speech, inking and typing

·         This is where you can turn OFF dictation and Cortana (Microsoft’s answer to Siri).  Stop getting to know me will disable Cortana and much of your personal information from going to and being stored in the cloud.  There is a lot of your usage data and request data that can be shared and stored if this option is left on.
·         You can also choose the go to Bing option and manage your account and devices history – clearing any history you don’t want kept and possible reported to Microsoft.

Account info

·         This page allows apps to access your account information – name, picture, etc.  This can be either on or off based on your need and the needs of the apps you value which are listed on this page.  Turn this OFF to not share your account information with any app that requests it.

Contacts & Calendar

·         These pages allow apps to access your contacts / calendar  This can be either on or off based on your need and the needs of the apps you value which are listed on this page.  Usually I turn all options except for Mail & Calendar to OFF.

Messaging

·         Apps that need access to your messages (text or MMS) are on this page and can be turned off or on as needed.  No harm in having this ON

Radios

·         Apps that need radios – like Bluetooth are controlled on this page. No harm in having this ON

Other Devices

·         Sync with devices – should be turned OFF unless specifically needed.
·         Use Trusted devices – this will list those devices apps can use that you have already connected to your computer (i.e.- external backup drives, etc.)

Feedback & diagnostics

·         Feedback  frequency is set to Never – this is how often Microsoft will ask for feedback on issues.
·         Diagnostic and usage data should be set to Basic – unless otherwise instructed by Microsoft support if working on an issue you are having.

Background Apps

·         This page lists all the apps on your device / computer and whether they are allowed to run in the background.  Switch on and off as needed for battery and bandwidth usage needs.