5 tech terms that shape your online privacy
Protecting your personal information online starts with understanding the language behind your apps, devices and accounts. We'll break down five essential tech terms that directly impact your digital privacy, from app permissions and location tracking to VPNs and cross-app advertising.
Learning these concepts will help you limit data exposure and stay in control of who can see what.
Stay tuned for more in this series as we dive deeper into privacy-related tech terms and other essential concepts, answering the top questions we get from readers like you!
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What your apps are really allowed to see
Every app on your phone requests permissions, approval to access features like your camera, microphone, location, contacts or photos. Some permissions are necessary for an app to function, but many apps ask for far more access than they actually need.
Once granted, these permissions can allow apps to collect data in the background, sometimes even when you're not actively using them. Over time, this can quietly expose sensitive personal information.
Regularly reviewing and limiting app permissions in your phone's settings is one of the easiest and most effective ways to improve your privacy. Pay special attention to apps with access to your location, microphone and photo library.
To review permissions by category
To review permissions by app
Extra privacy tip
Settings may vary depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer
To review permissions by category
To review permissions by app
Extra privacy tip
Why this matters
Extra protection beyond settings:
Even with careful permission management, malicious apps and phishing attempts can still slip through. A trusted antivirus solution helps block malware, fake pop-ups and dangerous downloads before they compromise your device.
Get my picks for the best 2026 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices at Cyberguy.com.
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When your phone knows where you are, constantly
Location services use GPS, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and nearby cell towers to determine your location. While this is helpful for maps and weather, many apps request constant access they don't actually need.
Reducing location access limits, tracking and helps protect your daily routines.
To review all location access
For each app
Settings may vary depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer
To review location access
For each app
Recommended settings
Why this matters
Your second line of defense
Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer of protection to your accounts by requiring something you know (your password) and something you have, like a one-time code sent to your phone or generated by an app.
Even if hackers steal your password through a data breach or phishing attack, 2FA can stop them from accessing your accounts. That's why security experts strongly recommend enabling it on email, banking, cloud storage and social media accounts.
It may take a few extra seconds to log in, but 2FA can prevent identity theft and unauthorized access, making it one of the most powerful security tools available.
Extra security tip:
Strong passwords and two-factor authentication work best together. If remembering complex passwords or managing one-time codes feels overwhelming, a secure password manager can generate, store and autofill strong passwords safely.
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Hiding your online activity
A VPN creates a secure, encrypted tunnel between your device and the internet, masking your IP address and protecting your online activity from outsiders.
VPNs are especially important when using public Wi-Fi at airports, hotels or coffee shops, where cybercriminals can intercept unprotected data. They also help limit tracking by advertisers and internet service providers.
While a VPN doesn't make you completely anonymous online, it adds a valuable layer of privacy and security, especially when browsing, shopping or accessing sensitive accounts.
For the best VPN software, see my expert review of the best VPNs for browsing the web privately on your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices at Cyberguy.com.
How companies follow you across apps
Cross-app tracking lets advertisers and data brokers link your activity across multiple apps and websites. That data is used to build detailed profiles based on what you do, buy and watch.
On iPhone, this tracking is controlled by Apple's App Tracking Transparency system.
On Android, it relies on advertising IDs and ad personalization controls.
Turning these off limits how easily companies can connect your behavior across apps. You'll still see ads, but they won't be tailored to your personal activity.
Optional extra protection
Settings may vary depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer
What this does
One more thing to know:
Turning off cross-app tracking helps going forward, but it doesn’t remove data that’s already been collected. Data removal services can help you request the deletion of your personal information from data broker sites.
Check out my top picks for data removal services and get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web by visiting Cyberguy.com.
Get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web: Cyberguy.com.
Take my quiz: How safe is your online security?
Think your devices and data are truly protected? Take this quick quiz to see where your digital habits stand. From passwords to Wi-Fi settings, you’ll get a personalized breakdown of what you’re doing right and what needs improvement. Take my Quiz here: Cyberguy.com.
Online privacy doesn't have to feel overwhelming. Once you understand what these common tech terms really mean, it becomes much easier to spot where your data is being collected and decide what you're comfortable sharing. Small changes, like tightening app permissions or turning off cross-app tracking, can make a meaningful difference over time. Staying informed is the first step toward staying in control, and we'll keep breaking it all down so you can protect your digital life with confidence.
Confused by a tech term or want something explained? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.
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