Windows 10 - don't roll with default privacy settings!
Windows 10 privacy settings - it's a bit of a misnomer, given that, by default, you are sharing more than you know. Here's a breakdown of the hottest items - there are more in this presentation: Windows 10 Privacy & Security Settings.
Check camera options regularly - new software or software updates may reset them to default of ‘on’.
Even if you have disabled most apps, malware could still hack your webcam. Place a piece of black tape over the lens for computers in private areas of your home. This is also a concern for ‘smart TVs’, in fact anything with a webcam.
If there are ‘trusted devices’ you want to sync with, you’ll be able to enable this feature just for those devices (for example, your blue tooth capable head phones).
To remedy, you can change your Wi-Fi network name – how you do this depends on your wireless router software, usually by navigating to 192.168.0.1 in a web browser, entering an administrative password, and changing the ‘SSID’.
DISCLAIMER: I'm sharing this information with the best of intentions. Some of the default windows 10 privacy settings really shocked me and I wanted my friends and fellow parents to know about them! That said, in the electronic age, things can change on a dime, so consider this a good starting point, not the end of the journey.
The webcam
In general, it’s best to disallow applications from webcam & mic access unless necessary. Skype will need camera access to work but most apps do not need it.
Check camera options regularly - new software or software updates may reset them to default of ‘on’.
Even if you have disabled most apps, malware could still hack your webcam. Place a piece of black tape over the lens for computers in private areas of your home. This is also a concern for ‘smart TVs’, in fact anything with a webcam.
Sync with devices
Best to turn this feature off!If there are ‘trusted devices’ you want to sync with, you’ll be able to enable this feature just for those devices (for example, your blue tooth capable head phones).
Feedback & Diagnostics
If you do nothing else after this, change this feature to either Basic or Enhanced – Do not leave on ‘Full’! In the event of a software crash, error info will be shared with Microsoft. If left on Full, your PC may share personally identifiable information from documents that were open at the time of a crash!
Wi-Fi Sense
This is a biggie... First, leave ‘Connect to suggested open hotspots’ off, that's just not safe to leave on auto pilot. Second, do not enable sharing your networks with Outlook contacts, Skype contacts, or Facebook friends. The issue: if a friend has the password to your Wi-Fi, they can enable these settings on their device and effectively share your network... your 'private' network.
To remedy, you can change your Wi-Fi network name – how you do this depends on your wireless router software, usually by navigating to 192.168.0.1 in a web browser, entering an administrative password, and changing the ‘SSID’.
DISCLAIMER: I'm sharing this information with the best of intentions. Some of the default windows 10 privacy settings really shocked me and I wanted my friends and fellow parents to know about them! That said, in the electronic age, things can change on a dime, so consider this a good starting point, not the end of the journey.
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