Microsoft Windows 10 Privacy Concerns

Posted: 2/7/2017

Here's the thing.  Everyone wants to sell you something, but in order to figure out what and how, they need your data.  They need to know what you like, what you like to do, when you like to do it, etc.  They also know that most of civilized society uses some form of computer.  Bingo!  That is how they can collect the data they need.  Most people are aware of the social media programs that spy on you daily (ever noticed how ads "randomly" pop up for items you were looking at on Amazon or on the Web in general), but not everyone is aware of the activities of their operating systems.

Did you know that Microsoft is spying on you, monitoring what you do and how you do it on your PC?  Well, they are, and they are using that information to make money and peddle services and merchandise to you.  
Did you know that even if you are smart enough to turn off the settings that allow Microsoft to spy on you, Microsoft turns them back on when you download updates (manually or automatic)?

Did you ever wonder why Microsoft was offering to give you a "Free Upgrade" from Windows 7 to Windows 10?  Nothing is free...ever.  Microsoft was willing to give you the software for "free", knowing that there are so many ways built into the OS to collect your data and make them money on the back end.  The links to the videos below detail how this is happening and how to stop it.

What are they doing and how?

Microsoft introduced a lot of new features in Windows 10 such as Cortana. However, most of them are violating your privacy.

1. Data syncing is by default enabled.
   • Browsing history and open websites.
   • Apps settings.
   • WiFi hotspot names and passwords.
2. Your device is by default tagged with a unique advertising ID.
   • Used to serve you with personalized advertisements by third-party advertisers and ad networks.
3. Cortana can collect any of your data.
   • Your keystrokes, searches and mic input.
   • Calendar data.
   • Music you listen to.
   • Credit Card information.
   • Purchases.
4. Microsoft can collect any personal data.
   • Your identity.
   • Passwords.
   • Demographics.
   • Interests and habits.
   • Usage data.
   • Contacts and relationships.
   • Location data.
   • Content like emails, instant messages, caller list, audio and video recordings.
5. Your data can be shared.
   • When downloading Windows 10, you are authorizing Microsoft to share any of above mentioned data with any third-party, with or without your consent.

Check out these two links to start protecting yourself and your privacy:

1. Stop Windows 10 Spying – Privacy & Security Matter 
2. Windows 10 is Spying on You Even When you Turn Privacy Settings to Off!

Don’t say that I didn’t warn you…#privacy