🛡️ Is Your Computer Spying on You? What’s Really Watching — and How to Shut It Down

Let’s start with a chilling true story.

A Pennsylvania high school was sued after school-issued laptops remotely activated students’ webcams — without their knowledge — and secretly snapped thousands of photos of them at home. One student was disciplined based on an image of him eating candy, which administrators mistook for drugs. It sparked a national outrage… and a reality check: If a school could spy like that, what’s stopping companies, apps, or hackers from doing the same to you?

Here’s the truth: whether it’s your laptop, phone, smart speaker, or even your TV — modern devices collect way more data than you think. Some of it is for convenience. Some of it is for profit. And some of it? Downright creepy.

This guide breaks it all down — what’s spying on you, how it works, and most importantly, how to take back control.

🧠 Why Devices “Spy” in the First Place

Most modern spying isn’t like the movies. There’s no guy in sunglasses tapping your phone. It’s more subtle — and more legal. Companies collect your data to:

• Serve you ads (ever searched “back pain” and suddenly seen 5 mattress ads?)

• Build a profile of you for selling to third parties

• Improve their services (like Siri or Alexa learning how you talk)

• Track your location to suggest “relevant” businesses or news

It’s called surveillance capitalism — and your data is the product.

💻 How Your Computer Spies On You (and What to Do About It)

1. Webcam Access

Your webcam can be turned on remotely, often without the light turning on. Malware, bad browser extensions, or even legitimate apps may have permission.

✅ Shut it down:

• Cover it physically (a sticky note or webcam cover works)

• On Windows, go to Settings > Privacy > Camera and disable access for apps you don’t trust.

• On Mac, go to System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Camera.

2. Microphone Listening

Your microphone can also be activated silently. Some users report seeing ads based on conversations they’ve had out loud. While companies deny “listening,” permissions tell another story.

✅ Shut it down:

• Review microphone permissions.

  • On Windows: Settings > Privacy > Microphone

  • On Mac: System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Microphone

• Use an external mic you can unplug.

3. Tracking via Browsers

Your browser knows where you go, what you click, and what you buy. Even in “Incognito,” you’re not really anonymous.

✅ Shut it down:

• Use privacy-focused browsers like Brave or Firefox.

• Add blockers like uBlock Origin and Privacy Badger.

• Regularly clear cookies and browsing data.

• Consider a VPN for extra protection.

📱 Your Phone Is Worse Than Your Computer

Phones are pocket-sized spy machines — loaded with sensors, microphones, cameras, GPS, and always connected. Even apps you’re not using may be siphoning data.

1. Location Tracking

You’d be shocked how many apps want to know where you are — even when you're not using them.

✅ Shut it down:

• On iPhone: Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services and turn off or set to “While Using” only.

• On Android: Settings > Location > App permissions

BONUS TIP: Disable precise location when not needed — some apps only need to know the city you're in, not your front porch.

2. Microphone and Camera

Think your phone isn’t listening? Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok have all faced accusations (and lawsuits) for allegedly accessing mics without explicit permission.

✅ Shut it down:

• Review app permissions regularly.

• On iPhone: Settings > Privacy & Security > Microphone/Camera

• On Android: Settings > Privacy > Permission Manager

3. App Overreach

Apps often ask for access they don’t need. A flashlight app shouldn't need your contacts, right?

✅ Shut it down:

• Uninstall apps you don’t use.

• Use privacy audit apps like DuckDuckGo’s Privacy Browser or Exodus (for Android) to see what data your apps are collecting.

📺 Spying TVs, Speakers & Smart Devices

1. Smart TVs

That fancy TV that shows you "recommended" shows? It’s also tracking everything you watch — sometimes even via HDMI ports.

✅ Shut it down:

• Look for ACR (Automatic Content Recognition) in settings and disable it.

• Disconnect smart features you don’t use.

• Or just… buy a dumb TV + plug in a Roku or Apple TV instead.

2. Alexa, Siri, and Google Assistant

These devices are always listening for their wake word — but they often record and save everything you say afterward.

✅ Shut it down:

• Delete old voice recordings:

  • For Alexa: Settings > Alexa Privacy > Voice History

  • For Google: myactivity.google.com

• Consider turning the assistant off entirely.

• Mute the mic when not in use.

3. Smart Home Devices

Your doorbell, thermostat, baby monitor, or even fridge may be connected to the internet and potentially vulnerable.

✅ Shut it down:

• Change the default passwords on all smart devices.

• Keep firmware updated.

• Don’t connect devices you don’t need to the internet.

🧰 Tools That Fight Back

🔒 1. VPNs (Virtual Private Networks)

VPNs mask your IP address and encrypt your internet traffic. This stops your ISP (Internet Service Provider) and many websites from tracking you.

Great options:

• ProtonVPN (free tier available)

• NordVPN

• ExpressVPN

👁️ 2. Tracker Blockers

Install these in your browser or device:

• uBlock Origin

• Privacy Badger

• 1Blocker (iOS)

🔑 3. Password Managers

Stop using the same password everywhere! Data breaches can happen, and weak passwords are easy targets.

Top picks:

• Bitwarden (free option)

• 1Password

• Dashlane

🛡️ 4. Antivirus & Anti-Malware

Yes, even in 2025, you still need basic protection.

Good choices:

• Malwarebytes

• Windows Defender (actually solid now!)

• Sophos Home

🚩 Red Flags You Might Already Be Compromised

• Your webcam light turns on randomly

• You hear audio glitches or echoes on calls

• Battery drains unusually fast (especially on phones)

• You see ads that relate suspiciously closely to spoken conversations

• Files or folders you didn’t create appear

• Pop-ups or redirects when browsing

If anything feels off, just trust your gut and investigate.

🧓 Why Older Adults Are Especially Targeted

Older internet users often:

• Use default settings (which favor data collection)

• Don’t regularly update privacy settings

• Fall victim to scams or misleading permissions

• Trust name-brand services more than they should

But the good news? A little awareness and a few tools go a long way.

✅ Your Takeaway Action Plan

Here’s a quick 5-minute privacy upgrade you can do right now:

🎤 Final Thoughts: You’re Not Paranoid, You’re Prepared

Privacy isn’t about having “something to hide.” It’s about protecting your freedom, dignity, and safety in an age where every click, swipe, and spoken word could be logged and sold.

Big tech won’t protect your data so you have to.

Fortunately, you don’t need to be a tech expert. You just need to know what’s happening and how to shut it down.

So the next time your smart speaker lights up randomly or your webcam flickers you’ll know what to do.

I have covered a lot of topics in this email so if you are concerned about any of it, please reply to this email with any questions and I will try to elaborate where i can.

Until next time

Oliver. Your Tech Guide.