Even worse, BadUSB remains imperceptible to antivirus software and mobile security apps, and lives on even after the contents of the drive and devices have been deleted and reformatted. -Sara Angeles

There are many apps on Google's Play Store that can be dangerous to use, which is why you should scrutinize the permissions that each app requires before installing it. Some apps cross the line by installing malware on your smartphone that can compromise all of your personal data (including username and passwords you enter on your phone). A good example of this type of infiltration is through a simple flashlight app used by hundreds of millions of unsuspecting people. Brightest Flashlight Free and Super-Bright LED Flashlight are just two of the many flashlight apps available on Google's Play Store that require too many permissions and installs malware. If you'd like more proof, read the "FTC Approves Final Order Settling Charges Against Flashlight App Creator".

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Requiring Unnecessary Permissions

Special Report

What Flashlight App Do I Use?

I logged out March 10, 2010.

Given that Facebook recently announced they would listen in using microphones to find out what you’re listening to or watching on TV, and that they recently had a debacle when the public found out they’d been running psych experiments on their users. -Angela Alcorn

That includes the sites you visit, credit card information entered or saved on different sites, location data, usernames and passwords. Each phone has a unique identification number, or MAC address, which the drone uses to tie the traffic to the device. -Erika Fink 

Euclid taps smartphone WiFi to track you.

When you walk into a brick and mortar retail store like a Nordstrom, Cabela, or even Family Dollar, you're being tracked around the store. Not by an over-suspicious security guard, but by the store's wireless network, using your phone's Wi-Fi. The store then uses your phone to track you around the store, determine if you're a repeat visitor, see what departments you visit, and more. -Alan Henry

VPN = Private Internet Access (PIA)

Top 7 Reasons That I Prefer PIA

Simple to use interface. Not a computer/smartphone resource hog while it runs in the background. Does not store log files of your internet activity, ever. Inexpensive yearly cost. Can be used on 5 of your devices simultaneously (eg: PCs, laptops, smartphones & tablets). Encrypted WiFi. Unlimited bandwidth (over 5 devices). Of course there are many other features that are useful but you can read through those on Private Internet Access' website.

Unsecured Public WiFi Connections

Whether you travel a lot or just prefer using public WiFi, you should definitely consider using Private Internet Access to secure your connection. Who should consider adding strong public WiFi security encryption layers to protect your privacy and data? That's an excellent question and the short answer is, "YOU". Do you perform any of the following activities while using an unsecured public WiFi access point (eg: cafe, library, bookstore, airport or hotel)? Check email. Login to social network websites (eg: Twitter, Facebook, Google+ or Pinterest). Share sensitive data. Login to banking or credit card accounts. Login to apps on your smartphone to watch programs/movies via; Netflix, Hulu+, M-Go, VuDu, Crackle, etc. If you answered, "Yes" to one or more of above then you should sign-up without further delay to enjoy all the same benefits that I do.

Low Cost Peace Of Mind For 5 Devices

I recommend paying for the $39.95 yearly subscription because then you'll receive the lowest price possible. Now, if you take the $3.33/month cost a step further and divide that by 5 devices, it's a mere $0.67/device each month. If you're not 100% convinced, then sign-up for a month initially ($6.95).  You can always pay the yearly subscription after your 30 day test drive.

Computer Settings Once PIA is Installed

Smartphone App Settings

Watching Netflix With PIA App Loaded via 4GLTE

Some users have posted their phone numbers, leaving them vulnerable to SMS scams.

Always keep privacy settings to 'friends only' if you don't want to broadcast what you post to the world.

Wasil Dhingra doesn't set his Facebook settings to 'private' or 'friends only.' So, it's not hard to find his phone number.

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As we mentioned, the way this data collection works is that it compares your online data with offline shopping habits. So, the easiest solution to keep it from happening? Don't use the same phone number or email address on your Facebook account as you do when you sign up for loyalty or discount cards. -Thorin Klosowski

I'm lurking in the shadows, tracking your movement.

Our clients were huge companies and one of the services we offered was to collect information about people, their demographics, income, and habits, and then roll it up so they could get a complete picture about who you are and how to convince you to buy their products. In some cases, we designed web sites and campaigns to convince you to provide even more information in exchange for a coupon, discount, or the simple promise of other of those. It works very, very well. -Alan Henry

They're watching you're every move.

Essentially, by using these apps, just reading an article, listening to a song, or watching a video, you're sending information to Facebook which can then be automatically shared with your friends or added to your profile, and Facebook doesn't ask for your permission to do it. -Alan Henry

Facebook has slowly introduced a new facial recognition feature that finds pictures with your face and suggests to your friends that they tag you in it. If you'd rather this feature be turned off, here's how to disable it. -Whitson Gordon