Technology

Stop foreign-owned apps from harvesting your personal data

Published

3 months ago

November 5, 2025

Stop foreign-owned apps from harvesting your personal data

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You might not think twice about that flashlight app you downloaded or the cute game your grandkids recommended. Yet with a single tap, your private data could travel halfway across the world into the hands of people who profit from selling it. A growing threat is emerging as foreign-owned apps quietly collect massive amounts of personal data about you, and older Americans are among the most vulnerable.

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The hidden cost of ‘free’ apps

We all love free apps. Whether it’s a shopping deal finder, a weather tracker or a photo editor, they make life easier. But many of these “free” tools aren’t really free; they just don’t charge you money. Instead, they collect your personal information and sell it to make their profit.

A recent study revealed that over half of the most popular foreign-owned apps available in U.S. app stores collect sensitive user data, including your location, contacts, photos and even keystrokes.

Many “free” apps secretly collect personal data from users, sending private information to foreign servers without consent. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Some of the worst offenders are apps that seem completely harmless:

Flashlight and weather apps that track your GPS location 24/7.
Shopping apps that collect purchase history, payment preferences and home addresses.
Casual games that request access to your camera and contacts for no logical reason.

These apps often share data with data brokers and ad networks overseas, where privacy laws are weaker and accountability is nearly impossible.

HOW SCAMMERS TARGET YOU EVEN WITHOUT SOCIAL MEDIA

Why retirees are prime targets

If you’re retired, you may already be on dozens of public databases like voter rolls, real estate listings and charity donor lists. Combine that with information harvested from apps, and scammers can build a frighteningly detailed profile of your life.

Flashlight, weather and shopping apps often request unnecessary access to your camera, contacts and location to track you around the clock. (Portra/Getty Images)

They can see:

Where you live and who lives with you.
What medications you search for.
What causes you support or charities you donate to.
What devices you own and which banks you use.

From there, they can craft highly convincing scams like fake donation requests, Medicare scams or phishing texts that look eerily personal. Some even use your social media photos to mimic family members in “grandparent scams.” And it all starts with what you allowed that “harmless” app to access.

Signs your data might already be exposed

You don’t need to be a tech expert to spot the warning signs. Here’s what to look for:

Unfamiliar charges or new accounts in your name.
An increase in scam calls or texts, especially with personal details like your city or bank.
Emails from foreign domains claiming to offer rewards or urgent account updates.
Ads that seem to “read your mind,” which show up right after you talk about something offline.

If you’ve noticed any of these, your information is likely circulating through data brokers who purchased it from app networks.

Older Americans are prime targets, but simple steps like deleting risky apps and reviewing permissions can help protect your privacy. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

How to stop the data drain

You can take back control of your data starting right now.

1) Audit your apps

Go through your phone and delete any apps you don’t use regularly, especially free ones from unfamiliar developers.

2) Stop data brokers from trading your info

Even after deleting risky apps, your personal information may already be circulating online. This is where a data removal service can make a massive difference. While no service can guarantee the complete removal of your data from the internet, a data removal service is really a smart choice. They aren’t cheap, and neither is your privacy. These services do all the work for you by actively monitoring and systematically erasing your personal information from hundreds of websites. It’s what gives me peace of mind and has proven to be the most effective way to erase your personal data from the internet. By limiting the information available, you reduce the risk of scammers cross-referencing data from breaches with information they might find on the dark web, making it harder for them to target you.

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

3) Check permissions

Open your settings and review which apps have access to your location, contacts or camera. Revoke any unnecessary permissions immediately.

TEA APP HACKED AS WOMEN’S PHOTOS, IDS & EVEN DMS LEAKED ONLINE

4) Avoid “foreign-owned” apps that request extensive access without a clear reason.

Always read the privacy policy (yes, it’s tedious but eye-opening). If an app asks for permissions that do not match its purpose, like a calculator wanting your location or a flashlight needing camera access, that is a major red flag. Many foreign-owned apps hide behind vague privacy terms that allow data to be transferred to overseas servers where U.S. privacy laws do not apply.

5) Use official stores only

Stick to the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for downloads. Avoid third-party sites that host cloned or tampered versions of popular apps. Look for verified developers and check privacy ratings in reviews before installing anything new.

6) Keep your device and apps updated

Updates close security holes that hackers exploit through malicious apps. Turn on automatic updates so your phone and apps stay protected without you having to remember.

7) Turn off ad tracking

Limit how much of your activity is shared with advertisers.

On iPhone:

Go to Settings → Privacy & Security→ Tracking and toggle off “Allow Apps to Request to Track.”

On Android:

(Settings may vary depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer)

Go to Settings → Google → Ads (or Settings → Privacy → Ads) and choose “Delete advertising ID” or “Reset advertising ID.” This action removes or replaces your unique ID so apps and advertisers can no longer use it for personalized ad tracking.

This step stops apps from following you across other platforms and building data profiles about your habits.

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Kurt’s key takeaway

Foreign-owned apps are the new front line in data harvesting, and retirees are the easiest targets. But you don’t have to accept that your private life is public property. It’s time to take back control. Delete the apps you don’t need. Lock down your permissions. And let a data removal service erase your data trail before scammers can use it against you.

Have you checked which of your apps might be secretly sending your personal data overseas? Let us know by writing to us at CyberGuy.com.

Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

Related Topics:Android cybercrime email Featured iphone Security smart and safe tech Smartphones

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Technology

Fox News AI Newsletter: Trump activates ‘tech force’

Published

12 minutes ago

February 13, 2026

Press Room

President Donald Trump’s administration is tasking an AI “tech force” to modernize systems. (Stefani Reynolds/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

Welcome to Fox News’ Artificial Intelligence newsletter with the latest AI technology advancements.

IN TODAY’S NEWSLETTER:

– Inside Trump administration’s AI tech force designed to modernize government
– Elon Musk slams Anthropic AI models as ‘misanthropic’ and ‘evil’ in scathing social media post
– AI power players pour cash into competitive primaries as 2026 midterms heat up

‘TECH FORCE’: Inside Trump administration’s AI initiative designed to modernize government – FOX Business reports on the Trump administration’s latest initiative to overhaul federal efficiency, detailing an internal AI “tech force” tasked with modernizing antiquated government systems and streamlining operations.

TECH ALLIANCE: War Department to partner with OpenAI to integrate ChatGPT, GenAI for military use – The Department of Defense is reportedly strengthening its technological arsenal through a strategic partnership with OpenAI, aiming to integrate ChatGPT and generative AI capabilities into military operations to maintain a strategic edge.

SCATHING POST: Elon Musk slams Anthropic AI models as ‘misanthropic’ and ‘evil’ – Tech billionaire Elon Musk took to social media to unleash a scathing attack on rival AI firm Anthropic, characterizing their models as “misanthropic” and “evil” in a post that highlights the intensifying ideological rift within Silicon Valley.

Elon Musk, chief executive officer of Tesla Inc., during the US-Saudi Investment Forum at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC, US, on Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2025 (Stefani Reynolds/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

POWER PLAYERS: AI execs pour cash into competitive primaries as 2026 midterms heat up – With the 2026 midterm elections on the horizon, deep-pocketed investors and executives from the artificial intelligence sector are pouring cash into competitive primaries, hoping to shape the regulatory landscape for the booming technology.

OPINION: AI raises the stakes for national security — here is how to get it right – In this opinion piece, OpenAI’s Chris Lehane argues that the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence has dramatically raised the stakes for American national security, outlining a strategic framework to ensure the U.S. maintains its dominance without compromising safety.

OPINION: The 2028 election will be a referendum on our future in an AI-dominated world – As technology accelerates, this op-ed contends that the 2028 presidential election will serve as a critical referendum on humanity’s future, forcing voters to decide how the nation should navigate an increasingly AI-dominated world.

Children forming deep emotional connections with AI companions is raising questions among parents. (StockPlanets/Getty Images)

BATTLE FOR DOMINANCE: AI wars begin in new Super Bowl commercials – The battle for artificial intelligence dominance has moved to the advertising stage, as tech giants unleash a wave of new Super Bowl commercials designed to capture the public imagination and assert their position in the “AI wars.”

BOT TO THE FUTURE: Humanoid robots are getting smaller, safer and closer to home – Recent advancements in robotics are making humanoid machines smaller, safer, and more viable for domestic use, suggesting that a future where robots assist with daily household tasks is getting closer to reality.

MOYA’S DEBUT: ‘Warm-skinned’ AI robot with camera eyes is seriously creepy – A new development in robotics featuring “warm skin” and camera eyes has sparked a mix of fascination and unease, with many observers describing the lifelike yet artificial creation as “seriously creepy.”

Moya’s humanlike appearance is intentional, from her warm skin to subtle facial details designed to feel familiar rather than mechanical. (DroidUp)

DIGITAL DANGER: AI companions are reshaping teen emotional bonds – A growing trend of teenagers forming deep emotional connections with AI companions is raising questions among parents and psychologists about the long-term impact of synthetic relationships on social development and mental health.

Subscribe now to get the Fox News Artificial Intelligence Newsletter in your inbox.

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Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future with Fox News here.

This article was written by Fox News staff.

Technology

A surprise God of War prequel is out on the PS5 right now

Published

12 hours ago

February 12, 2026

Press Room

A surprise God of War prequel is out on the PS5 right now

To close out its February 2026 State of Play presentation, Sony revealed God of War Sons of Sparta, a new prequel 2D side scroller in the God of War franchise, and announced that it’s out right now on PlayStation 5.

”God of War Sons of Sparta is a 2D action platformer with a canon story set in Kratos’ youth during his harsh training at the Agoge alongside his brother Deimos,” Sony says. Over the course of the game, Kratos will “learn deadly skills using his spear and shield, as well as harness powerful divine artifacts known as the Gifts of Olympus to take on a wide array of foes.”

Sony’s Santa Monica Studio collaborated on the game with Mega Cat Studios. It costs $29.99, with a Digital Deluxe version available for $39.99.

Sony also announced that it’s working on a remake of the original God of War trilogy, with TC Carson set to return as the voice of Kratos. However, the project is “still very early in development, so we ask for your patience as it will be a while before anything else can be shared,” according to Sony. “When we can come back with an update, we aim to make it a big one!”

Technology

How to safely view your bank and retirement accounts online

Published

12 hours ago

February 12, 2026

Press Room

How to safely view your bank and retirement accounts online

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

Logging into your bank, retirement or investment accounts is now part of everyday life. Still, for many people, it comes with a knot in the stomach. You hear about hacks, scams and stolen identities and wonder if simply checking your balance could open the door to trouble. That concern landed in our inbox from Mary.

“How do I protect my bank accounts, 401K and non-retirement accounts when I view them online?”
— Mary in Baltimore, Ohio

Mary’s question is a good one, because protecting your money online is not about one magic setting. It comes down to smart habits layered together.

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Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide – free when you join my CYBERGUY.COM newsletter.

DATA BREACH EXPOSES 400,000 BANK CUSTOMERS’ INFO

Securing your device with updates and antivirus software is the first step in protecting your financial accounts online. (REUTERS/Andrew Kelly)

Secure your device before logging into financial accounts

Everything begins with the device in your hands. If it isn’t secure, even the strongest password can be exposed. These essentials help lock things down before you ever sign in.

Start with these device security basics:

Keep your phone, tablet and computer fully updated with the latest operating system and browser versions
Use strong, always-on antivirus protection to block malware and phishing attempts. Get my picks for the best 2026 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices at Cyberguy.com.
Avoid public Wi-Fi when accessing financial accounts, or use a trusted VPN if you have no other option. 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.

Protect your bank and investment account logins

Your login details are the front door to your money. Strengthening them reduces the chance that anyone else can get inside.

Strengthen your account logins by:

Using strong, unique passwords for every financial account
Avoiding saved passwords on shared or older devices
Relying on a password manager to create and store credentials securely. Our No. 1 pick, includes a built-in breach scanner that alerts you if your information appears in known leaks. If you find a match, change any reused passwords immediately and secure those accounts with new, unique credentials.
Checking whether your email or passwords have appeared in known data breaches and updating reused passwords immediately. Check out the best expert-reviewed password managers of 2026 at Cyberguy.com.
Turning on two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever it’s available

Avoid common online banking scams when logging in

Even well-secured accounts can be compromised through careless access. How you log in matters.

Reduce your risk when accessing financial accounts:

Typing website addresses yourself or using saved bookmarks
Avoiding login links sent by email or text, even if they look official
Checking for “https” and the lock icon before entering credentials
Logging out completely after every session, especially on mobile devices

Add extra layers of protection to financial accounts

Strong, unique passwords and two-factor authentication help stop criminals even if one login is exposed. (Photo by Neil Godwin/Future via Getty Images)

DON’T LET AI PHANTOM HACKERS DRAIN YOUR BANK ACCOUNT

Think of these as early warning systems. They help catch problems quickly, before real damage is done.

Enable financial account alerts and safeguards:

Setting up alerts for logins, withdrawals, password changes and new payees
Requiring extra confirmation for large or unusual transactions
Freezing your credit with the major credit bureaus to block new accounts opened in your name. To learn more about how to do this, go to Cyberguy.com and search “How to freeze your credit.”

Protect your identity beyond your bank accounts

Your financial accounts are only part of the picture. Identity protection helps stop problems before they ever reach your bank.

Go beyond basic banking security:

Monitoring for identity theft involving your Social Security number, phone number and email
Using an identity protection service that alerts you if your data appears on the dark web or is used fraudulently. See my tips and best picks on how to protect yourself from identity theft at Cyberguy.com
Removing your personal information from data broker websites that buy and sell consumer data. A data removal service reduces risk before identity theft happens. 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.

Review bank and credit statements for early warning signs

Review your bank, credit card and investment statements regularly, even when nothing looks suspicious. Small red flags often appear long before major losses.

Everyday security habits that prevent financial scams

Many successful scams rely on pressure and trust, not advanced technology. Good habits close those gaps.

Practice smart daily security habits:

Never allow anyone to log into your accounts remotely, even if they claim to be from your bank
Avoid storing photos of IDs, Social Security cards, or account numbers on your phone or email
Stop immediately if something feels off, and contact the institution directly using a verified phone number

Logging in the right way, by typing web addresses yourself and avoiding suspicious links, reduces phishing risks. (Martin Bertrand / Hans Lucas / AFP via Getty Images)

Kurt’s key takeaways

Checking your bank or retirement accounts online should feel routine, not risky. With updated devices, strong logins, careful access and smart habits, you can keep control of your money without giving up convenience. Security is not about fear. It is about staying one step ahead.

Have you ever clicked a financial alert and wondered afterward if it was real or a scam? Let us know your thoughts by writing to us at Cyberguy.com

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Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report
Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide – free when you join my CYBERGUY.COM newsletter.