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It’s impossible not to be tracked online. Still, you can take steps that make a difference.  
If you don’t like the idea of advertisers knowing everything about you, shut them out. Tap or click here for simple, actionable steps you can take now. 
Unlike your browser history, you probably don’t give much thought to handing out your phone number. It’s time to change that. Tap or click for methods to protect your number and stop inviting spam. 
When it comes to your email, you may not realize there's an easy way advertisers, marketers, companies, and even scammers track you — with just one tiny pixel.  
What is pixel tracking? 
You can’t see them, but pixel trackers are hidden in many of the emails you receive. Technically, this microscopic pixel is computer code embedded within the body of an email, generally hidden within an image. 
Typically, pixel-tracking allows marketers, advertisers, and companies to collect data about you, such as: 
The number of times you open an email
The operating system you use
The time you opened the email
Your IP address can give an idea of your location
What type of device you use to open the email

Detailed data is sent back to the sender automatically, without you having to click on any links or even respond. That may feel like an invasion of privacy, but it is legal and different from when hackers and scammers employ this tactic. 
In that case, it becomes all about monitoring your activity. 

A man uses his iPhone and laptop computer at his desk.



Speaking of monitoring, spyware is dangerous software that tracks everything from the sites you visit the passwords you type in. Tap or click here for six signs your phone has been infected with so-called stalkerware. 
How to spot an email scam 
Pesky marketing emails are one thing, and we will get into how to stop that. But first, let’s review the red flags you should send an email straight to the trash: 
There’s a request for personal information.
The "From" address and the display name don’t match.
The "From" address is very similar to a known business or contact, with one or two characters changed.
It requires immediate attention.
It is full of poor spelling or grammar. (Often, this feels like something is "off.")
There’s a request to click on a link or download a document or file you did not request.

Most of these clues are easy to spot, but you won’t see a microscopic pixel hidden in an email. 
Spot the fake: How to tell if an image you saw on social media is fake 
Good news if you have an iPhone, iPad, or Mac 
Apple automatically stops senders from retrieving your IP address starting with iOS 15, macOS Monterey and iPadOS 15. 
Additionally, email content is downloaded privately when you receive the email, not when you view it. That means only generic data is sent back to marketers, companies, and anyone else tracking you via email. 
The Mail Privacy Protection features are not enabled by default. Here’s how to turn them on: 
On an iPhone or iPad: Go to Settings Mail Privacy Protection. Turn on Protect Mail Activity.
On a Mac: In the Mail app, choose Mail Preferences, then click Privacy. Select Protect Mail Activity.

Apple security 101: 7 important iPhone security settings to change right now 

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What about Gmail, Windows, and Android users? 
The simplest way to prevent pixel-tracking is to block images from displaying in your emails. If the pixel isn’t displayed, the code probably won’t work. 
In Gmail on a computer: Click on the gear icon and select See All Settings. Under General, scroll down and click on Ask before displaying external images under the Images option. Click Save Changes at the bottom of the page.
In the Gmail app: Tap the three-line menu in the upper corner Settings Choose your account. Scroll down to Images under Data usage. Click it, then choose Ask before displaying external images.
In Yahoo Mail: Click Settings More Settings Viewing Email. Scroll to the bottom. Under Show images in messages, choose Ask before showing external images. The page will refresh and automatically save.
In Outlook, click on File Options Trusted Center. Choose Trust Center Settings Automatic Download from the left-hand pane. Select Don't download pictures automatically in HTML e-mail messages or RSS items. Click OK to save.

Want smart tech tips like this straight to your inbox? Try my free Tech Tips and How-tos newsletter. I’ll help you get the most out of all your gadgets, save money and protect your privacy. 
Bonus Tip: How to boost your tax refund this year 
The IRS has new changes, including the $600 rule, WFH deductions, child tax credits and more. In this episode, tax accountant Rachel Cheek and I dive into the many ways deductions, forms, social media, and rules will impact your 2021 tax return. 
Check out my podcast "Kim Komando Explains" on Apple, Google Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast player. 
Listen to the podcast here or wherever you get your podcasts. Just search for my last name, "Komando." 
What digital lifestyle questions do you have? Call Kim's national radio show and tap or click here to find it on your local radio station. You can listen to or watch The Kim Komando Show on your phone, tablet, television, or computer. Or tap or click here for Kim's free podcasts. 
Copyright 2022, WestStar Multimedia Entertainment. All rights reserved. By clicking the shopping links, you’re supporting my research. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases. I only recommend products I believe in. 
Learn about all the latest technology on The Kim Komando Show, the nation's largest weekend radio talk show. Kim takes calls and dispenses advice on today's digital lifestyle, from smartphones and tablets to online privacy and data hacks. For her daily tips, free newsletters, and more, visit her website at Komando.com.

Source: Fox News

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