
I always ride with Garmin |
Some
fitness apps allow you to not only share your completed activity but to
also broadcast your location live. You should carefully choose what you
share, especially when the general public could learn where you live or
see your popular fitness routes. If used strategically these features
can actually act as an additional security feature for yourself as you
work out. Some people share their routes and live workout with family
and friends so they know exactly where they are, just in case they get a
flat tire or run into trouble while they're working off last Friday
night.

Here are recommended settings for five popular fitness apps to increase your personal security. I'll start with a personal favorite of mine, Strava, which allows you to share your fitness routes, find other athletes you have passed along the route, win KOM segments (King of the Mountain), and even broadcast live activities.
- Beacon (Premium Feature) - Share your Beacon link with trusted contacts only
- Enhanced Privacy Mode - Turn On
- Hide Your House/Office - Enter the address where you work-out most often. Create the widest privacy zone possible, which is 5/8th mile at the time this article was written.
- Private Activities - Private (default). You can always change the privacy setting as you post your activities. This also prevents accidentally posting those not-so-amazing workouts that you may want to keep to yourself.
- Social Connections - Only connect social accounts that you are comfortable sharing your activity on. Instagram is a great way to easily import your sexy schmexy workout images; however, this could also help other athletes find you on Instagram if you use the same username.
- LiveTrack - Invite trusted contacts only
- Who Sees My Profile - Only Me or My Connections
- Who Sees My Activity - Only Me or My Connections
- Profile Privacy Level - Private. Do Not Share
- Allow Other Users To Find Me By My Email Address - Uncheck
- Routes - Private. Do Not Share (default)
- Workouts - Private. Do Not Share (default)
- Sleep & Body Mass Settings - um... choose wisely
- My Profile & Badges - Myself Only
- My Tracker - Myself Only
- Privacy - Only Me
- Share Settings - Only connect social accounts that you are comfortable sharing your activity on
- Connected Apps - Only connect apps that you are comfortable sharing your activity on
One other important note: Don't store your payment information in any online or mobile apps. Some apps may require it if you are purchasing premium features. I suggest paying in full up front if possible to avoid storing your payment information indefinitely. If its not there it can't get hacked.
Now go work out!
Here is one of my favorite off-road cycling workouts, 45 grueling miles. Join me if you dare!
Click here for more information on off-road cycling in NE FL.
(This article was originally posted on my Information Security blog, Dragon's Lair Security)
- David W
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