{"id":23394,"date":"2024-10-11T07:29:22","date_gmt":"2024-10-11T11:29:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/me-en.kaspersky.com\/blog\/?p=23394"},"modified":"2024-11-05T14:57:33","modified_gmt":"2024-11-05T10:57:33","slug":"running-apps-privacy-settings-part2-strava","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/me-en.kaspersky.com\/blog\/running-apps-privacy-settings-part2-strava\/23394\/","title":{"rendered":"How to set up security and privacy in Strava"},"content":{"rendered":"

In a previous post about the privacy of running apps in general<\/a>, we explained why these apps are a goldmine of personal data for scammers and criminals of all kinds: unfortunately, by default they share sensitive data \u2014 including one\u2019s precise location \u2014 with virtually anyone. As we mentioned, the consequences can be dire \u2014 from leaking the locations of secret facilities, to stalking and even assassination attempts.<\/p>\n

In the mentioned previous we also shared detailed instructions on general smartphone settings<\/a> to minimize these risks. In this and subsequent posts, we discuss specific privacy settings for the most popular running apps. Let\u2019s start with Strava.<\/p>\n

Strava (available for Android<\/a> and iOS<\/a>) is arguably the most popular app for tracking running, cycling, and hiking workouts. And it\u2019s also the only one that has remained independent: all other major running apps have already been acquired by sportswear giants. Incidentally, Strava has been at the center of several data privacy controversies \u2014 including the famous heatmap<\/a> incident that exposed the location of numerous secret military facilities<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Strava is also often criticized whenever questions arise<\/a> about how users can track each other through fitness apps. Frankly, these criticisms are still valid: Strava\u2019s default settings are far from private \u2014 the app actively encourages you to share your data with the entire internet.<\/p>\n

Thankfully, this can be fixed: Strava offers a decent range of privacy settings. To access them, tap You<\/em> in the bottom-right corner of the screen, then tap the gear icon in the top right corner, and in the window that opens, select Privacy Controls<\/em>.<\/p>\n

\"Privacy<\/a>

Where to find privacy settings in the Strava app: You \u2192 Settings \u2192 Privacy Controls<\/p><\/div>\n

First, make your profile private by selecting Profile Page<\/em> and changing its visibility to Followers<\/em>. Next, go through the options Activities<\/em>, Group Activities<\/em>, Flybys<\/em>, Local Legends<\/em>, and Mentions<\/em> \u2014 and set them all to either Followers<\/em> or \u2014 even better \u2014 Only You<\/em> or No One<\/em>.<\/p>\n

Now, we recommend going to Map Visibility<\/em> and selecting one of the ways the app will hide your run\/ride maps:\n<\/p>\n