Data Breach Alerts: How Life 360 Detects Leakages

Personal data is the one of most valuable sources that can be found and exploited in the era of digital supremacy. Since Life 360 collects and stores the sensitive data of its users, the company takes responsibility to protect it from detractors and identify possible malicious use. This is why they introduced Data Breach Alerts.

What are Data Breach Alerts on Life 360 and how do they work? Let us explore one of the key features Life 360 managed to implement and see which privacy issues are not solved yet.

What Is a Data Breach Alert?

Nowadays, data breaches and leaks have become a casual event, which imperils millions of users' lives and daily activities. A data breach occurs when an unauthorized contractor gains access to personal data, such as home address, phone number, and payment details, without permission. There are various causes why information might be exposed, including cyber-attacks, employee negligence, the loss or theft of physical devices, and so on. 

As any system may be subject to data leaks, Life 360 introduced Data Breach Alerts. A data breach alert is a notification sent by the Life 360 system that informs users when their personal information is compromised and found on the dark web. Although this cannot explicitly protect user’s data from leaks, with the use of alerts users may take immediate actions to protect themselves from further harmful activity. 

How Do Life360's Data Breach Alerts Work?

Any Life 360 user is given an opportunity to enable Data Breach Alerts upon the first launch. If this feature is turned on, Life 360 monitoring systems constantly scan the dark web and look for personal data being exposed. As soon as emails/addresses/passwords are detected, Life 360 notifies the users about the potential security threat. These notifications are delivered via the app itself, as well as through email or SMS, ensuring that users are promptly made aware of the situation. 

So as to enable Data Breach Alerts, tap on the Safety tab on the Life 360 app at the bottom of the main screen, find “Data Breach Alerts”, and follow the steps to turn the feature on. Thus, Life 360 may help to protect users’ personal information and ensure their peace of mind.

How to Turn Off Data Breach on Life 360?

While data breach alerts may be essential for people to stay informed and secure, some users might prefer to manage their notification preferences independently. If you wonder how to turn off data breach alerts in Life 360, take the following steps after thorough consideration only.

1. Open the Life360 app.

2. Go to the app’s Settings by tapping on the Settings icon at the top left corner. 

3. Choose “Privacy & Security”.

4. Find “Digital Safety”.

5. Tap on “Digital Safety” again. 

6. Turn off Data Breach Alerts. 

7. You are all set. 

Remember that being informed about potential threats is more beneficial rather than staying unaware at all. We highly recommend that users enable this feature and prepare in advance. 

Privacy Concerns and Possible Solutions

Most location-tracking applications raise concerns regarding one’s privacy and personal boundaries. Life 360 tries its best to protect its users and their identities from theft and exploitation. But is it really so?

Unfortunately for Life 360, The Markup published an investigation that revealed the intentions of the Life 360 company to sell precise location data to third-party companies. Although it is said to be done with the users’ consent, they actually did not permit the app to trade their personal information. How could Life 360 build trust and maintain loyalty anymore?

Nevertheless, users may still find solutions to protect their data and ensure that it is not exploited and utilized for wrongdoing. First of all, disable your location data trading within the application.

1. Go to the “Safety” tab on the main screen.

2. Select “Privacy & Security”.

3. Scroll down and tap on “Do Not Sell My Personal Information”.

4. Scroll down the next screen and toggle “Personal Information Sales” off.

Opt for Alternative Apps – Try Phone Locator

Those who may not be satisfied with the Life 360 privacy policies are always free to try new options, like Phone Locator. Phone Locator is a relatively new location-sharing network that values users' right to privacy and digital autonomy. The app promotes mutual and respectful tracking for both its users and the company itself.

Phone Locator allows users to share their location securely without compromising sensitive data. The app employs encryption and secure communication protocols to protect users’ information from unauthorized access or misuse. Thus, users may decide who can view their location and when by using the app's customizable sharing options.

Being a new app in the industry also imposes new rules and limitations to overcome. Phone Locator stands out for its dedication to innovative technologies, namely AI-powered tools, and open customer-company communication. Thus, the app's original strategy and guidelines enable it to close the gap in the market and draw in new users.

Any application strives to find solutions when fighting data breaches and info-trading. Although Life 360 is said to have implemented new security features, like Data Breach Alerts, it also plays its own game when selling data to external sources. In such cases, users are given options whether they stay loyal to Life 360 or seek alternatives and enjoy their choice.