Apps on smart phones and on social networking sites are becoming ever more popular, but are the intentions of the App developers always in the best interests of the users?
A recent study of the apps on Android mobile phones has shown that the data they access and how they use it does not always tally with what the user authorises when they install the app.
This becomes even more of an issue where apps are downloaded or installed from other, shall we say less reputable sources.
There has also been occurrences of apps being developed reusing code segments created by other developers. This could lead to all kinds of unauthorised or malicious use of personal data which even the app creator doesn't know about.
So here are some simple rules to follow to enhance your security and protect your data:
- Don't use apps unless you really need to
- Only install apps from reputable sources
- Only install apps that are essential for you
- Remove apps you no-longer use
- Always read what data will be collected by an app
- If in doubt don't install it
- Don't provide an app with access to sensitive information or don't place sensitive information in a location an app has access to
