With the recent discussions on threat to security for Indian users and the Ministry of Information and Technology banning hundreds of apps in one go, there have also been questions regarding data security on apps like Facebook and zoom.
We are very used to not reading the lengthy privacy policies and also give access to apps easily, however your information about photos, videos, the location in your phone reaches hackers and several marketing companies because of the permissions you’ve granted. Very often these days we see Ads in tune with what we are looking for online.
We will be taking you through the basics and how you can protect your data in today’s time especially with the government stepping in and taking measures to safeguard its citizens’ privacy.
How does your data get collected via apps?
If you need a particular app, what do you do? Simply go to the PlayStore or the Apple Store, right? After you’ve downloaded an app, it asks you for storage and ‘access your location’ permission, right? These apps collect your data in three ways :
- Asking for permission
- Via the user (email, username, user gives while registering)
- By default (IMEI, IP address, MAC address)
The next process is the app accessing your phone’s photos, location and other information after you give your permission. Be vary of such apps which require permissions when they are not needed.
For example, why will a budget app need camera access? Think about it!
Your personal info is a source of income for companies
A lot of Chinese apps are doing rounds, especially the ones that involve makeup, camera, etc. Did you know that according to the law of China, any app which is related to China can ask the data of the Army or Intelligence Agency of its citizens as well as people from all over the world? Not only this, but companies can also use your data for ill marketing practices. Your personal data might be sold on the dark web!
Your personal information, like name, address, the phone number can be sold on the Internet. Your information might be misused in endless ways!
How to protect your data?
Before installing an app, make sure that you check the Protected Badge” on the Play Store. Always remember that anyone can create apps on the internet, so make sure you take a few minutes to check the developer, do your research before you install an app.
Make sure to read which country is it made in, the kind of privacy policy it has, is there a third party involved, etc. At times the third party of a good company has a contract, in which it explains how their users’ data should be used.
Simply uninstalling the app is not enough
We often think that uninstalling an app will be enough to get rid of any potential threats. However, did you know that after you uninstall the app, the file folders and files remain? If there is a virus in these files, it might be stealing your data.
Several good antivirus apps like Kaspersky Antivirus can be a great addition to your mobile phone apps.
How to identify that your data is being collected?
To identify whether your data is being collected, check your data usage timely. If there is an increase in your data usage suddenly, or your battery runs out much faster, or an app is working differently, your phone gets over-heated, are some tell-tale signs.
You can also download the Permission Manager app to be sure.
How to safeguard your data and privacy?
- Make sure that there is a privacy policy inside the app, or that is your biggest red flag!
- Remember to permit your data to the app only when you are using it.
- You can download the app called Exodus, which analyzes the privacy code. You get information about the tracker, third party modules and permissions.
Stay aware, stay safe!