This article has been updated since it published on October 27, 2022.
There comes a time in the life of many smart phone users when deleting apps becomes a necessary exercise in order to free up precious storage space and help your battery run faster and more efficiently. During those times, you’ll have to make the difficult choice of which apps to keep and which you’re barely using and could easily part with. But sometimes it’s also a good idea to consider getting rid of a few apps that could put your phone — and you — at a great security risk.
“Phone apps can put your data at risk in a few different ways,” said Tech Expert Tommy Gallagher at Top Mobile Banks. “First, malicious actors could steal your personal information by hacking into the app or stealing your login credentials. This information could then be used to access other accounts you have registered with the app, or it could be sold on the black market to third parties using it for nefarious purposes.”
Another way that phone apps can put your data at risk is by tracking and profiling users, according to Gallagher. “This occurs when an app collects anonymous user data such as location, routine activities, and interests without their consent or knowledge,” he said. “Such data often ends up being shared with third-party vendors or marketers without users’ consent or awareness – potentially exposing them to potential privacy risks and identity theft incidents.”
These are the four apps that Gallagher recommends deleting because they can put your data at risk.
Facebook is one of the most popular mobile apps in the world, and as such, it collects a lot of data, Gallagher reminds us. “By removing the Facebook app from your phone, you are taking steps to protect your data by limiting access to this information,” he said. “Additionally, disabling all third-party tracking will help improve your privacy settings and safeguard against future tracking attempts by these companies. Before deleting the Facebook app from your phone, ensure you have backed up all of your important photos and other personal information.”
You can also encrypt sensitive files on your device using good security tools like FileVault or Lockdown Pro for iOS 9 or later (available free at Apple’s App Store), Gallagher said: “By following these simple steps, you are ensuring that no unauthorized person will be able to access or misuse any of your personal data stored on Facebook devices.”
QR code scanners
“QR code scanners collect excessive personal information that could be used for nefarious purposes such as identity theft or fraud,” Gallagher said. “Not to mention, large companies often use QR codes as a way to track consumer behavior, so they can improve their products or services.”
CamScanner
“The CamScanner app is a mobile phone imaging application that allows you to scan documents and photograph objects,” Gallagher said. “It was first released in 2017, and since its release, it has been linked to several data breaches. The most recent incident involved stealing personal data from more than 2 million app users. This data was then used to create fake profiles on social media platforms and steal identities. CamScanner is a convenient way for people to share important documents with others, but by allowing this app onto your phone, you are putting yourself at risk of being compromised.”
Plant Monster Game
Love gardening and got a wicked green thumb? That’s great — but using the Plant Monster app — a mobile application that allows users to track the location and movement of their plants — may not be worth the potential data breach hassles. “While this type of tracking may be useful for some people, it could also be harmful if your privacy is concerned,” Gallagher said. “The data collected by the Plant Monster app includes information such as name, address, date opened/updated, photos (if any), and garden size. This data can then be sold to third parties who may use it for marketing purposes or worse. If you don't want your personal information shared this way, removing the Plant Monster app from your phone is essential.”
The occasional pruning of your apps, with a focus on getting rid of those that are known for collecting lots of data, is a smart way to keep yourself as protected as possible.
