Your personal data is more valuable than ever—and unfortunately, that makes it a prime target for cybercriminals. Every time you scroll, data can be collected, and that includes everything from your habits and preferences to your location and contacts. Many apps collect far more data than you might realize, and that information can be exploited in scams, identity theft, or other online attacks. Whether you’re using an Android or an iPhone, taking steps to protect your data is important for keeping yourself safe.
One of the easiest ways to reduce your risk is to take a closer look at the apps on your phone. While not every app is dangerous, some app types are notorious for collecting excessive data or exposing users to cyber threats. By deleting certain apps—or adjusting how you use them—you can lower your chances of becoming a target. And there’s one app category that experts agree is often the best to rethink if you want to keep your information out of the hands of criminals.
Struggling With Sleep? This Rechargeable Sound Machine Is A Total Game-Changer
1. Social Media Apps
Social media platforms are designed to keep you engaged, which often means they collect a lot of personal information—from your location and contacts to your browsing habits and even the things you “like.” All this data can make you a target for cybercriminals who exploit it for scams, phishing attacks, or identity theft. To boost your privacy without deleting your social media apps, adjust your privacy settings to limit who can see your posts, turn off location sharing, and be mindful of the personal details you share online.
For an extra layer of protection, regularly review the apps and services connected to your social media accounts and remove any that you don’t use or trust. Use strong, unique passwords for each account and enable two-factor authentication whenever possible. Being selective about the permissions you give these apps (which will try to take every permission possible) can also reduce the amount of personal data the platform collects, keeping you safer from cyber threats.
2. Dating Apps
There's one more app type to keep on your radar.
Dating apps can be a goldmine of personal information, including your location, age, photos, and in-depth details about your life. This makes users especially vulnerable to hackers or scammers who might use that data to impersonate you, steal your identity, or trick you into sharing more sensitive information. If you don’t want to delete your dating apps, one way to protect yourself is to limit the information in your profile, avoid sharing your full name or exact location, and consider using a separate email address for these apps to keep your main accounts safer.
You can also take advantage of any in-app privacy features, such as hiding your profile from public searches or limiting who can message you. Be cautious about linking your dating profile to other social media accounts, and avoid posting photos that could reveal identifiable information like your home or workplace.
