Some apps offer fantastic resources. Convenience. Plenty of fun to distract you from boring moments that occur throughout the day.
But all too many apps also pose a threat that you may not be aware of: they can be risky to your personal data. Even though risk levels for apps can vary over time, according to Sumit Jain, tech expert and founder of Scoopbyte.com, as app updates and security measures can change the landscape, there are still a few apps that consistently rise to the surface when speaking about risky apps. Here are some apps that Jain says you may want to consider deleting due to potential data privacy concerns.
Social Media Apps with Excessive Permissions:
“Many social media apps request extensive permissions to access your personal data, such as contacts, location, microphone, and camera,” Jain says. “While these permissions may be necessary for certain features, some apps might abuse these privileges to gather more information than required for their functionality. Consider reviewing the permissions of apps like Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram and limiting access to sensitive data.”
Replacement Options: Instead of relying on these risky social media apps, you can use privacy-focused alternatives like Signal or Telegram for messaging, and privacy-centric social media platforms like MeWe or Mastodon as alternatives to traditional social media apps, Jain notes.
Untrustworthy VPN Apps:
While VPN (Virtual Private Network) apps can enhance your online privacy and security, Jain says it’s crucial to choose reputable providers. “Some VPN apps have been found to log user data, sell user information to third parties, or have weak encryption protocols,” Jain says. “It’s essential to research and select a trustworthy VPN provider that has a strong track record of protecting user privacy.”
Replacement Options: Look for reputable VPN services like ExpressVPN, NordVPN, or ProtonVPN, which have established themselves as trustworthy options with robust privacy policies, according to Jain.
Data-Hungry Fitness Apps:
“Certain fitness apps may request access to sensitive data such as health information, location, and even microphone access,” Jain says. “While this data can be essential for tracking your fitness progress, it’s crucial to review the privacy policies of such apps and ensure that they handle your data responsibly.”
Replacement Options: Consider using fitness apps like Apple’s own Health app or third-party alternatives like Strava or MyFitnessPal, Jain says, both of which prioritize user privacy and provide granular control over data sharing.
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Third-Party Keyboard Apps:
Keyboard apps that offer advanced features or customizability may require full access to your keystrokes, which can potentially compromise sensitive information such as passwords or credit card details, according to Jain. “While not all keyboard apps pose a risk, it's advisable to stick with trusted options to minimize the potential for data leaks,” he says.
Replacement Options: “Stick with the default Apple keyboard or use reputable keyboard apps like Gboard by Google or SwiftKey by Microsoft, which have established themselves as reliable options,” Jain says.
Any apps that you don’t recognize or haven’t used:
And, finally, if you’re not using it, don’t keep it on your phone. “You must delete all those apps that you don't recognize and use in a while,” Jain says. “If you have any ‘free’ games that contain in-app purchases or other forms of monetization, it’s best to remove them from your device and replace them with an alternative.”
