We all have apps we like to install on our mobile devices. Whether we are using Android or iOS, these apps can bring
viruses or
malicious activity into our lives. Even when they are not bringing malicious code to our phones, most apps invade our privacy with market mining, user tracking, contact mining and other questionable behavior. There is no such thing as a "free" app. It is a good idea to review and be aware of what we are "paying with" for the apps we use so we can better control the information we give away.
While there is never a guarantee that the apps we select are 100% safe, there are things we can do to keep ourselves and our loved ones protected while using our mobile devices.
Whether you have an Android or an iPhone the basics of selecting safe apps are the same.
Do Not Root or Jailbreak
Rooting or
Jailbreaking your phone removes the safety features that limit how you can use your device and what you can install on it. While it may sound desirable, it causes a lot more harm than good. If you need to "root" your phone to make something work, it is likely installing more than you you bargained for. (Most viruses only work on rooted devices.)
Get Apps from Official "Stores"
This is easier on iOS than for Android. Apple only allows iPhones to get apps from the
App Store and holds apps to a pretty
stringent standard. Android has a built-in method for allowing your device to install from alternative repositories. Expert security advice is to
only get apps from
Google Play. Google Play apps are more likely to be free from malicious code and Google Play gives you a method to uninstall apps you find to be malicious.
Review Privacy & Security Policies
Reading Privacy and Security policies is definitely not my favorite practice but it often reveals how much privacy you will be giving up when you install that cool new app. (e.g. "We use GPS to monitor where your device goes at all times, even when you're not running the app." or "we use the GPS information to ensure the ads in your app are of interest to you.")
Consider Reputation
As with other online purchases, apps have statistics that can help us determine if they are safe. The publisher's reputation, reviews of the app and the number of downloads can help determine whether an app is likely to be secure.
Review Permissions
When you install an app, you get permission notifications that advise you of the data it will access on your phone. For iOS you also have some basic control over whether the app can access some areas. (You can review this on your iPhone in
Privacy Settings at any time.)
For
Android, you can control this under Settings/Apps. Hit the "gear" at the top and select App Permissions. (Disabling permissions can cause apps to work differently than you expect.)
Keep iOS and Apps Current
Be sure to download updates when they are available to keep iOs and apps current.
Beware of Financial Apps
Once we have mastered basic app security, there are a few other considerations to be sure apps are safe for ourselves and our kids.
For example, in our household (both my husband and I are techs) the rule for financial apps is "just say no." We do not use mobile banking. We do not use our devices to check stocks or credit cards and we limit online purchases. However for those of you who choose to use a budget or financial app, these articles can help you stay safe.
Keep Kids Safe
And finally, the very best advice for keeping kids safe is to be involved. Have them use the internet with you or set a policy where you can have access to their devices and their accounts any time, any place, any day. Aside from that, know which apps your kids are using. If they are "anonymous" apps, the potential for harm (peer pressure, bullying or child predators) goes up exponenti
ally. These articles offer good advice.
Caution and common sense go a long way to keeping us safe with mobile apps.
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Seltek Technology solutions
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