How many apps do you have installed on your devices? Today we use ‘apps’ for almost everything, from communicating with our family and friends to writing down the shopping list. However, some applications may represent a danger to the security (and privacy) of your data, as recalled by the cybersecurity company ESET.
While public data can be easily accessible to anyone looking for it, there are many types of digital information that need to be carefully managed and protected, such as bank information or passwords that give access to digital tools that we use
Many people skip reading the Terms and Conditions of the apps they install, even though it is highly recommended to review them before using a new app or signing up for a new service. This aspect is really important if you plan to use the ‘app’ not only to manage your personal information, but also work-related material. Many are so widely used that we don’t even think twice about their possible impact on our security and privacy. For this reason, it is important that the user review them well before installing them and that, in addition, they are clear that they are needed. ESET analyzes 7 types of applications that could endanger our data.
free translation apps
Translation applications usually have to process a large amount of information to transform it into the final translated text. It is not a problem to translate a specific word, but the problem is compounded with entire paragraphs and documents.
When, for example, a lawyer enters the content of a sensitive contract into an insecure translation application, the possible consequences are serious: violation of data protection regulations, disclosure of very sensitive corporate information, etc. Be aware of the type of data you enter into translation apps, and be especially careful with free, unlicensed apps.
Applications to change formats
Have you ever needed to quickly compress a document to fit in an email? Or change its format, for example, to PDF? One of the most common ways to do this is to use an online conversion tool or format changer app.
Everything that has been said about translation apps also applies to format changer apps. These services must process potentially sensitive data in uploaded documents, so always be careful and use only pre-approved apps.
shared calendars
Shared calendars often include contact lists. To share your calendar with someone, you need at least their email address. So, unless they are sufficiently protected, these applications can represent a data protection issue. Also, some shared calendars can be quite confusing for your users, so they may not be sure what data they are sharing with whom.
To take notes and agendas
With these applications, it depends above all on the use you want to give them. If you use note-taking apps just to create shopping lists, there’s not as much danger as if you use them to jot down notes from your work meetings, or even to memorize your passwords (for which you should always use a password manager, not any other app). Also keep in mind that these apps often allow you to add photos, videos, or voice recordings to your notes, which is another opportunity for data leaks.
to share files
In addition to being able to access sensitive information, most public file-sharing apps work in the cloud. If the cloud provider or your account is compromised, there is a possibility of a data leak. However, some file sharing applications can be combined with transparent data encryption solutions, which may be recommended to increase data security.
messaging apps
Messaging applications usually allow a wide range of actions: file sharing, phone calls, video calls, sending text messages, voice recordings, etc. As a result, they need many permissions on the mobile device, including access to the camera, microphone, or stored data. Also, some messaging apps do not encrypt the information they collectso when hacked, attackers have all the collected data, including sensitive information, at their fingertips.
There are also differences in the type of security these apps offer in terms of encryption. Most of these ‘apps’ encrypt data during transfer over the Internet (data in motion); however, some others offer additional security through end-to-end encryption, which means that even the messaging app provider cannot decrypt the messages, only the communicating parties.
Remote access ‘Apps’
Need to check on your dog while you’re at work? Or do you want to turn on the heating before you get home? Remote access applications allow you to. However, they also work the other way around and you never know who is leading whom. Remote access services can become a portal for outside agents to break into your device, manage it, and steal the data stored on it.