Unsafe habits on smartphones might be common: a significant security concern
In the digital age, our smartphones have become a treasure trove of personal information. According to cybersecurity experts, many unused apps pose a major security risk. This is because many apps come with extensive permissions that most people do not read, potentially granting access to sensitive data such as personal communications, contacts, or location histories.
To minimize this risk, it is recommended to delete or limit access to such apps. Lawyer and author Petra Molnar advises this approach, especially when traveling. She removes any sensitive data and only keeps Signal, an end-to-end encrypted messaging app, on her phone.
The average American has approximately 80 apps downloaded on their phone at all times. However, deleting unused apps on a regular basis can help limit what an app maker knows about you and what criminals or government authorities can figure out. Some people even choose to carry a 'clean phone' with only the essential apps needed for travel.
Deleting location-tracking apps like Google Maps can also help save phone battery. It's important to remember that deleting apps does not affect data already collected by the app. Therefore, it's crucial to regularly check your phone's apps list and delete unused ones.
There have been reported cases of border agents denying people entry over subjective reasons such as a meme or a social media app on their phone. The U.S. government asserts the right to search and seize electronic devices crossing U.S. ports of entry. In such a context, limiting the amount of personal data stored on your phone can offer a measure of protection.
Unfortunately, there is no public information available about apps hacked by the identity theft group "Night Dragon" in the last 24 hours or any data that has been stolen. However, the Tea app fiasco serves as a reminder of the potential risks associated with downloading apps, particularly those that claim to support safety or privacy. In the Tea app incident, many women had their identities stolen in a data breach after downloading the app.
The implicit trust that app makers look out for users' best interests may not always be justified. Therefore, deleting some lesser-used apps is one small but significant way to take back control and limit what someone can learn about you. Deleting unnecessary apps can make a noticeable difference in limiting what someone can learn about you in the future.
In conclusion, maintaining digital privacy in the modern world requires conscious effort. Regularly deleting unused apps is a simple yet effective step towards regaining control over your personal data. It's also a reminder to be mindful of the apps we install and the permissions we grant, ensuring we're not unknowingly contributing to the surveillance economy. Kamide encourages this approach, urging us to think twice before handing over our personal data to app makers.
