We carry out many daily activities using smartphone apps. From identifying a route to sharing news on social media. Therefore, because they are so ubiquitous, we are not always confident when using them. Therefore, we have highlighted some points for you to follow to maintain your safety when using apps.
There are ways to protect yourself in apps
One of the first important points about security when using apps is their popularity. This factor is often used maliciously.
Therefore, be careful when purchasing applications such as image editors and photo filters; business and telephone utilities; gaming and betting tips; as well as social media tools.
This is because criminals use tools to transfer the virus as soon as you use the application. But remember that functionality does not reflect security. In other words, an application can work perfectly and still be insecure.
Most of the time, these criminals are looking for data to sell or are after the victim’s money. They are increasingly specialized in this type of service, as they are able to add the risky application to the download store that theoretically should offer security to users.
How to avoid problems with applications?
When purchasing some of these, you should pay attention to the following points:
- the app asks for unnecessary permissions;
- after installation, the application icon disappears from the menu;
- gets advertising outside the context of an app, such as on the home menu or lock screen;
- the web browser redirects to an unrecognized website;
- your phone does unexpected things, such as turning on the camera, microphone, or location services;
- there is a change in settings, such as the default home page or search engine.
Some signs that your phone is compromised:
- higher mobile data consumption than expected;
- reduced battery life or overheating of the device, especially when not in use;
- unrecognized social activity in social media, login sites, mail, likes etc.
- unrecognized new contacts or calendar events;
- new applications installed without your consent or new icons in the start menu;
- Premium SMS messages that you don’t remember sending;
- subscriptions to services paid for by the carrier, but which were not carried out.
