In 2023, many debates related to banning some popular applications on the Internet platform took place in many countries around the world. In the US, many discussions about banning the social network TikTok led to restrictions on installing this application on government-issued devices in more than half of the states.
But users are not always willing to give up their favorite apps, and are not afraid to look for alternative platforms, or even install pirated versions to access their favorite content. These versions often lack basic functionality, have ambiguous privacy policies, or outright violate user rights.
Over time, many apps tend to disappear from software stores for various reasons, which means sensitive data can fall into the hands of third parties.
Revealing personal information online is always a serious problem, directly affecting users.
To limit personal data leaks, security experts point out some tips to keep personal information safe when using online services as follows:
Consider carefully before installing the application on the device
Just because authorities are talking about bans and restrictions on any app doesn’t mean they will actually be implemented. Therefore, rushing to find an alternative solution of unknown origin is risky, and can “open the door” for hackers to steal users’ personal information. As mentioned above, not all programs and developers care about the safety of user data.
Therefore, before installing any unverified application on personal devices, users should consider the pros and cons of that program, carefully read the reviews of previous users, and remember that official app stores are always the best and safest choice, limiting the use of third-party software.
Learn about the app's privacy policy
Smart device owners should learn more about how the law governs user rights and the handling of personal data, for example the UK Data Protection Act and the European Union. Don’t forget to read the app’s privacy policy, check that the developer respects user rights and that the program only collects data for which it has permission.
Also, make sure users can contact customer service to request deletion of personal information.
Excessive data sharing is not a safe option
Users should limit the data access permissions granted to applications to reduce the possibility of disclosure or misuse of personal information in cases where the software does not have adequate security measures in place. Once data is shared on the Internet, it is often difficult to control the distribution and use of this resource, leading to long-term privacy issues.
To prevent potential problems, users are advised to limit access to sensitive personal data such as photos, contacts, location, etc. to programs that can function without this information. Similarly, for audio recording, microphone access should be restricted to ensure that applications do not collect information while "listening" to conversations in the environment.
Keep your personal data safe online
Today, many modern security solutions can block apps from accessing personal information, warn users if their phone number and data have been leaked, and warn them if malicious files have been downloaded to their device. There are also services that help improve the security of personal data by following simple instructions.
" Restricting app permissions has become more common than before. Users looking for alternative apps do not always get quality software with transparent privacy policies. Therefore, knowing your user rights and paying attention to who and how apps collect data can help prevent personal information from falling into the wrong hands, " commented Anna Larkina, web content analyst at Kaspersky.
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