Mobile applications are now a central part of our daily lives, helping us browse the web, connect with others, communicate, and much more. However, they also expose us to potential risks from fraudsters who may steal our personal information or harm our devices.
According to 2024 data from Asee, over 75% of published apps have at least one security vulnerability. This means that 3 out of every 4 of your favorite apps could pose a security risk. That’s why it’s crucial to stay cautious when downloading and managing apps. Here are ten easy tips to help keep your mobile apps safe and secure.
Why Is Mobile App Security Important?
Not only do 75% of apps pose security risks, but business apps are also three times more likely to leak login credentials. Even the most popular apps are not immune to these risks. Those with over 5 million downloads still have at least one security flaw.
Using mobile apps isn’t always risk-free. Hackers and cybercriminals have various ways to access your data—through insecure internet connections, excessive app permissions, and more. Up next, we’ll share ten essential security tips to help protect your data while using mobile apps.
Top 10 Security Tips For Mobile App Users
While mobile apps can pose security risks, there are effective ways to minimize them. By being mindful of where you download apps, the permissions you grant, the type of internet connection you use, and other key factors, you can better protect your personal data. Here are ten top security tips every mobile app user should follow:
1. Only download from official stores
The first step to mobile app security is selecting trustworthy apps. Some may appear legitimate but aren’t actually secure. That’s why it’s crucial to verify the source before hitting the download button. Always download your apps from the App Store or Google Play.
App stores review apps to ensure they’re safe to use. Avoid downloading from unknown websites, as they may host fake apps that can harm your device.
2. Check app ratings and reviews
Before downloading an app, check out what others are saying about it. If many users give it positive reviews and mention that it’s safe, it’s likely a good choice. But if there are complaints or reports of issues, it might be best to skip it.
3. Read app permissions
Before downloading an app, take a moment to do some research. Downloading a fake or malicious app by mistake can leave your device vulnerable to malware, ransomware, and other serious threats.
Apps often ask for permission to access different parts of your phone, such as your location or camera. Think about whether they truly need that information. If an app requests excessive permissions, it’s best not to install it.
4. Update your phone’s operating system
Make sure to keep your phone’s software up to date. Regular updates often fix security vulnerabilities, making it harder for hackers to gain access to your device.
5. Use strong passwords
We rely on apps for everyday tasks like sending emails, storing files, and sharing on social media. If an app is compromised, your personal information could be at risk of theft.
Passwords are key to securing your apps, so make sure yours is hard to guess. Use a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid using the same password across multiple apps to ensure that if one password is compromised, your other apps remain protected.
6. Enable two-factor authentication
Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security when logging in. It typically sends a code to your phone or email, making it much more difficult for unauthorized users to access your accounts.
7. Beware of public Wi-Fi
Public Wi-Fi is never secure, as hackers may be monitoring your online activity. Avoid using it for sensitive apps, such as banking, and wait until you’re connected to a secure network.
8. Log out of apps not in use
Always log out of apps when you’re finished using them, especially those that contain personal information like banking or email apps. If your phone is lost or stolen, this makes it much harder for someone to access your accounts.
9. Update your apps
App developers often address security issues in updates. Be sure to update your apps whenever new versions are released to help protect your information.
10. Use security features
Many apps offer extra security features, such as fingerprint locks or face recognition. Enable these features whenever possible, as they can prevent others from accessing your apps. In addition to these security tips, it’s essential to take further precautions to protect your data. Be sure to follow our advice on safe downloads and data protection as well.
Stay Safe While Using Mobile Apps
Staying safe with mobile apps isn’t difficult—just stay cautious and think things through. Only download apps from trusted sources, keep your phone and apps up to date, and use strong passwords and additional security features when available.
Article used with permission from The Technology Press.