Most connected appliances, toys, and devices are supported by a mobile application. Your mobile device could be filled with suspicious apps running in the background or using default permissions you never realized you approved—gathering your personal information without your knowledge while also putting your identity and privacy at risk. Check your app permissions and use […]

Depending on the device and OS version, it may be possible to sideload apps in Android. This simply means installing an app without going through an official app store. Sideloading can be dangerous since the app in question isn’t automatically vetted for security flaws or updated with the latest patches and fixes.

Android is the most popular consumer computing platform in the world, used across billions of phones, tablets, smart TVs and other connected devices. However, its popularity and distinctive structure – under which carriers and manufacturers may heavily modify it – make it a magnet for cyberattacks. As an Android user, what can you do to […]

Internet-based chat apps are generally safer than plain SMS (text) messages, but they’re not necessarily bulletproof. An exploit in WhatsApp, allowing malware injection, showed that even apps touting “end-to-end encryption” sometimes have vulnerabilities. To stay safe, apply any updates as soon as possible or – for particularly sensitive conversations – take them offline or use […]

Be sure to review and understand the details of an app before downloading and installing it. Be aware that apps may request access to your location and personal information and determine what information you want the app to be sharing or transmitting. Delete any apps that you do not use regularly to increase your security.

Downloading apps from official sources such as the Apple App Store and Google Play is far safer than sideloading apps or buying them from third-party stores. Still, even official apps can have their security compromised or be problematic for privacy. The best way to mitigate your risk is to check the permissions the apps ask […]