I’m a security expert – delete free apps that secretly snoop on your data and there’s a ‘major red flag’ to tell which
A SECURITY expert has revealed to The U.S. Sun the types of apps to be wary of on your smartphone.
Whether you use Android or iPhone, it’s good practice to be cautious about the apps you download and delete any that put you at risk.
Adrian Kunzle, the Chief Technology Officer at leading data platform Own, told The U.S. Sun about his important security tip.
Own protects and activates data for thousands of businesses.
Although Kunzle didn’t mention a specific app he wouldn’t have on his own phone, he is wary of a certain type of content.
He explained: “I think the biggest thing for me is, if an app is free, yet it’s giving me a service, I always ask “what is it doing with my data?”
“Because you have to make money as a business. So, if it’s free, how are they making the money?”
So if an app is free and has no ads, you should question how the company behind it is making money.
Tech experts usually recommend researching an app before you download it.
This may provide more insight into how you’re helping an app make money.
If an app seems suspicious, it’s often worth deleting as a precaution to keep your data safe.
You should also be wary of downloading an app that usually charges a fee but is being advertised for free.
This type of scam app can be found on unofficial app stores and websites.
Victims download the free app thinking they’re getting a deal and end up with malware on their phones instead.
Cyber experts at security giant McAfee have previously warned smartphone users about this risk.
They explained: “After users download a faulty app, cybercriminals deploy malware that operates in the background of mobile devices which makes it difficult for users to realize anything is wrong.
“And while users think they’ve just downloaded another run-of-the-mill app, the malware is hard at work obtaining personal data.”