Do you ever wonder what are the risks of allowing an app to communicate? What happens when your app wanted to update and you grant permissions? Was it really necessary for them to have access to my location or contact list? Or could they operate just as well without that information? Here’s our best guide!
An Overview
Communication app is a popular category of apps. They are frequently downloaded and used by users. They have a variety of uses including chatting, messaging, entertainment, and more. Many people have more than one communication app on their phones. When you allow an app to communicate with another app, a website, or a device, there are certain risks associated with it.
Communication apps use the internet and your data connection to communicate with the outside world. Data is stored on servers for access anytime you want. This is what makes communication apps so useful but it also makes them vulnerable to attacks.
The Risks of Allowing an App to Communicate
Apps that use the internet for communicating or accessing information have access to your data. This includes your emails, contacts, messages, social media accounts, and other sensitive information. How your information is used depends on the type of app you use and how it’s coded by the developer.
For example, if you use a chat application such as WhatsApp or WeChat, your information is probably safe because they have to comply with privacy regulations. This is to operate in many countries around the world including the US, UK, and Canada. However, if you are using an entertainment app such as Snapchat, your information is at risk.
This is because these apps don’t require users to be over 13 years old like WhatsApp does. Also, it is where users share photos and videos that disappear after being viewed. So teenagers use Snapchat to send photos and videos of themselves that they want others to see.
But don’t want their parents or teachers to know about them doing so because they are not supposed to be using Snapchat in the first place. By allowing an app on your phone to communicate with another app or website, you’re putting your personal information at a higher risk.
How Can I Protect Myself?
Keep an eye on permissions that each communication app requires before letting it communicate with another device or website. Don’t simply agree just because the developer wants access to something unnecessary, like your location data when all they need is an internet connection. Ask yourself why they need to access this information and is that reason enough. If it’s not, don’t agree.
Always check the reviews of apps before installing them on your phone and if possible. Also, use a trial version of the app before paying for a subscription or unlocking additional features. Look for reviews from people who have used the app before and not just from the developer.
Use encrypted messaging apps such as WhatsApp, WeChat, and iMessage. It encrypts all messages using end-to-end encryption technology. So that no one can access your conversations except you and your contacts.
Use apps like Privacy Grade that give users an easy way to see how much personal data an application is accessing. Also, how transparent it is in sharing this information with users. This helps you make informed decisions before installing any app on your phone or tablet.
