Expert reveals how to tell if a website or app is tracking you

In our modern world, smartphones are more than just communication devices; they are central to our daily lives, providing convenience and connectivity. However, lurking beneath this convenience lies a significant threat: mobile security risks.

In an age where sharing information on social media platforms has become the norm, we must not forget that even the smallest personal information can open the door to identity theft and unauthorized access to financial accounts.

While the security issues on Android devices are well known, another less recognized but equally concerning concern is the rise of spyware and stalkerware apps.

These stealthy apps can be secretly installed on a user’s phone, allowing someone to monitor our every move. This becomes especially dangerous in cases of domestic violence, where such apps are used for online stalking and harassment. Often, all it takes is physical access to the victim’s phone to install these apps.

To protect yourself, it’s essential to only download apps from official stores like Google Play and the Apple App Store. Carefully check the permissions apps ask for when you install them, and regularly review and disable any that you don’t need. Additionally, setting up security locks for important apps can prevent unauthorized access if your phone falls into the wrong hands.

Before downloading any app, it is important that you do your research thoroughly and follow these steps:

Check the number of reviews of the app:The more reviews, the better. This shows that many people have used the app and shared their experiences with it. High ratings and lots of positive comments are a great sign.

Read the reviews carefully:Don’t just look at the star rating. Take the time to read real user reviews. Find out what they like about the app and what issues they have. See if those issues affect your usage.

Refer to reputable review sources:In addition to app store reviews, look for professional reviews from reputable websites and magazines. These reviews are often more detailed and can give you more insight into the app's pros and cons.

Remember, no app is perfect. Even the highest-rated apps may have a few negative reviews. It’s important to weigh both the positive and negative reviews to make an informed decision. By following these tips, you can confidently choose apps that are trustworthy and useful.

Check the security of the application

Threats don't just come from obscure apps. Even well-known apps can pose risks. One example is a security flaw in the WhatsApp messaging platform last year that affected both iOS and Android, allowing attackers to target users by sending specially crafted messages. If successfully exploited, attackers could access the microphone, camera, contact list, and more.

WhatsApp and Instagram, which are owned by Meta, request permission to access and modify contacts, storage, phone location, call logs, system settings, and all network access. With each update, these apps may gain new capabilities.

Remember, on platforms like Facebook, you are the product, not the customer. Any data about you like your activity, location, interactions is valuable to hackers.

Dating apps like Tinder and Grindr also collect detailed personal data, including: name, email address, phone number, employment information, whether or not you have a pet, and of course, your location and age.

In 2020, five dating apps suffered data breaches that affected millions of profiles and exposed users to email scams, phone scams, and identity theft. It's important to be aware of the information you share and the potential risks associated with using these apps.

How to detect if an app or website is tracking you

In many movies, we often see a spy find a hidden camera in a room, or someone discovers that their phone is being tracked. While it may seem like fiction, in reality, some websites and apps can invade your privacy by monitoring your calls, texts, and online activities.

Trevor Cooke, an online privacy expert at US cybersecurity company EarthWeb, has revealed how online tracking happens and how you can protect yourself from this threat.

1. Unusual battery drain and excessive data usage:If your battery is draining rapidly or your mobile data usage is skyrocketing, check your background apps for any strange or suspicious apps.

2. Reduced device performance:If your phone or computer suddenly becomes slow, there may be unwanted software running. Check your installed apps list and uninstall any suspicious apps.

3. Strange signals during phone calls:Strange noises, echoes, or interruptions during calls may indicate an app is accessing your conversation. Check the permissions of apps that have microphone access and try revoking them to see if the problem is resolved.

4. Pop-ups and targeted ads appear:If you frequently see ads that match your recent conversations or search history, there may be an app or website tracking your activity to target ads. Use an ad blocker, refuse to accept cookies, or install safety apps.

5. Mysterious data transmission occurs:Use a network monitoring tool to check if data is being transmitted from your device when you're not using it. Data being sent without your knowledge could indicate an app is secretly collecting and transmitting your information.

6. Excessive application permission requests:Be wary of apps that ask for permissions unrelated to their intended use, such as games that ask for camera or microphone access. Always double-check the permissions an app requests before downloading them, and regularly review the permissions of existing apps to control their access.

How to protect privacy on your phone

To protect privacy on personal devices, users need to take the following steps:

1. Regularly update software and applications:It is important to keep your system software and applications up to date, as they often contain essential security patches. Each update is a shield that protects you from the dangers lurking in the virtual world.

2. Choose your application carefully:Before installing any app, take the time to do your research. Read lots of user reviews, find out about the developer’s reputation and history. A good app will have lots of positive reviews and a clear, reputable developer background.

3. Strictly manage application permissions:Carefully control the permissions you grant to each application. Be especially careful with sensitive permissions such as microphone, camera, contacts, location, etc. Only grant necessary permissions to each application and regularly review the granted permissions to promptly revoke permissions when necessary.

4. Use a trusted security app:Security apps will help you identify and remove spyware from your device. Choose apps that are reputable, trusted by many people, and have good reviews.

5. Encrypt internet traffic using a virtual private network (VPN):Using a VPN encrypts the data you send and receive online, increasing your privacy and security. Expert Trevor Cooke recommends choosing a reputable VPN service to ensure effectiveness.

By following these simple principles, you can effectively protect your privacy and avoid the risk of unauthorized tracking apps. Remember, safety is gold, especially in the digital world.

In the digital age, smartphones have become an indispensable part of our lives, and they pose significant risks to our privacy. It is important to be vigilant about the apps we download and the permissions they request.

By taking these simple proactive steps, we can reduce the risk of being tracked by unauthorized apps and keep our personal data safe. Remember, in the digital world, being proactive and vigilant is key to protecting our own privacy.