I was a phone engineer and here’s everything you can do to protect yourself against malicious apps

As a former phone engineer, I’ve seen my fair share of malicious apps that can compromise your personal information and harm your device. The scary thing is that these apps can look and feel just like any other app, making it difficult to spot them. However, there are some telltale signs and precautions you can take to protect yourself. Here are my tips on what to look out for and how to stay safe:

Be cautious of free apps

Free apps can be tempting, but they may come with a hidden cost. Some free apps are designed to collect your personal data, such as your location, contact list, and browsing history. This information can then be used for targeted advertising or even sold to third parties. If an app is offering something for free, ask yourself what their motive is and whether it’s worth the risk.

Check the app’s permissions

Before downloading an app, check the permissions it requires. If an app is asking for permission to access your camera, microphone, or other sensitive data, consider whether it’s necessary for its functionality. A flashlight app, for example, shouldn’t need access to your camera or microphone. Be wary of apps that require excessive permissions.

Read reviews and ratings

Reviews and ratings can give you an idea of an app’s legitimacy. Look for reviews from verified users and pay attention to the average rating. Be cautious of apps with low ratings or few reviews. Additionally, look out for fake reviews, which can be created by the app developer to make their app seem more popular than it is.

Check the app’s publisher

The publisher of an app can give you an idea of its legitimacy. Look for well-known publishers that have a good reputation. If an app is published by a company you’ve never heard of, do some research to see if they’re legitimate. A quick Google search can help you determine whether the publisher is genuine or not.

Be wary of apps that ask for personal information

Legitimate apps will never ask for personal information such as your Social Security number or bank account details. If an app is asking for this type of information, it’s likely a scam. Be cautious of apps that ask for your email address, phone number, or other identifiable information.

Keep your device and operating system up to date

Keeping your device and operating system up to date can help protect you against malicious apps. Updates often include security patches that can help prevent hacking and other security breaches. Make sure your device is set to automatically update, so you don’t have to remember to do it yourself.

Use antivirus software

Antivirus software can help detect and remove malicious apps from your device. Choose a reputable antivirus app and keep it up to date. While no antivirus software is 100% effective, it can provide an extra layer of protection against malware.

Use two-factor authentication

Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security to your accounts by requiring you to enter a code sent to your email or phone number in addition to your password. This makes it much harder for hackers to gain access to your account, even if they have your password. Enable two-factor authentication on any apps that offer it.

Monitor your device’s behavior

Keep an eye on your device’s behavior for signs of malware. If your device is suddenly crashing, running slowly, or displaying unusual pop-ups, it could be a sign of a malicious app. Check your device’s settings to see if any suspicious apps are running in the background.

Delete unused apps

Finally, delete any apps that you no longer use. Unused apps can still collect data and pose a security risk, even if you don’t use them. Regularly cleaning out your app library can help protect your device and personal information.

In conclusion, while there are many malicious apps out there, there are steps you can take to protect yourself. Be cautious of free apps, check an app’s permissions, read reviews and ratings, and keep your device and operating system up to date. Additionally, use antivirus software, two-factor authentication, monitor your device’s behavior, and delete unused apps. By following these tips, you can significantly reduce the risk of downloading a malicious app and protect your personal information.