Top 10 everyday apps that put your data at risk in 2024

Data at risk for the number of apps we use daily is increasing fast. But are these apps safe for your personal information? Many popular apps can put your data at risk, exposing you to hackers or third-party advertisers. Data leaks can include your location, financial information, and browsing history.

Let’s look at 10 everyday apps that may compromise your privacy in 2024. We’ll also explain what makes an app risky and how you can protect yourself.

What makes an app risky i.e. data at risk?

Several factors can make an app risky for your personal data. Here are the main ones:

1. Unnecessary Permissions: Apps that ask for more access than they need can compromise your data. For example, a music app doesn’t need access to your contacts.
2. Weak Security: Apps with poor security practices may leave your data exposed. Without proper encryption, your data could be stolen by hackers.
3. Storing Data Locally: Apps that store personal data on your device can be more easily breached. A device theft could give someone access to your sensitive information.
4. Public Wi-Fi Risks: Using apps on public Wi-Fi can be dangerous. Hackers can easily access your data when you are on an unsecured network.
5. Third-Party Access: Some apps share your information with advertisers or other companies. This means your data could end up with parties you don’t know or trust.

Top 10 everyday apps that put your data at risk

The following table shows which data may be collected by each of the apps and linked to user identity:

1. Facebook

Facebook collects massive amounts of data, including your location, contacts, and browsing history. They share this data with advertisers for targeted ads. Facial recognition software and third-party access also add to the risk. Facebook’s revenue depends on selling your data to advertisers.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Limit sharing by adjusting your privacy settings.
• Disable location tracking and facial recognition.
• Use two-factor authentication for extra security.

2. Instagram

Instagram, owned by Meta, collects your photos, messages, and interactions. It shares this data with advertisers and third-party companies. Younger users, who are more vulnerable, often use Instagram, making privacy crucial.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Turn off location sharing in the app.
• Make your account private and limit who sees your posts.
• Use strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication.

3. WhatsApp

WhatsApp collects user data, such as contacts, device info, and message usage. It shares some of this data with Meta for advertising. Although WhatsApp uses end-to-end encryption, backups may not be as secure.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Disable automatic message backups.
• Enable encrypted backups for added security.
• Activate two-step verification to secure your account.

4. Gmail

Gmail collects your emails, contacts, and browsing data. This information is often used for advertising purposes and shared with third-party apps. Gmail’s password recovery options can be weak, making your account more vulnerable to attacks.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Use strong, unique passwords for your Gmail account.
• Enable two-factor authentication for added security.
• Regularly update your account recovery options.

5. YouTube

YouTube tracks your watch history, search history, and interactions on the platform. This data is used to show personalized ads. YouTube can also be vulnerable to malware that spies on your account and leaks your data.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Clear your watch and search history often.
• Use private browsing or incognito mode when watching videos.
• Avoid clicking on suspicious ads or links in video comments.

6. Facebook Messenger

Messenger collects data from your conversations, including shared media. Scammers use Messenger for phishing and fraud. Older users can fall victim to these scams. Messenger can access your camera and microphone without proper permission.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Don’t accept messages from unknown contacts.
• Turn off camera and microphone access for the app.
• Use encrypted conversations for private communication.

7. Amazon

Amazon collects your shopping history, payment info, and delivery details. While Amazon claims it doesn’t sell data, it still shares your information with third-party partners for advertising. Data breaches have also raised concerns over privacy.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Regularly review your account privacy settings.
• Turn off personalized ads in your account settings.
• Clear your browsing and order history regularly.

8. Google Maps

Google Maps collects and tracks your real-time location and navigation history. This data is used for personalized recommendations and ads. Google uses this information to build user trends, which can expose your privacy.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Disable location sharing when not using the app.
• Clear your location history frequently.
• Use offline maps to avoid being tracked.

9. Apple Music

Apple Music collects data on your music preferences, account details, and device usage. It shares this data with developers, partners, and advertisers. Although Apple values privacy, they still use your data for targeted ads.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Turn off personalized ads in your Apple account settings.
• Avoid syncing unnecessary data between devices.
• Use strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication.

10. Spotify

Spotify tracks your listening habits, location, and payment information. It even gathers data from surveys and voice commands. Spotify shares this data with advertisers and third-party companies to create personalized ads.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Review your privacy settings within the Spotify app.
• Use incognito mode when listening to avoid tracking.
• Limit the permissions you give to the app.

How Can You Protect Your Data?

If you can’t stop using these apps, don’t worry. There are ways to protect your information while still using them:

1. Use a VPN: A Virtual Private Network (VPN) encrypts your data and hides your IP address. This makes it harder for hackers to track you.
2. Enable Two-Factor Authentication: Many apps offer two-factor authentication. This adds an extra layer of security when you log in.
3. Use Strong Passwords: Create strong, unique passwords for each app. Using a password manager can help you keep track of them.
4. Limit Permissions: Go into the settings of each app and disable unnecessary permissions. Only allow apps access to data they absolutely need.
5. Use Private Browsing: When browsing the web, use incognito mode. Also, choose websites with HTTPS encryption for added security.
6. Install Updates: Keep your apps updated to the latest version. Updates often include security patches to protect your data.
7. Backup Your Data: Back up important data to a secure location, like cloud storage or an external hard drive.
8. Be Careful on Public Wi-Fi: Avoid accessing sensitive information while using public Wi-Fi. If you have to, make sure to use a VPN.
9. Avoid Oversharing on Social Media: Be mindful of what you share on apps like Facebook or Instagram. The less you share, the less data can be stolen.

Everyday apps like Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and WhatsApp may put your data at risk. These apps collect large amounts of personal information, which they share with advertisers or other third parties. To protect your data, reduce app usage or follow steps like using VPNs, strong passwords, and limiting permissions.

FAQs

Which apps share your data the most?

Facebook, Instagram, and Spotify are among the top apps that share the most personal data.

What apps steal your information?

Apps with poor security practices, like WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger, may expose your data to hackers or scammers.

What apps use your personal information?

Most popular apps, like YouTube, Amazon, and Google Maps, use personal data for advertising and to improve their services.