BEING “stingy” with apps is one of the best ways to stay safe from cyber-spying.
That’s according to leading cyber-experts who say that anyone with an iPhone or Android should be very careful when setting up apps.
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And they don’t mean “stingy” in terms of the money you spend.
Instead, McAfee is urging phone owners to be “stingy” with the security permissions that they grant to apps.
In a security memo from a McAfee, a cyber-expert warned not to have over access to your location, photos, camera or microphone without good reason.
So when you tap that pop-up with your finger during app set-up, make sure to “be stingy”.
“Permissions make for powerful apps that can help you hail a ride, get a pizza delivered to your door, and map your afternoon run,” a McAfee cyber-expert explained.
“In the wrong hands, they can also snoop on your activities.
“If an app ever feels like it’s asking for too many permissions to do its job, you might have an invasive app on your hands.”
It’s unlikely that your permissions will be used against you in very dangerous ways on popular well-reviewed apps.
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But even if you’re very careful, it’s still possible that you might end up with a rogue app on your smartphone.
And if you’re not paying attention, you could end up the victim of sinister spying.
“The trick is that some invasive apps still slip through and end up on our phones,” the McAfee cyber-expert revealed.
“Quickly accepting terms and permissions is one reason.
“For extra protection, consider running a quick app audit. Check the apps and permissions on your phone as noted above and delete any suspicious apps.”
The best advice is to “be stingy” when you first install an app.
And consider rolling back permissions so that apps work with the bare minimum that it needs.
This will vary depending on the app you’re looking at.
“Set location services so that they’re only used when the app is in use,” McAfee urged.
“With social and messaging apps, select which photos you allow them to share rather than giving the app blanket access to your entire photo library.
“And lastly, if an app seems like it’s asking for too much, it probably is. Avoid it altogether.”
