In the News
Another Apple Store app has been removed as of September 7th. In Apple removes a top paid utility app that stole data and sent it back to China, Shannon Liao from The Verge discusses a security utility app on the Apple Store called Adware Doctor that has been stealing user data and sending the information to a server in China. Liao explains that Adware Doctor had numerous glowing reviews and seemed legitimate. However, the app maliciously stole user data from other apps and web browsing history.
Our Take
It is unsettling to hear about another app that has been stealing user data under a false disguise of being helpful. Possibly more unsettling is the reality that this app was on a verified platform accessible by millions of users who may have been fooled by its rave reviews. Reading the reviews on an app are helpful, but just like Instagram or Twitter followers, reviews can be bought. You should choose to download and use apps that you know are reliable. Asking friends and family members about an app is a great way to learn if it works. The removal of Adware Doctor is a step in the right direction for data security, but with more and more apps being discovered as malicious, it is vital that you are hyper vigilant about the apps and programs that you choose to use.
Recommendations
So how can you protect your privacy in light of so many security breaches?
- Only download apps that you can verify are legitimate
- Do you know other people with the app?
- Have you researched its security practices?
- Understand the risks of putting your personal information into the world, and only share what is necessary
- Understand the legal rights and practices of companies that store your data
- Stay up to date on news regarding recent data breaches and news to see if you may have been affected