In the News
For once, an app is being specifically designed to protect user data. In A new ‘smart firewall’ iPhone app promises to put your privacy before profits, Zach Whittaker at TechCrunch discusses a new app that is meant to act as a filter providing awareness to users over what their other apps are doing with their data. Whittaker elaborates that the app is not designed to inhibit the use of other apps, rather provide information to the user and then provide the option to block an app from functioning, but not require such an action.
Our Take
Having the information regarding what an app does with your data on and off the app itself is a useful tool to have, yet the information provided can be difficult to truly understand. In recent news, numerous apps and companies have come under scrutiny for data misuse, and the reality of what companies do with an individual’s data has been publicized. The Guardian app provides an option for users to learn more about how their apps utilize their data and provides proactive steps to minimize privacy vulnerabilities. The app’s focus on the customer is rare and refreshing. Hopefully, the app provides the information society’s consumer base is wanting regarding data use.
Recommendations
Follow Northwestern Information Security’s tips to be proactive about securing your data:
- Understand the risks of putting your personal information into the world, and only share what you have to
- Minimize the number of accounts that have direct access to your bank account or card numbers
- Don’t reuse your account passwords, and take advantage of multi-factor authentication where possible
- Utilize a VPN or a service that uses one whenever possible
- Stay up to date on news regarding recent fraud and phishing attacks to see if you may have been affected