Cybersecurity

Do cyber-security apps really protect your privacy?

• GeorgeCM

The Facebook hack and the Google plus data leak have compromised the privacy of millions of internet users. 

Less prominent in the headlines, but equally unsettling, was the Mac App Store’s removal of Trend Micro anti-malware products in September. It was revealed that the apps had been gathering an unnecessary amount of user data, such as browser history, and sending personal data files to a remote server. The world of cyber security has been shaken in recents weeks.

In light of these troubling privacy breaches, it’s important to remember that apps intended for cyber protection are not always offering the level of security users expect. In fact, some of these apps can actually do more harm than good. By doing a little homework before downloading an ad-blocker, VPN or other tool, you can take steps to prevent your security upgrades from backfiring.

App stores are now teeming with a range of products claiming to keep users secure. Those most widely available on the market today include the following:

• Virtual private networks (VPNs) provide additional security by routing your online traffic through a remote server so that your activity remains hidden and can’t be tracked.
• Ad-blockers filter out advertisements from the websites you browse, enhancing safety by reducing exposure to cookies and possible malware.
• Tor is free software that maintains user anonymity while browsing by hiding your location and encrypting your online activity.
• App-lockers set up separate passwords for individual apps already installed on your smart device.

What you need to know: the risks involved in using security apps

While the variety and scope of these popular security tools is impressive, they often come with unsuspected dangers that you should be aware of.

Some apps take more than their fair share of personal data

For cyber security apps to perform their task, they often need some personal information to protect users from viruses and other threats. However, as we saw in the Trend Micro apps scandal, many of these programs collect more personal data than they actually need, and if that information is in turn exported to outside parties, it can constitute a serious breach of privacy.

Alarming statistics

Studies published in the past two years have shown than many of the cyber security products now available simply do not provide the protection they claim.

One 2017 study found that Android malware can easily be designed to evade detection by 95% of antivirus tools, and another study concluded that 18% of mobile VPNs failed to effectively encrypt user traffic.

According to data released by Google Play, the 10 most popular antivirus, app-locker and ad-blocker apps available for Android regularly request personal data from such categories as location, camera, contacts and SMS.  Even if this data isn’t misused by the services, it’s important to be aware of how much personal information you might be sharing without realizing it.

Smaller developers can be hijacked more easily

Many individual developers and small software firms now offer useful and reasonably-priced security apps.  While most of these providers may have good intentions, often their sites aren’t properly maintained, leaving them vulnerable to attack.  If this happens, your personal information can fall into unscrupulous hands. 

4 steps to take to protect your data