In today’s digital age, mobile apps have become an integral part of our daily lives. However, their data collection practices pose a significant threat to business security. Here’s how you can protect your company’s sensitive information from these lurking risks.
Imagine this scenario: one of your employees casually checks a weather app on their work phone. Seemingly innocent, right? But what if that app is secretly collecting and accessing your valuable business data without your knowledge or consent?
Recent figures reveal an alarming truth—74% of popular mobile apps gather more data than necessary, with 37% of them actively seeking users’ location information. These apps, acting as miners, constantly seek valuable information, putting your business data at risk of exposure and exploitation.
To shield your business from these potential threats, consider these five proactive measures:
- Emphasize Official App Stores: Encourage employees to download apps exclusively from reputable and official app stores. It’s akin to shopping from a trusted retailer rather than an unverified source.
- Review App Permissions: Although tedious, it’s imperative to read and understand app permissions and policies thoroughly. This practice minimizes the chances of a breach by being informed and cautious.
- Customize App Permissions: Configure app permissions judiciously. Evaluate whether apps genuinely require access to sensitive data such as contacts, photos, or location. If not, revoke unnecessary permissions.
- Restrict Location Sharing: Unless it’s integral to the app’s functionality, limit location sharing. Unnecessary location data sharing poses a significant risk to your business’s security.
- Regularly Delete Unused Apps: Unused apps not only clutter your device but also potentially compromise your data security. Remove apps that are no longer in use to reduce potential risks.
Remember, each ‘accept’ on an app is akin to granting access to your business’s vital information. Encourage your team to pause and evaluate before allowing access to personal or sensitive data. Implementing these practices can fortify your business’s security against the threats posed by mobile app data collection.