Taking advantage of the fact that we are more concerned about our destination, enjoying our holidays, or remembering our trip, many applications that you install on your Smartphone are totally unnecessary, as well as a great danger to your safety. Hadn’t you noticed this? Well, if you are planning to go on a trip soon, this content is key for you.
App scams increase in the summer. This is a fact, and it is mostly due to the fact that when we leave our natural habitat, we have new needs and often the quickest way to satisfy them is by downloading an app. To book a reservation at that trendy restaurant, to order a taxi in the new city you are in, or even from the moment you book your hotel room. Keep reading and find out which apps you should be most careful with this summer.
The danger of fraudulent apps
When we travel, we tend to install a host of apps that promise to make our lives easier – from maps and travel guides to hotel and flight booking apps. But not all apps are as innocent as they seem. Some may contain malware that steals personal and banking data.
For example, apps such as PDF Reader & File Manager and QR Reader & File Manager, which were found in the Google Play Store, have been identified as dangerous. These apps contained Trojans that allowed cybercriminals to access our devices and commit fraud. According to the OCU, the Anatsa malware has affected hundreds of thousands of devices, stealing online banking login details and diverting money through fraudulent transactions.
Popular travel apps and their risks
While on vacation, it’s common to use apps like Airbnb, Expedia, and Google Maps. These apps, while useful, can also collect a lot of personal data.
- Airbnb, for example, requires a government-issued ID and can access your IP address and precise location. To minimize risk, set the app’s permissions so that it only accesses your location while you’re using it and avoid linking social media accounts.
- Expedia requires access to several phone features, such as the camera and contacts. If possible, use the web version rather than the app to limit the amount of data it can collect.
- For Google Maps and other mapping apps, make sure to set location permissions so that they can only access your location while you’re using the app. Also, consider deleting your search and location history regularly.
Tips to protect yourself from malicious apps like these
To avoid falling into these traps, or at least to reduce the likelihood of this happening, it is key that you follow a series of recommendations:
- Download apps only from official sources:
- Read reviews and ratings: Before installing an app, check the reviews of other users. If an app has many negative or suspicious reviews, it is best to avoid downloading it.
- Check permissions: Some apps ask for unnecessary permissions, such as access to contacts or location. Check the permissions and if anything seems out of place, don’t install the app.
- Keep your software up to date: Both your operating system and apps must be up to date to protect against vulnerabilities.
- Use strong passwords: Make sure all your accounts are protected with strong, unique passwords. Consider using a password manager to keep them safe.
- Avoid public Wi-Fi networks: Public Wi-Fi networks can be a security risk. If you need to connect, use a VPN to protect your information.
- Review and adjust app permissions: After installing an app, review and adjust permissions to limit access to your personal data.
- Delete apps you don’t need: After your vacation, delete apps you no longer need to minimize the risk of them collecting unnecessary data.
Traveling should be a pleasant and safe experience. By following these tips and being cautious about the apps you install, you can protect your privacy and avoid unnecessary risks.
