Redstone Federal Credit Union

r e d f c u.o r g | 11 Apps cover a variety of interests, but they all have one thing in common: security issues. ey typically need to use data from your device, and those permissions and privacy policies could be granting them unnecessary, or flat-out risky, access to your files or folders. e average smartphone user has 26 apps installed, so knowing how to protect your device is important. Here are some ways to avoid security threats when you use apps: Download only from reputable app stores. Official app stores watch for and remove apps that may contain malware, but some bad apples still slip through. Stick to the more popular offerings, and ask yourself: What does the app do? What's the developer's or company's website? What other apps have they made? Do your app homework. Reviews are generally trustworthy on places like the App Store® and Google Play™. Just know that companies can skew these reviews. A quick Google search of "[app or company name] fake reviews" can be insightful. Other users on Twitter and Facebook are also often good resources. Keep your operating system up to date. Many operating system updates are for the purpose of fixing security flaws. If those updates don't happen, your mobile device is likely more vulnerable. Check the app's privacy policy and permissions. e app should not have access to things on your phone that aren't relevant to its function. For example, GPS tracking makes sense for a fitness app that tracks your runs, but not necessarily for a mobile game. Ask yourself: What data will the app collect, and why? What permissions does it need, and is it logical it would need that kind of information? Am I comfortable giving the access they're requesting? Lastly, whether you use apps or not, always protect your mobile device with a strong password. Choose Apps Carefully and Keep Your MOBILE DEVICES HAPPY Many of the most downloaded apps of 2019, seen below, also happen to be the most downloaded apps of the decade, according to a Cnet.com article. e year 2019 saw a steady increase of social video apps, such as TikTok and Likee. 10 MOST Downloaded Apps The of 2019 Facebook Messenger Facebook WhatsApp Messenger TikTok Instagram SHAREit Likee Snapchat Netflix Spotify

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