Why Less Secure Apps Are Putting Your Data at Risk
With the continuous advancement of technology and the expansion of digital services, internet users worldwide are leaving behind a vast amount of personal data that is increasingly stored digitally. However, not all applications or services have the same level of security. Some less secure apps may be putting your sensitive information at risk.
What are Less Secure Apps?
Less Secure Apps are software programs or applications that haven’t been through Google’s security review process. These apps run on the outdated Common protocols and less secure with basic password authentication.
For example, apps that allow access to your email account, calendars, or contacts using a simple username and password do not offer the best protection. Once the hacker gains access to these apps, they can quickly access the information you have stored online, including your private and confidential data.
Why are Less Secure Apps Dangerous?
The primary reason why less secure apps are dangerous is that they offer a weak link in the security chain. Cybercriminals can exploit the weak points in these apps to gain access to sensitive data. Once hackers gain access to your information, they can use it for various nefarious purposes, such as identity theft, financial fraud, and other cybercrimes.
Less secure apps also lack critical security features such as two-factor authentication, which adds an extra layer of protection against unauthorized access. Data from Google shows that enabling two-factor authentication alone can prevent up to 99.9% of account hijacking attempts.
Examples of High Profile Breaches
To better understand the dangers of less secure apps, let’s look at some high profile data breaches that occurred as a result of using less secure software.
In 2013, Yahoo announced that cybercriminals had stolen personal data from all of its user accounts, which totaled three billion. Yahoo attributed the breach to less secure software and a lack of awareness of the potential security loopholes.
In another instance, in 2016, hackers stole over 68 million email addresses and passwords, including many Gmail accounts, from the LinkedIn database. The attack was reportedly performed via less secure application program interfaces (APIs), without the users’ knowledge.
Protecting Yourself from Less Secure Apps
While it is impossible to entirely avoid all less secure apps, you can take several steps to reduce your vulnerability to cybersecurity threats.
First, only use reputable applications and software programs that have completed the Google security review process, which ensures that the vendor meets strict security standards. Do not use any apps that require you to disable key functions, such as two-factor authentication, to sign in.
Also, ensure that you keep all your applications, software programs, and devices up to date with the latest patches and security software. The majority of software patches today are distributed to address cybersecurity vulnerabilities that have been discovered.
Conclusion
Less secure apps are one of the most significant security risks that you may face when using the internet. To avoid putting your data at risk, you should use reputable software applications that have been through the Google security review process, and stay informed about the latest security threats. By following these best practices, you can enjoy a safer and more secure online experience.
