There are several apps, which are available in the Google Play Store and advertised via social media to attract Android users. But after downloading these apps, mostly gaming related apps and using them for a while, users lose interest and even forget that they had downloaded them. But recently it is was disclosed that such unused apps could make your smartphone vulnerable to malware and hacking.
Android, iOS vulnerability
Uninstalling the unused apps not only free up extra storage space but also helps to keep a user's personal data safe. Just a few days ago social media giant Twitter revealed the details about the data breach in a blog post. It said several third-party Android apps were implicated in a data breach that affected millions of android users.
The post added that many third-party apps containing malicious software caused vulnerability issues in Android phones to access some Twitter and Facebook account information. But the social media giant Twitter has clarified to its users that it was not an attempt to take control of anyone's account surreptitiously.
However, they mentioned that the malicious apps were still able to access personal information of the user such as names, genders, as well as usernames and emails. Google and Apple, both were alerted about these fraudulent apps. As of now, none of the iOS users was affected by these apps. It should be noted that the Android users who may have had their information lifted soon receive notification from Twitter and Facebook.
Even if the users notice that they are unaffected by this data breach, it is advised to uninstall unused apps from the smartphone to ensure the safety of the device as well the personal details.
How to audit the apps installed in a smartphone?
- Scroll through the smartphone's apps window and delete those apps which you don't use or recognize by long-tapping and dragging them to the uninstall button
- Check what permissions you have given while installing an app. Go to the Settings menu, search for "permissions" and tap the option to open the app permissions menu. You can turn off any permissions that seem unnecessary or not required
- While downloading apps from market place kindly make sure that you don't end up downloading shady third-party apps
- Read reviews before downloading apps and checking forums or support pages for any reports of malicious activity
