12 Scams of Christmas: Security threats from apps
A new warning tonight from online security experts and if you have a smartphone and use apps on a regular basis, you'll want to listen up. Those apps could secretly be stealing your money and identity.
News 13's Jon Chrisos is On Your Side as we count down our top 12 Scams of Christmas.
As smartphone users, most of us are app crazy. One survey found the average iPhone or iPad user has downloaded more than 60 apps. But as the number of downloads has grown, so have the chances that you could download a malicious app.
Tablets and smartphones are hot items for all ages this holiday season. but if you unwrap a new smartphone this holiday season, you could also be opening up yourself to identity thieves and privacy violations. The federal trade commission recently released a report on apps. It found more than half of them sent information back to the developer or a third party - like an advertiser.
The key to apps and websites - look for other info - separate Google page - look up review - Apple iOs or android marketplace. The FTC also found only 1 in 5 apps disclosed information about privacy practices. So after you download an app, you'll want to make sure the information they want to access makes sense for the app.
If you have a shopping app that tells you where the closest stores are but they want information of contacts and info - that should send up a red flag. To protect yourself and your privacy the FTC also suggests only download apps from official app stores. Test drive apps kids want to use so you're comfortable with the content. Look for disclaimers on whether the app collects personal data and if they share it And restrict "in app" purchases or the ability to access any additional material.
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