Campus Journalist 
Social media apps
As new and advance Apps gain popularity and attract millions of users, it is a growing concern for people,cyber security experts and lawmakers to think twice before allowing apps to access everything from their sensitive information to their pictures. It’s intelligent to reconsider, “are all apps safe to install?”Apps can contain malware, a kind of software that can cause damage to your device and put your privacy at risk.A majority of apps are safe and secure to download and install but among them are silent attackers waiting to inflict on your device and steal your sensitive information.Dangerous malware-containing apps are gateways for malicious activity. If your device becomes a bot under the control of some attacker groups, they can use your device as a part of larger attacks and make it look like you did all the work.
SOLUTIONS
Raising awareness about app security is crucial.Everyone should be able to judge whether an app is safe to download. Even the most reputable app stores can not ensure that every app is safe. Just because an app is on the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store it doesn’t make it absolutely safe. These companies routinely remove apps that might contain malware or seem suspicious,but some apps slip past and get installed by unsuspecting users.You can learn the characteristics of a trustworthy app. Make it a point to discuss about certain unsafe apps and raise awareness around you.By doing this we can help spread technological literacy that will protect others around us.
Read Reviews
Authentic apps have lots of genuine reviews from real users. They might have some complaints as well. The quality of the reviews gives us insight into the quality of the app.But don’t make your mind up solely based on reviews.Some reviews are fake as well. Some unscrupulous developers employ people to leave fake positive reviews to boost their sales.
Know Your Source
The safest route to find apps is to download from reputable and known markets. Don’t download apps in a hurry. Instead, take the time to get to know your source. Marketplaces provide an ample amount of apps, including third-party. Some characteristics of a safe marketplace are-Terms of service are well developed,Clear contact information,Strict app developer criteria etc. .Apps within Google Play and Apple store are screened for legitimacy, quality, safety, and many other factors. Apps outside of markets are more likely to be infected with malicious programming.
Permissions
Apps should not have too many permissions. The permissions should be appropriate to the app. Permissions give the creator of the app access to various areas of your phone. The permissions should only communicate with the systems necessary for the intent of the app.When an app’s permissions seem irrelevant to the functioning of an app, then you may need to reconsider before installing it.Only download apps that respect the users right to privacy.Fewer permissions the apps request, the more likely it is to be safe.
CONCLUSION:
Apps have been becoming an integral part of our lives, it is high time we learn how to be safe with their use.With time it will become a routine to identify safe and quality apps. It is essential to know how to find download-worthy apps.It’s important to teach everyone irrespective of the age group the same.As already said,knowledge is power,collect and spread as much as you can, and motivate others to do the same. Do some research about and keep yourself as well as others updated!
Article By- Ashi Kaim
Editing By- Jasleen Kaur
We tend to give permission to various apps without even thinking about it. These apps can access all the data on our devices and we ourselves let that happen.
We should read about the app and only download them from a credible source.