Apps used to be fun add-ons to get the most out of your phone. Today, they’re vital to our everyday communication, work, and play.
Sadly, it seems like every week, there’s another list of bad apps causing headaches or putting your security at risk. Phony cryptocurrency and financial apps are scammers’ latest grift. Tap or click for red flags that the app you’re about trust your money with is a sham.
While we’re talking smartphone security, there are five tweaks every iPhone user should make. Tap or click for steps to see which apps are spying, hide your location, and close down access to your camera roll.
Now it’s time to open up your app list and start deleting the rogue ones.
1. Game and puzzle apps
Most people don’t put much thought into downloading free puzzles and game apps. But, unfortunately, that can come back to bite you in a big way when malware and other dangerous code are hiding.
Apps spreading malware want to reach as many people as possible, so it’s not uncommon to see ads for them across social media. That includes games called Rugby Pass, Flying Skateboard and Plant Monster. Tap or click for a full list of 21 bad gaming apps you need to remove from your device.
It’s not just malware. Most games collect far more information than you might realize. For example, take the super popular Words with Friends.
This game collects the following data: purchases, contact info, user content, identifiers, diagnostics, location, contacts, browning history, usage and…