Smartphones have become essential gadgets in today’s society. We rely on them to do our daily tasks ranging from asking directions to mobile banking. With massive storage capacity, we store important information on these smartphones, and hence it’s of utmost priority to keep them secure. Besides locking our devices, we usually forget that the apps we use can also be a security risk. If you are considering to up your security game, here are some of the ways in which you can ensure your mobile apps are secure;

從 官方商店

At the moment, there are two major operating systems for smartphones, Android and iOS. They both have official stores where their users search for apps, download and install them. In the recent past, there have been malware issues with these stores but not anymore. Nowadays, every app that makes its way to these stores is scanned thoroughly to ensure it doesn’t have any malware. Also, in Android, disable the installation from Unknown Sources settings under security. Only use this setting if you trust the app’s source and after verifying that it’s secure.

設置正確的 應用許可權

我們在智能手機中使用的應用程式需要特定許可權才能正常運行。有時這些許可權不是必需的。在最新版本的 Android 和 iOS 中，您可以設定允許應用使用的許可權以及拒絕請求的許可權。在授予應用程式許可權時，請持懷疑態度，甚至進一步詢問為什麼某個應用程式需要某些許可權。例如，手電筒筒應用程式請求訪問聯繫人、檔存儲、位置和互聯網的許可權是不合邏輯的。警惕請求訪問定位服務、相機和聯繫人的應用。這些應用程式可能會在您不知情的情況下跟蹤您，甚至上傳您的數據。

應用程式 數據加密

這是最難知道它是否被實施的部分，但它也是最關鍵的。應用處理數據的方式決定了其安全性。如果該應用程式不保護您的數據，則設置正確的許可權甚至 使用密碼都將浪費時間。

For instance, messengers such as WhatsApp and Telegram have implemented end to end encryption. This ensures that your data is safe while you are communicating through the internet. You should ensure the apps you use to implement such security mechanisms as this makes sure no one will intercept your data. Unless you are an advanced user and know how to do a pen-test, it will be hard to know what apps are secure. But worry not, you can always get the information from the app store.

檢查更改日誌，用戶評論，甚至詢問開發人員。遠離評價不佳的應用。

確保您的應用程式沒有監視您

You might have everything in check, but still, your privacy and security might be at risk due to someone spying on you. Most people don’t know if they have spyware on their smartphones and this makes it hard to keep their privacy intact. To know if you have spyware in your device, keep an eye on the following signs; Your device overheating for no reason, excessive data usage, and battery drain, the location turns on by itself, unusual device restarts and crackling sounds when receiving/making a call. Typically, you might ignore the signs thinking that your device is faulty. A combination of the above signs may strongly indicate that somebody is spying on you.

使用 VPN

Lastly, a VPN is your last resort when ensuring your apps are secure especially if they use the internet. A VPN will encrypt your internet traffic and keep it safe from prying eyes.