Lifestyle
5 Steps for Safely Using That Trending App
Before you download the latest highly addictive app and go hunting for Pokémon or whatever the current trend may be, make sure you know exactly what you’re adding to your phone. As fun or useful as a new app seems, if you download it from an untrustworthy site, it could come with viruses or malware that can steal your information or negatively affect your device.
GetCyberSafe.ca informs Canadians about internet security and the simple steps they can take to protect themselves online and recommends the following steps the next time you want to download an app:
1. Make sure your operating system is updated. Your device is best protected if you have the latest system updates.
2. Only download from a trusted source. Try to stick to the default source of apps for your device.
3. Do a little research. Look into applications and their developers and make sure the app has positive and credible reviews.
4. Check the app’s permissions and privacy policy. Don’t skim through this text — what information does the app want from you and how will it be used? Make sure you’re comfortable with it.
5. Review your privacy settings after downloading an app. Some settings are automatically set as a default, but you can often change them to suit your needs.
Bonus tip: Even if you follow all of these tips, you should still trust your instincts. Reviews can be fake and official app stores can’t guarantee all apps are safe. If something feels unusual to you, there’s probably a reason for it.
Find more information on apps and online safety at GetCyberSafe.ca.
