In the digital age, apps have transformed our daily routine, offering comfort and advanced functions. However, this has a hidden price: the privacy of our personal data. From social networks to online and health purchasing applications, many collect sensitive information that can be used by cybercriminals or fall into third parties. On the occasion of data privacy day, it is crucial to reflect on how these tools impact digital security, as well as knowing risks and taking preventive measures.
Kaspersky highlights the privacy commitments that are often overlooked when using popular applications on a day -to -day basis, such as social networks, ecommerce or health and physical activity applications. Although these applications offer comfort, they also collect and share large amounts of personal data, exposing users to malicious profiles and potential safety risks.
In 2024, the company detected more than 49,000 million cases of web tracers that collected data on the behavior of users worldwide. With the rise of data tracking promoted by artificial intelligence (AI) and predictive analytics, privacy risks associated with these applications are more significant than ever.
“Many applications are designed to dazzle us with their comfort and functions driven by AI, but, under the surface, they are often dedicated to the collection of data that most users do not know. As we look towards the future, the proliferation of intelligent devices and applications driven by AI will make it even more difficult to know who accesss our data and for what purpose, ”explains Anna Larkina, Kaspersky’s security and privacy expert.
How apps used daily can compromise data privacy
Apps that collect personal data
Many of the applications we use daily collect confidential information silently. Some of the most worrying categories include:
- Social networks: Apps such as Tiktok, Instagram and Threads constantly collect data on the user’s location, navigation habits and even voice data.
- Video applications or social photography: They use AI to access image galleries, analyze photos and embedded metadata, potentially revealing the geographical location.
- Purchasing applications: They access data related to the history of purchases, location and even the physical presence near stores, creating a detailed profile of customer habits and behavior.
- Health and physical status applications: They collect some of the most intimate personal data, such as health metrics and daily routines, which can be shared with third parties.
The expert points out: “Although technology has become an integral part of our lives, it is easy for users to get carried away by striking apps and gadgets without taking into account the privacy commitments they imply.”
How to protect your privacy
To commemorate data privacy day, Kaspersky shares five essential steps to protect privacy:
- Audita applications permissions: Always disable unnecessary permits, such as access to location in applications that do not require it. Do not accept blind permits during installation and rejects those that look excessive.
- Use tools focused on privacy: Use a VPN to hide your IP address and change your virtual location. In addition, it uses anonymous payment methods and browsers focused on privacy for sensitive transactions.
- Ask applications not to track you: Activate the “do not track” configuration on your device and within individual applications. Use a safety solution with this functionality to further limit tracking.
- Avoid connecting public Wi-Fi networks: Public or false open Wi-Fi networks can expose your data. Whenever possible, avoid the use of public services and use a VPN if you need to connect.
- Check the applications configuration: Make a deep audit of privacy in your applications, adjust the configuration as necessary and uninstall any application you no longer use.
