Your business and your privacy are paramount. However, you do business on your phone, even if you have a separate one for business and personal. What you may not know is that there are tons of apps that are commonly used that are collecting your precious data. To help, we will tell you to beware these 5 apps that collect your data.
1. Instagram and Facebook/Meta
According to Pcloud, Instagram can share up to 79% of your personal data, while Facebook shares up to 57%. This is a shame as many businesses use both as effective marketing tools. This is especially true for visual businesses and businesses that use local target marketing. Information shared by the apps includes:
- Purchases.
- Contact information.
- Location.
- Your contact list.
- Search and browsing history.
- and even financial information.
Did you know that over 50% of apps share your information with third parties? Source: PCloud
2. LinkedIn
As a business owner, a LinkedIn account is a must. However, the app is also one of the notorious apps that collects up to 50% of your data. This also includes location, purchases, contact info, search history, and even your usage data.
3. TikTok
According to a report by CNET, it is alleged that the makers of this popular app give the Chinese government access to data on its users. There were also reports of that its parent company had access to non-public data on users.
Did you know that the mobile location history data industry is a market valued at $12 billion per year? Source: The Markup
4. YouTube
We put this one on the list as many Android phones come with YouTube already installed and it can be nearly impossible to uninstall. They can share up to 42% of your data to other parties. And if your business does any sort of marketing or advertising on YouTube, it can be difficult to find another platform.
5. Klarna
This app was ranked third on apps that collect data for their own usage behind Facebook and Instagram. The app allows you to shop the web for the best deals on common items such as clothes, tech, music, and more. However, the app collects up to 64% of your data including your financial information.
How to Avoid Apps From Collecting Your Data
The good news is you don’t have to use any of these apps to use the companies services. We recommend using a dedicated machine, such as a laptop, tablet, or other device just to access these types of services. For example, you can upload your images, videos, and more just by going to instagram.com and logging in to your account. Same for all the others. Use the machine just for these purposes. Leave your emails, banking, and anything you don’t want spied on off of this machine. Remember that the browsers you use to access these sites can also share your information, which is why we recommend a separate machine and browser account for these purposes.
Get a Bookkeeper to Help With Security
Unfortunately, the financial information of your business may already be out there or is being shared currently. But a bookkeeper can help by safeguarding unauthorized withdrawals or leaks of your information. Feel free to contact us if you live in Houston or the surrounding areas and want to get expert services to protect your business.
