Social Media Security

App Security

What Is App Security and Why It Matters ?

Most of us install apps with a single tap. Whether it’s WhatsApp to stay in touch, Instagram for photos, Tesco for shopping, or Monzo to manage money, we trust that apps will simply work — and work safely.

But behind every app is software, permissions, and often a hidden flow of personal data. That small icon on your screen could be connected to your contacts, location, messages, and even your bank account. If it’s not well managed — or if the app falls out of date — it can quietly become a security risk.

App security is about staying aware of what apps are on your device, where they came from, what they’re doing in the background, and how they protect (or expose) your personal information.

Why app security deserves your attention

Apps are not just tools — they are direct pathways into your digital life. Every app you install can access part of your phone, tablet, or computer. It might request your location, access your camera, read your messages, or connect to other accounts.

In many cases, this is legitimate. A banking app needs secure access to your account. A messaging app needs access to your contacts. But without proper checks and regular updates, that same access can become a vulnerability — especially if:

  • You’ve stopped using the app

  • You used a weak password when signing up

  • The app hasn’t been updated in months

  • You’ve granted access to sensitive data without realising it

And in some cases, even a legitimate app can change. Developers may sell the app to a third party, who then adds hidden tracking or quietly begins collecting more data than before.

Forgotten and unused apps still pose risks

It’s easy to forget how many apps we’ve downloaded over the years — delivery apps we no longer use, old fitness trackers, duplicate tools, games we tried once and never opened again.

Even if you don’t open them, those apps can still:

  • Access data on your device in the background

  • Connect to the internet

  • Receive updates (or stop receiving them)

  • Contain login details or saved personal information

If an app sits idle and unpatched, it may never receive critical security fixes. That’s why one of the simplest steps in app security is also one of the most effective:

Delete what you don’t use.

What about the accounts you used to sign up?

Most apps require you to create an account — sometimes with an email and password, other times by logging in through Facebook, Google or Apple. Over time, these accounts can pile up, often reusing the same credentials.

Ask yourself:

  • Did I use a strong, unique password when I created this account?

  • Is this login used anywhere else?

  • Do I still have access to this account’s email address?

  • Have I enabled two-factor authentication, if it’s available?

If you’re using the same password for multiple apps — or you’ve forgotten what you used — now is the time to update them. A password manager can help track and protect these logins so you’re not relying on memory or risky habits.

Keep your apps updated — always

Updates are not just about new features. Many app updates fix security flaws or patch bugs that could be exploited by criminals. If an app isn’t updated regularly, those flaws remain active.

On most devices, you can:

  • Turn on automatic updates via the App Store (iOS) or Play Store (Android)

  • Manually check for updates every few weeks

  • Remove apps that haven’t been updated in over a year, or appear unsupported

If an app hasn’t had an update in a long time, it may be abandoned by the developer — and that’s a sign it’s time to uninstall.

Understand what data your apps are accessing

It’s easy to skip over the permissions page when installing an app, but those small details matter. Many apps request access to:

  • Your location (even when not using the app)

  • Your photos, videos or camera

  • Your microphone

  • Your contacts

  • Your calendar and files

Some of these are essential. Others are excessive. For example, a photo editor needs access to your camera and media files — but a puzzle game shouldn’t need to read your contacts or microphone.

You can check app permissions in your device settings. Remove access for anything that doesn’t make sense.

What data are they sharing with developers?

Apps often send data back to their developers — for analytics, crash reporting, marketing or, in some cases, advertising. This might include:

  • Device details and location

  • App usage habits

  • In-app activity

  • Linked account information

You can usually manage this in your privacy settings. Some platforms — like iOS — now let you choose whether to allow “tracking” across apps. On Android, you can limit background data usage and disable ad personalisation.

If an app is asking for too much — or sharing too freely — it’s worth reconsidering whether it deserves a place on your device.

Add a layer of protection: secure the apps themselves

Some apps offer built-in passcode or biometric locks (face or fingerprint recognition). These are especially important for:

  • Banking apps – like Monzo, Revolut, Barclays

  • Messaging apps – like WhatsApp, Signal, Telegram

  • Health apps – like NHS App, Fitbit, or Apple Health

  • Photo storage – like Google Photos, iCloud

Turn these protections on where available. This means that even if someone accesses your device, they won’t automatically access the data inside the app.

If your device allows app-level security in settings (such as Android’s App Lock features), use them for anything personal or sensitive.

Simple actions to improve your app security today

  • Review your installed apps — delete anything unused or unknown

  • Update all apps to the latest version

  • Check app permissions — remove unnecessary access

  • Change weak or reused app passwords

  • Enable in-app locks or passcodes where possible

  • Only install apps from official stores (App Store, Play Store, Galaxy Store)

Keep the apps — but take control

You don’t need to stop using apps. But you do need to make sure they’re not quietly working against you. With just a few minutes of attention, you can dramatically reduce your risk.

Apps should work for you — not collect your data, expose your passwords or leave your device vulnerable. Keep them updated, watch what they access, and don’t let old apps linger in the background.

Security doesn’t need to be complicated. Just start with awareness, and form the habit of checking in from time to time. You lock your house; treat your phone — and its apps — the same way.