Most consumers install apps carelessly
In this article (5)
Kaspersky Lab has has published research indicating that consumers are installing apps on their devices, without being aware of the potential consequences.
Kaspersky Lab’s “Are you cyber savvy?” Quiz, which questioned 18,507 consumers about their online habits, found that an alarming number of consumers are leaving their privacy, and the data on their phones, exposed to cyberthreats because they are not installing apps on their devices safely.
A “shocking” 63% of consumers neglect to read the license agreement carefully before installing a new app on their phone and one-in-five (20%) do not read messages when installing apps. They simply go through the motions of clicking “next” and “agree,” without understanding what they could be signing up to.
When users neglect to read license agreements or messages during the app installation process, they do not know what they are agreeing to. Some apps can affect user privacy, prompt the installation of other apps, or even change the OS settings of a device completely legally, because the user has “agreed” to it during the installation process.
The quiz also discovered that just under half (43%) of users could be at risk from the apps on their mobile device, because they are not “cyber-savvy” enough to limit app permissions when installing apps.
Further, 15% of respondents do not limit what their apps can do on their phone at all and 17% give apps permissions when prompted, but then forget about it, while 11% think they cannot change those permissions.
When app permissions are left unchecked, it is possible, and legal, for apps to access the personal and private data on mobile devices, from contact information, to photos and location data.
To protect themselves, consumers should only download apps from trusted sources; select the apps you wish to install on your device wisely; read the license agreement carefully during the installation process; read the list of permissions an app is requesting carefully. Do not simply click “next” during installation, without checking what you are agreeing to; and use a cybersecurity solution that will protect your device from cyberthreats.
Questions & Answers
Q.What proportion of consumers neglect to read the license agreement before installing a new app?
What proportion of consumers neglect to read the license agreement before installing a new app?
A significant 63% of consumers do not read the license agreement carefully. One-in-five consumers do not read messages presented during the app installation process.
Q.What are some potential risks if consumers don't properly review app permissions or license agreements?
What are some potential risks if consumers don't properly review app permissions or license agreements?
Apps could legally affect user privacy, prompt other app installations, or alter device operating system settings. They can also access personal data like contacts, photos, and location if permissions are unchecked.
Q.What recommendations does Kaspersky Lab offer to consumers for protecting themselves?
What recommendations does Kaspersky Lab offer to consumers for protecting themselves?
Consumers should download apps only from trusted sources, choose apps wisely, and carefully read both license agreements and permission requests during installation. Using a cybersecurity solution is also advised.
Q.How many users are at risk due to not limiting app permissions effectively?
How many users are at risk due to not limiting app permissions effectively?
Just under half, 43%, of users could be at risk because they are not cyber-savvy enough to limit app permissions. 15% don't limit app functions at all, and 17% forget about granted permissions.
Reader pulse
What's the biggest threat from careless app installation?
17,230 votes so far