Have you ever had that eerie feeling when an ad pops up on your social media feed for a product you were just talking about? It may not be a coincidence at all. In fact, it is likely that when you accepted the user agreement for the application, you granted the app access to your browsing history, microphone, and contacts.
The terms and conditions (or user agreement) that you must accept before downloading an app or creating an account is a legally binding document. Deep in the fine print are often clauses claiming certain privileges to access your data. This data can be sold to other companies for advertising purposes and other consumer data needs.
Here are some privacy tips to help keep your data and information secure:
n Update permissions. When downloading an application, you likely granted all permissions it initially requested. Android users can limit access in the “Application Manager” and Apple users can go into the device‘s settings under “Privacy” and make changes to any previously granted permissions.
n Limit access. Apps often request access to permissions that are irrelevant to their main functions. If a flashlight app requests access to your microphone, location, or contacts —and you granted the app permission — it’s likely that information will be stored and sold.
For more information or to view the approved app list, visit the CyberSafe page at blue.usps.gov/cyber/internet-access-and-mobile-protection-initiatives/mobile-protection-initiative.htm.
— Corporate Information Security Office,
Chief Information Security Officer
and Digital Solutions, 4-8-21
