Great news! You can stay up to date on all things digital with the Komando.com App for Android and Apple! It also has your local weather, traffic, and sports news, all in one place. Watch this tutorial to learn how to download and use the Komando.com app!
Millions of smartphone apps are putting your personal information at risk
Have you noticed items that you search for online seem to follow you around the internet? For example, if you’re looking into buying a new car and are researching specific models, advertisements for that car will later pop up on other sites.
It can definitely give you a creepy feeling like you’re being watched. Actually, you are.
Sites like Facebook and Google track your online activity so they can provide users with targeted ads. It’s not just websites either, in fact, many smartphone apps take part in the targeted ad process. Now, we’ve learned that millions of apps are putting your personal information at risk.
Why certain apps could be cause for concern
Researchers at Kaspersky Lab are warning people about a vulnerability discovered in apps that might be leaking sensitive personal information. Names, income, email addresses, phone numbers, calls and text message history are all potential pieces of data that could fall into the wrong hands.
The flaw found in the apps originates in how they were designed.
Many app developers don’t write every piece of code that is used in their app. They will purchase a software development kit (SDK), which is pre-written, pre-packaged code that allows the app to perform certain tasks. It’s easier for developers to use SDKs than write the entire code from scratch.
Here’s the problem. Some apps are transmitting unencrypted user data to third-party advertisers. They are sending this sensitive data over Hyper Text Transfer Protocol (HTTP) instead of the more secure, HTTPS protocol.
This all initiated with a few SDKs that were used by millions of apps while being built. The SDKs that were used did not implement the HTTPS protocol.
What are the risks?
Unencrypted data can be easily stolen by cybercriminals. It could also lead to malware infecting your gadget. Scary!
One of the researchers said, “The scale of what we first thought was just specific cases of careless application design is overwhelming. Millions of applications include third-party SDKs, exposing private data that can be easily intercepted and modified – leading to malware infections, blackmail and other highly effective attack vectors on your devices.”
Unfortunately, the security team did not release a list of the affected apps, only saying that millions of apps are impacted. They also didn’t say whether both Android and iOS apps are affected.
Is there anything you can do?
The best way to help prevent this type of data leaking is to limit your apps’ permissions it asks for at installation. Read the requests and don’t give them permission to send personal data to advertisers.
For a detailed explanation of how to control your apps’ permissions, click here.
Another way to protect your personal data is to use Virtual Private Networks (VPN). VPNs help hide your online activity. Click here to learn about VPNs and why you should use one.
Speaking of dangerous apps, stop these ones from tracking and violating your kids
A recent study had some disturbing results. It found that over half of all Android apps it studied are not protecting the safety and privacy of children. Not only is this frightening but it’s also in violation of the law.
See real-time air control traffic around the world
Have you ever wondered how many planes are in the air at any given time? You probably figured the answer is “a lot,” but never really knew the actual number. You probably also have no idea just how crowded the sky really is, nor do you have an idea of where the plane is going and how fast it is getting there.
Download my Komando app!
Warning! Popular fitness app suffers major data breach affecting over 150 MILLION users
If you’ve ever used a fitness tracker, you know how valuable they are when it comes to staying on top of your calorie intake, the number of steps you take per day and more. But now a popular app has been hit by hackers, and they stole data from more than 150 million people. You need to change your password now!
5 free programs you may not have heard of until now
As the saying goes, the best things in life are free: love, friends, and great software that works almost as well as a paid product. If you’re like me, you have probably shopped around for certain apps or programs, and then you balked at the price tag. “Is this really worth $200?” you ask yourself. Sometimes, you have to bite the bullet. But other times, there’s a free option that will get the same results.
Google site allows you to waste time while creating wonderful music
There is no shortage of ways in which we can get distracted on the internet, and if you are the kind of person who has plenty of free time or is not concerned with losing a job, we would like to introduce you to a new time waster that is as pleasant as it is fun.
Locate your missing gadget with this helpful app
If you like having the latest and greatest devices, you know that it can cost nearly $1,000 for your next phone. At those prices, you definitely don’t want to lose the one you already have. Replacement costs are just the tip of the iceberg. Think of all the critical information stored on your phone and if it fell into the wrong hands. Yikes!
FTC’s warning to read the fine print before using VPN apps
Do you use a VPN service? We always talk about the benefits of a VPN since it is a good way to boost your online security and privacy especially when connected to public Wi-Fi. However, the Federal Trade Commission is warning users to read the fine print and the user agreements first before using a VPN app.
Play chess against the computer from beginner to grandmaster
Do you play chess but want to get better? It’s an entertaining game, but full of complicated rules and techniques. That can be intimidating for first-timers or even beginners and can scare them away from trying to play altogether. But that doesn’t have to be the case.
Must-have apps for business travelers
For vacationers, travel has never been easier. You can book a flight to Bangkok in five minutes, and rent a car using only your phone. But what about business travelers? When you’re visiting an unfamiliar city with a specific purpose in mind, the game changes entirely. Make your journey as painless and profitable as possible with these apps all business travelers need.
Give yourself a color vision test
Give yourself a color vision test.
Download any free films? Malware spreading now
This website is one of the most popular ways people download free movies and shows. But, if you’ve used it in the past, you could be in serious trouble. Malware has just been discovered that allows hackers to hijack your computer. Share this article with everyone you know, so they’ll know how to avoid this nasty virus.
Powerful Wi-Fi network analysis and diagnostic tools
I can’t stress how important it is to stay on top of your home’s Wi-Fi connection. If it’s not secure, thieves can use it to walk right in your digital front door and steal your information. Turning on encryption on your router is a good start, but you can also download two of the best Wi-Fi analyzer apps out there.
How to tell if an app is safe to download
Fake apps are everywhere. That’s why you should be careful when looking for new programs on the App Store or Google Play Store. Before you hit install, use this guide to see if that app is safe to download.
To combat these emerging threats, all smartphone users must verify the safety and legitimacy of any apps before downloading them.
Malware stealing data from more than 40 popular apps
Facebook, WhatsApp, Skype, Firefox and more – just think of all the private data you enter into these apps. Well, right now there’s a form of malware that’s secretly stealing that data and passing it along to hackers. How is this malware infecting devices, and is there anything you can do to stop it?
5 Google Flights secrets you never knew
Traveling for business or taking a vacation? Here are some secrets to getting the most out of one of the best flight search sites around. I love Google Flights, and use it whenever I travel!
5 smartphone spy apps that could be listening and watching you right now
Spy apps may have been designed so that parents can watch over their kids, but that’s not where it stops. These sneaky apps can be used by boyfriends, girlfriends, family members or even suspicious employers. So, if you suspect someone seems to know a little too much about your life, they could be spying on you right now.
Whatever you do, don't download these apps - They're hiding malware!
Have you seen these apps in the app store? They look legitimate, and even fun, but they’re actually carrying some awful malware. If you don’t want your phone or tablet to be infected, you need to read this. I’ll tell you which apps are affected, and how to fix the problem.
7 best pet trackers and GPS collars
Losing your pet is a heart-wrenching experience. Whether Fido is missing for an hour or a week, concerned pet owners lose their minds with worry. And why wouldn’t we? Dogs are man’s best friend. Cats are angels with fur. That’s why pet trackers are such a wise investment. Here are the best products out there.
Free alternatives to Microsoft Word, Photoshop, and more
For years, people have grumbled about the price of software. Adobe products have always been expensive and Microsoft Office is a staple for computers everywhere, but the price tag often irritates people who just want a decent word processor. Luckily, there are lots of free substitutes, and there are plenty of reasons people may turn to them.