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Many are dissatisfied with this arrangement, which is why online privacy and data protection have become critically important.

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Why is it important to review what permissions apps have?

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However, if a simple flashlight app requires access to your location or contacts, something is likely amiss.

Using this personal data, they can perform numerous malicious activities, including stealing your money and/or identity.

But it doesn’t end there.

Image of person holding phone with social media graphics surrounding

Then there’s the chance of apps with special permissions downloading files, including malware to your equipment.

Malicious software can then take over your unit, request a ransom, or spy on you.

), there are additional ways to improve your data privacy.

Graphic of smartphone with cybersecurity shield

Some of these include:

Cartoon of person peering through US flag

A person typing on a computer while hackers use phishing to steal a file from their computer

mobile security

redesigned photos app in iOS 18

Green skull on smartphone screen.

Galaxy S25 Plus held in the hand.

iPhone 16 Pro shown held in hand

A woman�s hands holding a smartphone with a lock symbol on it, in front of a laptop that also has a lock symbol on it.

Nintendo Switch 2

Motorola Razr 2024 Review.

iPhone 16 Pro Max, Galaxy S25 Ultra and Pixel 9 Pro

Close-up of the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 on a user�s wrist next to the Garmin Vivoactive 6

A person holding a Nintendo Switch 2 playing Mario Kart World