You've probably heard the expression "There's an app for that!" That's because there pretty much is. Surveys show people are downloading apps on mobile devices by the dozens. However, even if you're downloading one for free there is a steep price you're paying and may not even know it.
Apps are popular with the intent of their design to be efficient whether you're wanting to listen to your favorite tunes, or find love at your fingertips. The most enticing part is they're usually free but some tech experts tell Four In Your Corner there's nothing free about them. Hackers are turning to your favorite mobile apps to get your personal information to use it against you.
"The cost can be your private information without a doubt," John Benkert with CPR Tools said. "Probably over the last couple of years, we've seen some Malware that they've started to create to grab your information."
The moment you hit download, you're agreeing to give the app access to your information. If you see pop-ups asking you to access your camera or your contacts it's also giving companies access to much more information about you. However, if you look through the terms and conditions no one ever really reads it will tell you, and that information is what hackers are hungry to steal.
"Hackers don't care about selling your information because again they can freely find that. They're more concerned about making how they can use that to make money. Good money at that," Benkert said.
Your information helps hackers create phishing schemes to steal your credit card information, medical records, and identity to put on the dark web.
The technology expert says while it may be tedious to read through all of the fine print, there's always a section that tells you they type of information they collect and how they can use it. If you scroll through the print, you'll see the details and may then determine whether or not you would like to keep using the app.
