Is your online shopping app invading your privacy?

Online shopping has become commonplace for many people. It's convenient, easy, and allows us to purchase items from the comfort of our own homes. With the rise of online shopping platforms, privacy and security concerns are also a concern.

Not all online shopping apps are created equal. Often, people are impulsive and install an app without checking its privacy practices.

Apps can collect more data on your smartphone than you think. Whether you use your phone for personal purposes, business purposes, or both, your data could be at risk. So could your privacy. Learn more about essential security practices and things never to do online.

Popular shopping app SHEIN's shady data collection practices

Recently, security experts discovered a popular online shopping app spying on users' copy-and-paste activity. This app tracked keystrokes, screenshots, and even GPS locations. This raises the question: Is your online shopping app invading your privacy?

SHEIN is the app in question, and it's an online shopping app popular with millions of users. According to reports, researchers discovered that the app was collecting data from users' clipboards. This included any text copied and pasted by users. This means that if the user copies and pastes sensitive information, the app will have access to it.

The app was also found to be tracking users' keystrokes. This includes passwords and credit card numbers. Additionally, the app was taking screenshots of users' screens without their knowledge or consent. This is a serious invasion of privacy and raises concerns about the security of users' personal information. For more on threats, see phishing protection.

What data do shopping apps collect?

Shopping apps collect a wide range of data from users. This includes personal information such as name, address, and email address. They also collect payment information such as credit card numbers and billing addresses.

In addition to this, shopping apps also collect data about users' browsing and purchasing habits. This includes the products they view, the items they add to their cart, and the purchases they make. This data is used to create targeted advertising and personalized recommendations.

Some shopping apps also collect location data. This allows them to track users' movements and provide location-based offers and promotions. While this can be convenient, it also raises concerns about privacy and security. Review endpoint security best practices.

How to protect your privacy when using shopping apps

There are several steps you can take to protect your privacy when using shopping apps. First, read the app's privacy policy before downloading it. This will give you an idea of what data the app collects and how it is used.

Second, be cautious about the permissions you grant to the app. Only grant permissions that are necessary for the app to function. For example, a shopping app may need access to your camera to scan barcodes, but it doesn't need access to your contacts or microphone.

Third, use a virtual private network (VPN) when using shopping apps. A VPN encrypts your internet connection and hides your IP address, making it more difficult for apps to track your online activity. For comprehensive protection, consider working with a managed IT service provider.

Finally, regularly review the apps on your phone and delete any that you no longer use. This will reduce the amount of data that is being collected about you.

The importance of app permissions

App permissions are an important aspect of protecting your privacy when using shopping apps. When you download an app, it will ask for permission to access certain features on your phone. These can include your camera, microphone, contacts, and location.

It's important to carefully review these permissions before granting them. Ask yourself if the app really needs access to that feature in order to function. For example, a shopping app may need access to your camera to scan barcodes, but it doesn't need access to your contacts or microphone.

If an app is asking for permissions that seem unnecessary or invasive, it's best to err on the side of caution and deny them. You can always grant permissions later if you find that the app isn't functioning properly without them. Learn about preparing for cyberattacks.

Get help improving your mobile security & privacy

Mobile security and privacy are important considerations in today's digital age. If you're concerned about the security of your mobile devices, we can help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

About Nexxo

Nexxo Computer Solutions specializes in providing IT and technology services to Quebec businesses. Its mission is to offer Quebec companies IT services tailored to their needs. Acting as an external IT department, it handles all of a company's IT tasks, allowing it to focus on its business activities. It achieves this by collaborating closely with its clients and putting their interests at the center of its concerns.