Online Apps: Do They Leave Internet Customers Open to Attacks?

The short answer to this question is yes. Given the multitude of online cyberattacks coming from many different directions like opening emails, or clicking on questionable links, sometimes we forget about our omnipresent handheld devices and "there's an app for that." Although that statement is often considered an antiquated expression, it still rings true since apps are still unbelievably popular according to recent statistics.

There are literally billions of these helpful tech tools available, being bought, sold, shared, given away for free, and downloaded on the internet today. Meanwhile, current cybercrooks are taking advantage of this rising trend by staying tuned to potential ways to strike while the iron is hot. How are they breaching this rising marketplace for attacks?

Invention is the Mother of Necessity

If this statement (often credited to Plato) rings true, perhaps parenthood is a result of the creation process with certain types of technology. Perhaps those who are making these app inventions spend more time and money during the creative creation process and less energy on protective measures before they're released.

Writing codes for apps and software is a difficult process at best so covering all the bases to prevent cyber attacks is often overlooked. At the same time, during the development stage, just like any other parent, they're just hoping their "baby" is happy (successful) and healthy (operates properly). It might be a weird way of looking at this, but it might help to explain this dilemma. 

Back Door Practices Using Family-Related and Friendly Data

Conversely and meanwhile, the "bad guys" are almost always looking at back door measures to infiltrate almost anything from apps to emails, social media posts, and more. This is why these hackers will often use platforms that seem safe, especially those meant to communicate with friends and family members to sneak in the back door and attack. 

Think of it this way, one of the many ways these cybercrooks gain access is through passwords that have something to do with either our friends, family members, childhood memories, etc. Most of us already know that we shouldn't casually respond to open-ended questions on the internet that are associated with being locked out of an account like your:

• Birthday or an anniversary
• Former, current, or future address
• First or favorite teacher and other "firsts" like employment or relationship
• Most beloved pet 
• Mother's maiden name (the worst of all these examples)

Some of this information may (or may not) be associated with the installation and usage of certain internet apps. Accidentally, unintentionally or posting this type of data might occur during less-than-private chats with fellow users of these applications. On the other hand, using calendar or planning programs could contain this type of data, once again making users more open to attacks.

Important Closing Comments

In conclusion, it's important to remember that you should always watch your back (and front) when using the internet by only using the most trusted sources and providers. Implementing complex passwords is a start, however, there are many other ways to protect yourself and your family from these shady stealers of your identity.  Speaking of family members, unfortunately, these horrible, ruthless criminals mostly take advantage of youth and the elderly so keep an extra eye on these potentially vulnerable victims who might not know any better. 

Here at Buckeye Broadband, we always have your back when it comes to safely connecting to today's devices using current top-of-the-line security measures to protect our customers. Rest assured that the BB Brainiacs team members are well-versed in these forms of trickery and when you have questions, we have the answers. Whether it's how to hook up any given internet-connected device to blanketing your home for the best access, we're here for you.