Be Careful with Phone Apps

Apps are designed to be useful, fun, or informative—but not all of them have your best interests in mind. While most iPhone and Android apps are safe, there are some that can slip in unwanted extras during installation. For example, a game, weather widget, or news app might look harmless, but hidden checkboxes or fine print can give the company (or their “partners”) permission to install questionable software on your phone.

These extras might only cause small annoyances, like endless pop-up ads, but in worse cases they can open the door to fake tech support scams or attempts to steal your personal information.

The best rule of thumb? Stick to well-known apps from trusted developers, download only from the official App Store or Google Play Store, and take a quick moment to read what you’re agreeing to before tapping “Install.”