Various news sources have reported recently that software security firm Symantec determined presidential primary mobile apps – both the official campaign apps and those unaffiliated with a particular campaign – can place at risk the confidentiality of sensitive user information. For instance, data such as user location, unique phone ID number, names and contact information of a user’s friends, and details of a user’s other apps have all been harvested or targeted. At least one presidential campaign has defended the gathering of certain information, taking the position that it has been voluntarily shared by the app user, and details of the collection and use of the gathered information can be found in separate online disclosures.
The takeaway? In today’s world, you should recognize the possibility that nearly any phone app can gather and use your stored personal information.
Check out our series, Privacy Perils, to learn what steps you can take to guard your personal and company data. For more information about this topic and other cyber security concerns, please contact a member of our Privacy & Data Security team.