X
PHI Education and News
What are the risks associated with mobile device apps?

What are the risks associated with mobile device apps?

An article from the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)

This is an article from the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). CISA is the Nation’s risk advisor, working with partners to defend against today’s threats and collaborating to build a more secure and resilient infrastructure for the future. CISA provides extensive cybersecurity and infrastructure security knowledge which can assist people in applying better personal health information risk management.

Provided in the CISA article are recommendations to be followed when considering installing a new Health App and privacy and security considerations for apps that have already been installed on your device.

Here are examples of a couple things to consider before installing a new app: 

  • Avoid potentially harmful apps (PHAs) – Reduce the risk of downloading PHAs by limiting your download sources to official app stores, such as your device’s manufacturer or operating system app store. Do not download from unknown sources or install untrusted enterprise certificates. Additionally—because malicious apps have been known to slip through the security of even reputable app stores—always read the reviews and research the developer before downloading and installing an app.
  • Be savvy with your apps – Before downloading an app, make sure you understand what information the app will access. Read the permissions the app is requesting and determine whether the data it is asking to access is related to the purpose of the app. Read the app’s privacy policy to see if, or how, your data will be shared. Consider foregoing the app if the policy is vague regarding with whom it shares your data or if the permissions request seems excessive.

 

Use the link below to access the full article on the CISA website
Previous Article Why it's Important to Check Your Health Records
Next Article Assessment of the Data Sharing and Privacy Practices of Smartphone Apps for Depression and Smoking Cessation
Print
20815 Rate this article:
5.0
1Upvote 0Downvote
Please login or register to post comments.

 

Google Ads

Google Ads

All information, thought, and references provided on Health eConsultation is intended for informational and educational purposes only. Health eConsutlation currently makes no attempt at HIPAA privacy compliance. Any trade names used are information and details given for the convenience of users and do not constitute an endorsement from Health eConsultation.
Use this site at your own risk, and do not use the information to make medical or legal decisions without first seeking guidance from a medical or legal professional.
Plain and simple, ads are used to help pay for the cost of the server and resources required to serve Health eConsultation members and provide an objective resource of health information and health education. Subscribers of Health eConsultation can access the site without having to view ads.