We are using mobile apps in our online daily life. One can get an app of nearly everything: social networks and banking, shopping and games. But have you ever wondered what is really behind the scenes of these apps with which you use every day?

The thing is that most mobile apps gather, follow and in most cases, market your information, and most frequently, without your knowledge. Even leaving your personal data to hackers and other computer crime perpetrators can be very risky to other people.

This article is to discuss what is hiding in your mobile applications, why it is noteworthy and what you can do to secure yourself and your information.

1. Non-intrusive Data Collection Invisible.

Most of the free apps are downloaded in order to get revenue at the expense of gleaning your data instead of charging you.

This data can include:

• Location (when not in use of the application)
• Contacts and call logs
• Previous searches and previous activity.
• Capability to get access to microphones and cameras without visible causes.
• Data regarding what you visit and what your computer/phone is.

Deviating fact: In 2025, it was estimated by a report proposing that 72 percent of free apps track users' activity in order to advertise or sell.

Your information can be sold to advertisers, marketers or even data brokers through this application so that they can now use your information to send you advertisements or create profile information about users.

2. Malware and Spyware

Other applications are malicious and they install malwares or spies in your phone.

These harmful apps can:

• Steal bank information and passwords.
• See your e-mails and messages.
• Put the phone under ransom (ransomware).
• Mine cryptography unwillingly with your machine.

An example is in 2024 when millions of users of an app that looked like a game were found with their credit card information being stolen in the background.

Even apps in the official application stores like Google Play or the Apple App Store are not 100 percent safe.

3. Performance and Battery Depletion issues.

Sometimes there are operating processes in the background, which you are unaware of that are masked by application software. These processes:

• Keep watch of your location.
• Sends information forward to other servers.
• Run ads or analytics scripts.
• This can lead to:
• Fast battery drain.
• Slower phone performance.
• Higher data usage bills.

It could happen that your phone is slow or the battery life of that phone is too little due to an application.

4. Unspontaneous Expenses and In-App Purchases.

Most of the applications can be downloaded at no cost, however they do have a few in-app purchases.

Some tactics include:

• A free trial with automatic payment will be provided in case of the trial.
• Trying to make you buy the products with the help of dark patterns.
• Video gaming, particularly by the children, is a money grabber.
• Unless you are careful these costs can easily be high.

5. Senseless Permissions.

Did you ever install a simple flashlight app and it requested to see your camera, your contacts, your location? That’s a huge red flag.

Further permissions in a majority of cases imply that the application is gathering data it does not require in order to operate.

Always review the permission to the applications before downloading, and ask:

Does this application require this?

How to Protect Yourself

The positive aspect is that you can make a move to ensure that you are guaranteed privacy and safety. Here’s how:

1. Only Trusted Sources can be downloaded.

It is required to use only official applications stores (Google Play and Apple App Store) and check and take into consideration the ratings.

2. Check App Permissions

• Go to your phone’s settings
• Review access to checking applications periodically.
• Any unnecessary access should be refused.

3. Read Privacy Policies

Yes they are lengthy, wearisome,--but even by reading them quickly can you determine what information is gleaned.

4. Use Security Software

You can protect your phone by installing an anti-virus software in your phone to help it identify malware.

5. Update Your Apps

Security patches have been widely used to correct vulnerabilities because they are updated at a regular rate.

6. Watch for Red Flags

• Sudden battery drain
• Unusual data usage
• Strange pop-ups or ads.
• Identify suspicious applications, delete them as soon as you have the option.
• Popular Applications which have been involved in the issue of privacy.

Even the most popular applications are known to be handling the user data in an inappropriate way. Examples include:

• Tik Tok- It is alleged to be a predator of data harvesting.
• Facebook -Facebook privacy scandals.
• Free VPN applications - There are those that have been discovered as selling the user information.
• It demonstrates that there is nothing absolutely safe to do, and the most important attribute is caution.

Final Thoughts

Mobile phones have taken over the new treasure chest of personal information in terms of pictures and messages in terms of financial information. And the sad aspect is that the same can give lucrative data that can be used by numerous applications.

It is necessary to update, pay attention to permissions, and download applications to regain a sense of privacy and not be a victim of silent attacks.

Note: When it is free, then you are likely the product.