Apps have become a ubiquitous part of our daily lives. We use them to communicate, check the news, date, shop, bank, share photos, even unlock the car. It’s getting to the point where we just can’t live without them. But there is still a huge disparity between how different companies approach app security. Even today (6 April), the media has shown clear examples of both good security and bad security.
On the negative front, the Guardian has drawn attention to a website that lets you pay to find out if someone you know is using Tinder, and when they last used it. Whilst Tinder say that this information is available anyway (and encouraged people to use their app to see if anyone they know is using it), the article still demonstrates that the apps we use hold huge amounts of information on us, with constantly evolving ways of accessing it.
On a more positive note, WhatsApp has made global headlines today with their introduction of end-to-end encryption on their messaging service. With public debates over the Apple FBI case and the Investigatory Powers Bill dividing opinions in the UK and across the pond, this move shows that WhatsApp are serious about making their user’s security a number one priority.
So whilst today may be a good day for people using WhatsApp and a bad day for people using Tinder, this could all change again in an instant. These stories are not isolated incidents; the scrutiny companies now face over their security practices is not letting up and will not let up anytime soon. With the media watching closely, companies will now need to see securing our personal data and maintaining their reputations as one and the same.