While it is a sad state of affairs, we have gotten used to being tracked by cookies, apps and signals on our every device, but the one that seems to be more acutely aware of our every move is our phone, probably helped by the fact that it never leaves our hand. Since our lives are more and more intertwined with the internet, everything is online these days, and for convenience’s sake we store most of our information on our phone, it stands to reason that there is now a very big push to increase our digital privacy.
What this means in practical terms is that we have now found the need to create apps that protect all our information in a way that is still easy for us to access as the user, but that limits what other apps and nefarious agents can get their hands on. Our smartphones nowadays contain a plethora of information about us, like photos, messages, contacts, bank accounts, social media access, and sensitive documents, all of which can be used in multiple ways to commit crimes both with us as the victim and as the framed culprit, and so knowing how to protect ourselves is key.
The best security apps that you should know about
While we are somewhat used to being tracked and our information being protected by what amounts to a thin curtain, we have faith in companies maintaining that curtain to give us the illusion of privacy. The good news is that we do not need to rely on that thin curtain to keep our information safe. There are many apps that allow us not just to protect our privacy, but also to send quick alerts, share location with others to increase our physical safety, or contact emergency services in critical situations.
It might seem like a bit of overkill, but some of the most vulnerable people in society like the elderly, women, young people, or those who work at night or in low-traffic areas can benefit massively from having these protections available.
The apps work differently depending on the device that you are installing them in, but in the case of Android, which is the most commonly used operating system, there are plenty of options for users to choose from, most of them open-source apps that do not have a place on Google Play and that can be found in alternative app stores that can help you increase the security and privacy of your mobile device:
NextCloud: Creating a cloud with your own server increases the privacy of your information. This is one of the most powerful and popular cloud services, and it is also open source. It has a wealth of tools, from a file explorer to a chat system and Office alternatives, and offers users paid options for a better experience.
Obtainium: This is an app store that strives to make it as easy as possible for users to use apps outside of Google Play, keeping them updated from their original source.
AnySoftKeyboard: Keyboards are different from other devices and apps, as they tend to have code that enables them to save words, passwords, and more to increase speed. Therefore, this app, with its incognito mode, does not collect what you type, but when it does, it offers word recommendations and corrections. You can write texts, dictate, and use it as you would your default keyboard.
Aves: For the gallery, this is one of the recommended apps; it has a beautiful and very elegant design. It analyzes metadata, displays all the information, and supports panoramic photos, 360-degree videos, and search functions to find photos even by adding tags.
Accrescent: This is one of the newest alternative app stores, focusing on user privacy and security. It is currently only in alpha phase, but it holds great promise for those looking to maximize their security.