Downloading free apps sounds harmless, right? Well, not really. These free apps we‘re about to mention have been caught stealing users’ personal data or have neglected to protect it, which, should never be taken lightly. See below which apps you need to get rid of, pronto. 

1. Words With Friends

     

There's a reason you keep seeing games and puzzle-solving apps everywhere— they're trying to reach as many users as possible mostly for personal information collecting purposes, as well as to spread malware. Data they collect include purchases, contact info, user content, identifiers, diagnostics, location, contacts, browsing history, usage, and more. Yes, these apps may be free, but always at a cost.

2. Astro Guru: Astrology, Horoscope & Palmistry

  

Your personal information may be compromised if you've ever downloaded this astrology app. According to Check Point Research, the developer behind the app did not configure their real-time database using configuration features which means you're data can3.  be stolen at any time because there is nothing to protect it from. Yikes. 

3. Logo Maker - Free Graphic Design & Logo Templates

Like the astrology app above, this logo maker app is also notorious for its lack of user data protection. Anyone willing to look up your personal information could easily obtain it, thanks to apps like this. Canva is a much better app for all your designing needs. 

4. Screen Recorder

I know, who downloads a screen recorder app when it's already built-in? Check your parents' or older relatives' phones, Chances are, they've probably downloaded it. Screen recording apps can cramp your phone, and not to mention it's not that secure in protecting your data. 

5.  iTouch Flashlight for iPhone

Another useless app that people are still downloading is iTouch, which is a flashlight app and you guessed it, they're stealing data too. You'd be surprised how many people actually do have this app. If you know any of them, tell them to get rid of it.