Are These Apps Putting Your Privacy at Risk? Your Guide to Mobile Security for Creatives & Entrepreneurs
Prune the Weeds, Protect Your Roots: A Creative's Guide to Mobile Privacy
“A flourishing garden needs light, attention, and protection from what doesn’t belong.” — Unknown
Did you know that nearly 40% of mobile users have at least one app that could compromise their data security?
In today’s digital world, your phone isn’t just a communication tool; it’s a business hub, a creative studio, and your lifeline to clients and collaborators. For independent artists and small business owners, mobile security and privacy are not optional luxuries—they’re necessities.
Your phone is more than a tool—it’s the fertile ground where your creative work grows.
In this post, we’ll walk through how to identify and uproot apps that compromise your security and privacy—so you can tend your creative garden with peace of mind.
What Is Mobile Privacy—and Why Does It Matter?
Mobile security and privacy are the rich soil and sturdy fencing of your digital garden.
They protect your information from being stolen, your workflow from being interrupted, and your clients' trust from being breached.
And the threat is real: according to a report by Check Point, mobile attacks rose by 50% in 2023 alone. Many of these breaches came not from obvious threats, but from seemingly harmless apps.
For independent artists and small business owners, your phone often is your business. It deserves the same attention and protection you give to your sketchbook, inventory, or camera gear.
Spotting the Weeds: What Makes an App Risky?
Some apps come in like beautiful blooms—but quickly spread like invasive vines. Here's how we tell which ones need pruning:
1. Too Many Permissions
If an app asks to access your microphone, location, photos, and contacts when it doesn’t need to... it's overstepping.
2. Overgrown Data Collection
Apps that collect and share your data with third parties can compromise your privacy.
3. A History of Bugs and Breaches
If an app has been part of a security scandal before— Once compromised, trust is hard to regrow.
Which Apps Might Be Choking Your Garden?
🌧️ Weather Apps
Many free weather apps collect your real-time location even when you’re not using them.
Unless you're planting tomatoes by moon phases, this data grab is unnecessary.
🕹️ Mobile Games
Even seemingly innocent games like Words with Friends often request access to contacts and more.
Fun doesn’t have to come at the cost of exposure.
💬 Social Media Apps
Apps like Facebook and Messenger are notorious for tracking everything—from your location to your browsing habits.
If they’re cluttering your digital space, consider pruning.
🔦 Other Known Offenders
Free VPNs, flashlight apps, and system cleaners often mask data collection as helpfulness.
Do your research before downloading anything new.
Better Seeds: Privacy-Focused Alternatives
Don’t just rip out the weeds—plant something better in their place.
Secure Messaging
Replace Messenger with Signal or Telegram. They're privacy-first messengers with strong encryption and no hidden ad agendas.
Social Media
Try bluesky or substack, a decentralized social platform that respects your autonomy and doesn’t profit off your data.
Weather
Apps like Appy Weather or Overdrop offer forecasts without spying on your location every second of the day.
Extra Care for a Healthy Garden
Here are a few ongoing practices to keep your digital space blooming:
Regular Updates
Updates often patch security holes—think of them as nutrients for your operating system.
Review Permissions
Every season (or at least monthly), look through your app permissions. If something doesn’t need access, deny it.
Two-Factor Authentication
2FA is like a sturdy garden gate. Enable it wherever possible—especially for emails and payment apps.
For more information about Two-factor and multi factor authentication, please visit our post Why Multi Factor Authentication Is Necessary for Security: Protecting Yourself In A World That Won't
How We Are Here to Help
At art|Works Initiative, we’re passionate about helping creators thrive—securely. Members get access to tools like LastPass, expertly set up by our team. That way, you can focus on your craft while we keep the gate locked and the weeds at bay.
We’re here to help you do what you do best—and that includes protecting your information. Have questions or need support? Find us at The Longview Gallery every Friday for Work from the Office Fridays or stop by during Wednesday Office Hours with our IT team. We're always here to troubleshoot, guide, and cheer you on.
🌸 Let’s Keep Growing Together
Your creative work deserves a protected, thriving space. By pruning the risky apps, planting smarter alternatives, and tending to your mobile privacy regularly, you're not just maintaining security—you’re cultivating freedom.
Take five minutes today to review your apps. Your garden—and your business—will thank you.
Got a favorite privacy-friendly app or tip? Drop it in the comments below and help the community grow stronger!