Imagine unlocking your phone only to find that your personal data has been compromised. This is a growing concern for both cybersecurity professionals and CEOs alike, who are on the forefront of finding effective solutions. In this article, experts share insights on strategies to enhance mobile app data privacy, beginning with minimizing data collection by default. With six total insights, the discussion wraps up with the importance of incorporating in-app data privacy education.
- Minimize Data Collection By Default
- Implement Strict Data Access Control
- Enable User-Controlled Privacy Settings
- Use End-To-End Encryption
- Apply Strong Encryption Protocols
- Incorporate In-App Data Privacy Education
Minimize Data Collection By Default
Mobile app data privacy can be enhanced by focusing on strategies that are both practical and relatable to users. One effective approach is to minimise data collection by default through only gathering information essential to the app’s functionality. This strategy reduces the potential exposure of sensitive data in the event of a breach.
For example, a mobile fitness app that I use requires users to share their location data to track workouts. By integrating a feature that allows users to manually input distances, or sync data from wearable devices, the app can improve data privacy without compromising its functionality. This change reassures users that their privacy is a concern for the company, while also decreasing the mobile app’s attack surface.
Another example is where companies ask for user’s dates of birth. This is sensitive data as it can be used for identity theft and applying for financial products online. I’d recommend only collecting the month and year, as that helps to achieve the same result and significantly reduces their privacy risk.
This strategy is effective as it fosters users’ trust. Users are more likely to continue using (and recommending) apps that they feel safeguard their data. For instance, Signal, a privacy-focused messaging app, has built in trust by implementing a privacy-by design approach. The app ensures that user communication remains private by deploying end-to-end encryption and avoiding storing data like message content, contacts or activity logs. Signal is now widely seen as one of the most secure messaging platforms, with users choosing them because of their transparency and strong data protection measures.
In reinforcing this approach, I advocate for three practical steps when enhancing mobile app privacy:
- Clear permissions: designing app prompts that clearly explain why and when data is requested, with also giving users control to opt-out of any non-essential data collection.
- Transparency: Publishing privacy policies that clearly outline data handling policies allows users to reaffirm their trust within the mobile app’s data handling practices.
- Regular audits: conducting regular reviews of what data is being collected, how it is stored, and who has access to it, ensuring that all practices align with user expectations and regulations.
In prioritising these practices, app developers can create a safer, more trustworthy user experience while staying ahead of privacy challenges in a data-driven world.
Elsie Day
Cyber Security Analyst, CyPro
Implement Strict Data Access Control
At Tech Advisors, one highly effective strategy for enhancing mobile app data privacy is strict data access control. Limiting data access to only essential users and functions significantly reduces exposure to potential security breaches. I’ve seen firsthand how applications that restrict access offer a safer experience, especially compared to those that permit broader access without clear limits. This approach ensures that sensitive information is only accessible when absolutely necessary, adding a vital layer of security.
Clear examples of this can be found in applications we’ve developed for clients handling sensitive client data. For instance, Elmo Taddeo at Parachute once shared a case where a client’s app suffered a data breach due to insufficient access control. After implementing stricter data access measures, which included precise role-based permissions, the app saw a complete halt in unauthorized access attempts. Limiting access reduced the risk of exposure, making the application safer for both the company and its users.
Maintaining minimal permissions requires diligence but brings substantial rewards. Users gain trust in applications that protect their data, leading to stronger customer relationships. For mobile app developers, ensuring data privacy isn’t just a matter of following protocol but of prioritizing security at every stage. This proactive stance not only safeguards against data breaches but also fosters user confidence, creating a safer, more trustworthy application environment.
Konrad Martin
CEO, Tech Advisors
Enable User-Controlled Privacy Settings
One approach I champion is user-controlled privacy settings that allow users to decide exactly what data they want to share or keep private. After completing my MBA in Technology Management, I realized how effective it is to give the user a say; it promotes transparency and accountability. This strategy has been a game-changer for our organization, as users appreciate our respect for their preferences.
Allowing users to customize their privacy settings has proven effective, especially in markets where data privacy laws are strict; it helped us increase our user base by nearly 20% in regions like Europe. On our tool, Toggl Track, users appreciate controlling what’s shared, making it a preferred choice for teams balancing productivity with privacy. This flexibility has allowed us to meet diverse regulatory standards while keeping users happy.
Alari Aho
CEO and Founder, Toggl Inc
Use End-To-End Encryption
Implementing end-to-end encryption is a cornerstone of data privacy at Edumentors. By encrypting communication between students, tutors, and our platform, we’ve ensured sensitive information remains secure. For example, this approach protected user data during a technical audit, meeting compliance standards and strengthening client trust. Clear privacy policies and transparent practices further enhance credibility. Data security isn’t just about technology—it’s about reinforcing trust with every interaction.
Tornike Asatiani
CEO, Edumentors
Apply Strong Encryption Protocols
One such approach towards improving the data privacy of mobile applications is through the implementation of strong encryption protocols for data at rest and data in motion. This ensures that the personal details of users and their payment information are encoded and thereby unavailable to users other than authorized ones.
In order to do this, encryption standards must be applied, such as AES in keeping data on devices and TLS in transporting data across the network. As an example, when a user types in a credit card number through the application, it should be encrypted while it is transmitted to the server and while it exists on the device.
There are several ways this strategy is effective. First and foremost, it reduces the chances of data breaches or unauthorized access since encrypted data will be much more challenging for attackers to exploit. It also raises trust among users because customers are likely to make use of an app that demonstrates its commitment to protecting their personal information.
Such a strategy could be an example in the cell phone payment application Venmo, which uses powerful encryption methods to protect transactions and private data in which users may be involved. Ensuring that all this sensitive information was encrypted both at rest and transmission kept the company, Venmo, with a track record of being secure amidst highly competitive markets.
In a nutshell, with the proper robust encryption protocols in place, data privacy in a mobile application will improve, and users’ information will be secured, hence earning trust.
Sheraz Ali
Founder & CEO, HARO Links Builder
Incorporate In-App Data Privacy Education
One effective strategy for enhancing mobile app data privacy is education-oriented: building in-app guidance on data sharing implications and protections. These tutorials give users a clear understanding of how their data is used, stored, and protected to ensure informed consent. For instance, at the Open Institute of Technology (OPIT), we’ve incorporated such educational elements into our in-house app, resulting in decreased data breach incidents and increased user trust. By making data privacy an educational matter rather than an intimidating tech challenge, apps can engage users in maintaining their own data security.
Lucas Tecchio
Head of Digital Content Creation, OPIT
