If you’ve been on social media anytime in the past week, then you are sure to have seen countless unflattering “old age” photos of your friends. This recent viral internet challenge prompts users to take photos of themselves using the popular FaceApp application and apply an eerie filter that lets them age their face by decades. While this may be the latest in a series of strange but whimsical internet trends, it is also another prime example of an app taking advantage of data and abusing user privacy.
Here’s what you NEED to know:
At first glance, you may think that granting an app permission to use your camera roll images is harmless, but let’s dive a little deeper into this issue. The parent company of FaceApp is Wireless Lab–a tech company based in Russia. Wireless Lab’s privacy policy states the following:
“[FaceApp] may transfer information that we collect about you, including personal information across borders and from your country or jurisdiction to other countries or jurisdictions around the world.”
Still not concerned? You should be. Robert Siciliano is one of the top experts in the field of cybersecurity, a renowned keynote speaker, and CEO of IDTheftSecurity.com. Here are his thoughts on the troubling state of data security and the larger privacy issue plaguing app users:
“Consumers just think it’s fun. People get to laugh at their photos, however, such apps want a chunk of your data. Any app gathering data points that could lead to facial recognition should be of concern especially when it’s being used by government agencies, foreign companies or foreign intelligence. There has been a lot of worry regarding Russian-based companies whose hands are being forced by the Russian government [when] they require a backdoor access to the companies’ data and servers.”
–Robert Siciliano
From a business perspective, it’s imperative to make sure your employees are aware of potential threats. In the age of iPhones & “working from home“, a hack on your employee’s phone can ultimately lead to a corporate data breach. Booking a speaker like Robert Siciliano for your organization’s next event will guarantee that your employees stay up-to-date on the latest cyber threats and remain alert at all times!
Interested in booking thought leader and innovator Robert Siciliano? Visit www.eaglestalent.com or call 1.800.345.5607 for more information.
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