It’s not always easy to know what website, app, or new piece of technology is trustworthy. From breaking down as soon as you pay for it, to needing to buy the latest device to keep up with the new updates, it can be difficult to know where to stand. And when it comes to trusting an app, it’s no different. You don’t want to get caught out with a dodgy app or website that could cost you a lot more than the download time. So, here are a few signs you should look out for when trying to find a trustworthy app.
Positive reviews:
It may seem simple, but the better rating an app has, the more likely you can trust it. But don’t be fooled by the rating itself, as some websites or developers can unfortunately add fake or paid reviews that glow at their invention, rather than give the truth. So, make sure to read through the reviews and check that they’re not overly positive with no specifics on the product itself, which can seem a little fishy.
If the review also attaches a photograph or screenshots, this can also help you legitimise the feedback and make sure the positive review is legitimate. From apps to improve your mental health to teaching you to cook, there will be reviews for every reputable app out there. You can check out the reviews of the app in the app store or on other websites, for example. If the majority of the reviews are positive with screenshots or photographs attached and it doesn’t seem like AI wrote them, it’s a good sign that the app is trustworthy.
Security features:
Before you download the app, the information on the app store or wherever you’re getting the app from should give you some information on the features of the app, including the security and safety features. This could include things such as a two-step authentication process and high-level encryption. Two-step authentication means that the app will usually ask you for two steps in identifying yourself, such as through email and phone number, usually sending a personal code to both to identify yourself.
This helps you from being scammed or locked out of your account by someone trying to steal your information. Another feature alongside the two-step authentication that can make the app more trustworthy is making sure it has biometric authentication. This uses your unique physical characteristics, such as your fingerprint or face, to verify your identity. This can be more secure than a password because it’s harder for someone to replicate your biometric data.
And if it’s used alongside two-step authentication, it adds an extra layer of security. Making sure that the app has a high level of encryption also means that your information within the app is less likely to be stolen. Encryption is the process of encoding data so that it can only be read by someone with the key to decode it. Looking for apps that use encryption to protect your data, especially when it comes to sensitive information such as passwords and financial data, is imperative and should be something you seek in order to find a reputable and trustworthy app.
Developer information:
Before downloading the app, look for information about the developer of the app. You can usually find the developer by looking through the app information on the app store. Then, check their website or social media presence to determine if they are reputable and legitimate. This can give you an idea of whether the app is made by a developer or company that is reputable and has made other apps that have had a good rating or reviews so you can compare with the app you’re thinking of downloading.
App updates:
You should always check to make sure that the app is regularly updated. Frequent updates can indicate that the developer is actively working to improve the app and fix any issues. This can indicate that if something does go wrong with the app, the developers are there to actively help and improve it, making it feel more trustworthy.
It’s also an indication that it is well-received by others if they are choosing to continue to update and fix any problems in order to improve the app’s features, as well as making sure that the updates have been optimised for devices for all, so anyone can access the app. App updates often include bug fixes that can help improve the app’s stability and performance and can make sure that your app runs smoothly.
Hackers and scammers are constantly refreshing their knowledge on how to infiltrate websites and apps in order to steal people’s information, so app updates also often include security patches that can help protect your personal information from being compromised and reduce the risk of data breaches.
