Apps at work are on the rise. That's why some enterprises choose to block certain apps because they increase the risk of lost or stolen business data. The top 3 includes messaging, social networking and dating apps.
According to the latest report from Appthority these are the most blocked apps:
| iOS | Android | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| App | Reason for blocking | App | Reason for blocking |
| Facebook Messenger | Sends Address Book | Facebook Messenger | Sends Location |
| Whatsapp Messenger | Sends Address Book | Wickr Me | Disables Default HTTPS |
| Tinder | Sends Location | Whatsapp Messenger | Sends Address Book |
| Disables Default HTTPS | Signal Private Messenger | Sends SMS Messages | |
| Disables Default HTTPS, Uses JSPatch for Hot Patching |
Disables Default HTTPS | ||
| Sends Address Book | Disables Default HTTPS | ||
| Hinge | Sends SMS Messages, Sends Device's Name |
Frozen Frenzy Valentine Hearts | Disables Default HTTPS |
| Match | Sends Location | Bakery Story: Cats Cafe | Sends IMEI Unencrypted |
| Dropbox | Sends SMS Messages, Sends Device's Name |
Candy Blast Mania | Disables Default HTTPS |
| eBay Kleinanzeigen | Sends Location | Dragon Story: Sun and Moon | Disables Default HTTPS |
To risk or not to risk?
Although these apps involve a considerable risk, not every company blocks them.
In the same report we see that a lot of these apps (Facebook, Instagram, Whatsapp Messenger, Dropbox, ...) return with a high score in the list of the 100 most used apps within companies. Often because people need these apps to do their job.
So if you are wondering how you can strengthen your security without having a negative impact on the productivity of your employees, be sure to read more about Next Generation Firewalls.
Stay alert
It is important to be vigilant as a company. Especially because employees' mobile devices are often linked to the company network.
EASI can help you with a lot of security services. Click here and check how we can help you.
