In today’s digital age, travel apps have become indispensable companions for planning and navigating our journeys. From booking flights and accommodations to exploring new destinations, these apps offer convenience and efficiency. However, with this convenience comes a growing concern: the potential risks to our privacy. privacy risks of travel apps

Cybersecurity experts warn that travel applications, like AirBnB, Booking.com, or FlightRadar24, are among the most privacy-unfriendly apps. Yet, planning and traveling itself is almost unimaginable without the support of digital solutions.

More than 28% of permissions to access device functions requested by travel apps are unrelated to their performance, research by NordVPN reveals.

“Travel apps are among the most eager to request access to devices’ functions that are not needed for their performance,” says Adrianus Warmenhoven, cybersecurity advisor at NordVPN. “Collected data could be used against the user’s interests and lead to privacy issues that are way more serious than targeted ads. Users should always consider whether the app needs certain data to do its job before tapping ‘Accept,’ even if the app is developed by a well-known and trustworthy traveling service provider.”

According to cybersecurity and privacy researchers, on average, one travel mobile app asks for almost 23 device permissions, including access to your travel location or photos and videos. More than 6 of the permissions are unnecessary for the functionality of an application. privacy risks of travel apps

Moreover, the travel apps category stands above the average in requesting special, dangerous, and biometric permissions, which deal with highly sensitive or personal information and system-critical processes. Travel apps request 9 special, dangerous, and biometric permissions on average, while most of the apps from all categories request more than 7 permissions on average.

Protecting Your Privacy on Travel Apps

• Choose Reputable Apps: Research and select travel apps from well-known and trusted providers.
• Read Privacy Policies: Carefully review the privacy policies of travel apps before downloading and using them.
• Limit Permission Grants: Only grant permissions that are essential for the app’s functionality.
• Use Strong Passwords: Create strong, unique passwords for your travel app accounts.
• Enable Two-Factor Authentication: Add an extra layer of security by enabling two-factor authentication.
• Be Cautious of Free Wi-Fi: Avoid using public Wi-Fi networks for sensitive activities, such as making bookings or accessing personal accounts.
• Keep Apps Updated: Regularly update your travel apps to ensure they have the latest security patches.

Here are four travel apps that are considered more privacy-secure:

1. Maps.me
   • Privacy Focus: Offers offline maps, reducing data transmission and tracking. No account is required, and the app collects minimal personal information, focusing only on necessary navigation features.
2. OsmAnd
   • Privacy Focus: A navigation app based on open-source maps that allows offline use, avoiding the need for constant data connectivity. OsmAnd doesn’t require user registration and collects minimal data, focusing on privacy and transparency.
3. HERE WeGo
   • Privacy Focus: HERE WeGo is a navigation app that allows for offline map downloads and has a clear privacy policy that focuses on minimizing data collection. Users can control location-sharing settings and choose to use the app anonymously without creating an account.
4. XE Currency
   • Privacy Focus: A currency converter app that doesn’t require many permissions beyond basic internet access for currency updates. It does not collect unnecessary personal data and offers essential functionality for travelers concerned about privacy.

These apps provide necessary travel-related functions while maintaining a stronger focus on user privacy and data protection. privacy risks of travel apps