Audit of Installed Programs and Applications
Many expected that the first chapter and advice in the section dedicated to software would be a recommendation to update programs, download them from reliable sources, conduct an audit of permissions, internet traffic – all of this is certainly important, and we will definitely address it as part of setting up comprehensive security, but we will start with an audit of installed applications.
What does this mean? It means that you need to open the list of applications and remove all programs that you do not use. This is a universal rule; it applies to computers, phones, and tablets.
Often, after purchasing a new smartphone, a lot of applications are downloaded to it, many of which will never be used. The situation is even worse with old devices, where dozens of programs may have been installed over the years of use. All of this should definitely be removed.
After you remove the unused programs, review the list again and delete applications that you use very rarely or plan to use in the future. You should not have programs that "maybe will be needed later." If you need them, you can always install them.
I especially recommend removing banking applications. Some of their applications have functionalities and permissions that any warrior would envy. For example, the application of a "green" bank can constantly collect information about all applications used by the owner, conduct system scans, read and send SMS, obtain images from both cameras without notification, and view contacts. The application also has access to the browser history, can listen to calls, change device settings, and continuously collect geolocation data.