The app stores of both Android and iOS are packed up with input facilitator apps; such as games, educative software, streaming services, etc. Among all of these apps, you can also find a number of third-party keyboard apps. These apps serve different purposes, depending on their genres. They can ease your typing, some offer different and unique features or some have cute smileys and unique font styles. But, have you ever thought, are third-party keyboards safe to use or not? Let’s find out below.(Also see, Best VPN for SnapChat-Secure Your Online Messaging App)
Are Third-Party Keyboards Safe to Use?
The Risk of Using Third-party Keyboard Apps
App Store will give you search result, comprising of hundreds of third-party keyboard app, if you search for them. While some look exceptionally amazing but have you ever thought if it’s safe to trust them with your privacy? When you type something on a keyboard, it gets access to all the keystrokes you’re making, which covers your passwords, bank account numbers, and credit card information. Take a look at some significant cyber-security incidents involving 3rd-party keyboards below.
The Ai.type Incident
A favourite keyboard for iPhone and Android – millions of users used to make use of ai.type. But, one vulnerability did so much bad to its reputation and that’s its keyboard database which was out without a password. Apart from the names, email addresses, and phone numbers, the database also contained text typed from it. And ai.type wasn’t the only keyboard to be hacked.
The Swiftkey Incident
Yet another popular third-party keyboard app is Swiftkey. It also went through a data leak back in July 2016. It started showing up email addresses of other users in suggestions.
Whereas you may be thinking the new keyboard app you are going to install is fun and offers cute features; but, you are unaware of the fact that it can retain all the keystrokes you ever make on it. An apparently harmless keyboard can affect you in such a way, nothing ever did!
Third-party keyboards are as dangerous for Android users as they are for iOS users. However, Apple is more secure and doesn’t let the third party keyboards enter data in the password fields. Apart from that, it lets keyboards store all types of data. So all your private chats, emails, and usernames just might be out there for grabs.(Also see, Best VPN for Instagram-Stay Secure While Using Instagram)
What Should You Do?
The best way to avoid such risks is to remain committed to the inbuilt keyboards provided by Apple or Android. However, you may think that any specific app is trustworthy because millions of people use it. Remember, ai.type and Swiftkey was also so much popular among millions of users; but, how did they end up, you know it already. Hence, if you don’t want your data to land in the wrong hands, try to get used to the inbuilt keyboards provided by your smartphone.
Conclusion -Are Third-Party Keyboards Safe to Use?
Always bear this in mind, it is your data and has to take its privacy in your hand. Using third-party keyboards can put your privacy and security in jeopardizing; even if you use it alongside a robust antivirus, it keeps storing your keystrokes. So, before trusting such app, give a thought to, “Are third-party keyboards safe to use?” Or for better protection, use a VPN. (Also check, Most Secure VPN Services in 2018)
