Adobe Creative Suite. Norton Antivirus. The Facebook app on your phone - what do all three of these have in common? They are just a few examples of third party programs, and tech expert Burton Kelso is back with us to explain how to be smart when using this kind of software.

Third party programs are any programs that are an addition to your current operating system (IOS, Windows, Android, etc). So Microsoft Word is not a third party program for PC, but AVG Antivirus is. Another example for your iPhone - Safari is not a third party, but the Instagram app is.

Why is it important to be able to identify these kinds of programs? Because as helpful as a third party program can be, it can also be doing sketchy things with your data. What data is it collecting and where is it sending it? It could be sending it to Russia, true story!

Another way these programs get access to your computer is through browser extensions or plugins. You might be tempted to add it to have coupon codes pop up while you’re shopping, but that also means it’s tracking everything you do.

The answer to this potential cybersecurity threat is not to go delete every third party program you use. Burton is quick to point out how much they make our lives easier and more fun! Instead, the key is awareness. Every app or piece of software comes with a Terms of Service. Maybe you’re used to just scrolling through the thousands of words in 2 point font and clicking “accept.” Don’t do that anymore! That fine print is where you learn what is being collected and what they are doing with it.

Burton also points out that most modern computers don’t even need antivirus software, so you might be able to forgo that particular type of third party software altogether.

Making informed decisions about what access you allow programs to have to your computer is a big step towards protecting your information. Next time you go to download an app or plugin, take a second to understand what you’re agreeing to!

Takeaways from this episode:

1. Tech expert Burton Kelso wants you to be aware of what third party programs you are putting onto your computer and phone.
2. Third party programs are any programs that are an addition to your operating system (they didn’t come with the computer or phone).
3. While these apps and programs can be very useful, they can also be a cybersecurity risk. Check the Terms of Service before you add a new one to your device so you know what you are agreeing to share and where it is being sent!

Resources mentioned in this episode:

To learn more about Burton Kelso, please visit:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/burtonkelso

https://www.callintegralnow.com

Article: Russian Kaspersky antivirus software could be used by Kremlin to hack into computers, governments warn

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/russian-kaspersky-antivirus-software-could-123528646.html

If you'd like to learn more about cybersecurity and online identity protection, you can connect with me on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/dana-mantilia/

To protect your company against cyber crime, you can now book me for cybersecurity training:

https://bit.ly/3CtZKzD

To keep your family protected online, learn more about our Identron Identity Theft Protection software:

http://bit.ly/Identron