I traveled this week by plane to a client to conduct a cybersecurity tabletop exercise—one of my favorite things to do (the tabletop, not the flying).

To be able to use the wi-fi, everyone instructed in the gate area was told over the loudspeaker that we had to download the airline app on our phones, and that if we wanted to purchase anything during the flight, we had to input our credit card numbers into the app.

I am sure everyone can visualize my dismay at this announcement. Since I need to work, I unhappily downloaded the app so I could use the wi-fi. I did NOT put my credit card number into the app.

On the return flight (late at night), passengers across the aisle from me wanted a cocktail, but since they didn’t download the app, they were relegated to soft drinks. Needless to say, they were bummed at their circumstance.

When I landed, I deleted the app. I no longer needed it. When you download these apps, it is important to read what they are doing with your information. This app requested my location, wanted to track me, and a number of pop-ups sought my permission to do so; I rejected all of them.

Consider limiting the information you share with apps that you use infrequently and consider deleting single use apps when you no longer need them. If you are not using them, they still may be tracking you for months until you use them again. It is very easy to download them again when you need to use them in the future.

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