Episode 19: Cybersecurity Myths — Myth #9: The Danger of Free Services Online — Protect Your Privacy
Welcome to another episode of FamilyCyber.ie — where we share simple digital safety habits and online privacy tips for those of us who want to make life harder for the digital Voldemorts out there.
🟢 This episode is based on the original Spanish version of CiberseguridadParaFamilias.com. It’s been translated using AI so more people can access these tips in English.
Today we continue with our special series on cybersecurity myths, breaking down common beliefs that can put your privacy and security at risk.
This time, we’ll talk about a particularly dangerous myth:
❌ Myth #9: “If something is free, there’s no risk.”
📌 Is “free” really safe?
Many people use free apps, social networks, or websites without asking themselves what they’re giving up in exchange. But on the Internet, when something is free, you are often the product.
🔎 The restaurant analogy
Imagine there’s a restaurant offering free food every day. Sounds great, right? But later, you find out they are watching everything you eat, how long you stay, and who you’re with.
The same happens online: free services often collect information about your habits, interests, and location to sell ads or even trade your data.
💡 If something is free, ask yourself: How does this company make money?
📌 Real cases: What “free” really means
🔹 Social media: Platforms like Facebook and Instagram don’t charge users but track what you post, what you like, and even how long you look at certain content. This is used to show targeted ads.
🔹 Mobile apps: Some free apps (like flashlight apps, games, or photo editors) ask for unnecessary permissions, such as access to your location or microphone. In 2023, a free flashlight app was found collecting the locations of millions of people without their knowledge.
🔹 Free email providers: Many analyze your emails to improve AI algorithms or to personalize ads.
🔹 Free VPNs and antivirus programs: Some free security services actually track your online activity and sell it to third parties.
📌 Practical example
Imagine someone on the street gives you a brand-new phone for free. Wouldn’t you ask what the catch is? Online, you should ask the same question about any free service.
🔒 How to protect yourself (without making it complicated)
✔ Check app permissions before installing. If a photo editing app asks for your microphone or contacts, that’s a red flag.
✔ Adjust your privacy settings on social media. Limit your posts to trusted people only.
✔ Be suspicious of “too good to be true” offers. If a website offers free access to exclusive content with no visible source of income, it may be collecting data.
✔ Use paid services when privacy is essential. A paid password manager or VPN is usually more secure than a free one.
✔ Use email providers and search engines that respect privacy, such as ProtonMail or DuckDuckGo.
🏆 Conclusion: Not all “free” is safe
Nothing is truly free on the internet. If you’re not paying with money, you’re probably paying with your personal data.
✅ Before using a free service, think about what you’re giving up and whether you really need it.
If you found this episode helpful, please share it with family and friends so more people can protect their privacy online.
🚀 Don’t miss the next episode in our Cybersecurity Myths series.
📌 This has been another episode of FamilyCyber.ie — where we share simple digital safety habits and online privacy tips for those of us who want to make life harder for the digital Voldemorts out there.