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Issue link: https://digital.macdirectory.com/i/1256627
same. But new fleeceware apps continue to crop up all the time. Many people don't realize how massive the App Store actually is, and how hard it is for Apple to conduct a thorough review of each and every app released on the platform. There are over 20 million registered iOS developers, and thousands of new apps are released through the App Store each month. Monitoring all of that is a huge job, even for Apple. In addition, it's worth bearing in mind that as unpalatable as fleeceware is, Apple is also busy dealing with a multitude of other serious threats to its platforms: things like nation- state malware, cryptojacking apps, and dating apps that let adults chat with kids! To put it bluntly, there is no way that Apple is going to be able to catch everything, which, like it or not, means that the ultimate responsibility for vetting apps falls to the individual user. How to stay safe Fleeceware is a problem, but there are some steps you can take to protect yourself from it. Here are three things you can do to make sure that you don't get fleeced. 1. Don't trust. Do verify. Be aware that bad stuff does get into the App Store (please take the marketing hype about Apple's "walled garden" with a grain of salt). This is not to say that the platform is insecure, just that it isn't perfect — which means that you should always be mindful of what you're downloading, and do a bit of research before putting anything on your device. Read the app's terms and conditions carefully, and check out the developer's reputation and recent reviews. Then ask yourself the following questions: • Are you downloading a free app, or a paid app with a free trial? • After the trial period ends, how much are they going to charge you per month? Considering what's on offer, does that amount seem reasonable, or suspicious? • Have other people complained about surprise charges, issues with unsubscribing, or problems obtaining a refund? If you spot any red f lags, consider looking for another app that offers similar functionality without the sketchiness. 2. Keep track of your subscriptions If you're installing and uninstalling lots of new apps, or signing up for multiple free trials and then canceling, it can be surprisingly easy to lose track of what's on your device — and what you're paying for. Take a moment to view your active subscriptions by going to Settings [Your Name] Subscriptions. If there's anything there that you don't use anymore, or simply don't want going forward, cancel it by tapping on Cancel Subscription. If you need a little more guidance with the process, take a look at Apple's support page for information on viewing and canceling app subscriptions, which will help you troubleshoot any issues you may face. When installing any paid app that has a free trial period, it's a good idea to set a reminder for yourself as part of the process. Take note of when the trial ends, and then set a calendar alert to remind you to review the subscription before the trial is over. Remember that uninstalling the app is not the same thing as canceling your subscription — so if you don't want to be charged, you need to follow the procedure outlined above rather than merely removing the app from your device. 3. Report abuse to Apple If you've installed what appears to be fleeceware, or have received an unexpected charge from an app, you can report the issue or request a refund through Apple's online reporting portal. To do this, go to reportaproblem. apple.com and sign in with your Apple ID and password. Look for the offending item in the list of apps or subscriptions, and click the "Report" or "Report a Problem" button next to it. Then follow the instructions in order to report an issue or request a refund. Most apps in the App Store are completely safe, and the vast majority of iOS developers are hardworking, honest folks who want to provide useful and reliable apps to the public. Given the size of the plat form, some bad ac tors and questionable apps do slip past the review process from time to time, but by taking the basic precautions mentioned in this article, you can help keep yourself — and others — safe.