Your Cyber Monday Health Tech Haul May Expose You: 5 Ways to Keep Your Personal Data Safe

Do you use a fitness tracker, a meditation app, a glucose monitor, or anything that logs your steps or sleep? While these tools can make life easier, they also collect a lot of personal information.

With holiday shoppers expected to spend over $1 trillion between November 1 and December 31 this year and Cyber Monday projected as one of the busiest days for online deals, more health apps and wearables will land under trees this season. Knowing how to keep your health data safe is critical.

Here’s the thing. Not all apps and wearables follow the same rules. Some follow strong privacy standards, and others collect way more data than you expect. The good news? A few simple habits can help you safely and confidently use these tools.

Follow these 5 tips to protect yourself and keep your health data safe.

Tip #1: Know What You Want an App to Do

Before downloading a health app or pairing a wearable, take a moment to think about what you want from it. Are you trying to manage a chronic condition, track your mood, get more steps in, or keep an eye on sleep? Look for apps that are transparent about their features and rely on evidence-based tools like goal setting, reminders, and self-monitoring.

A quick scan of the description can tell you a lot. Does the app promise vague fixes or miracle results? If so, pause. Reliable apps are honest about what they can do.

Tip #2: Read the Privacy Fine Print Before You Hit Download

This is one of the most important steps and one that many people skip. A privacy policy should be written in plain language that explains what information the app collects and what it does with that information. Look for details about how your data is stored, who it’s shared with, and whether you can delete it later.

Then check permissions. If a step-tracking app wants access to your contacts or camera, that is a red flag. Only approve what the app truly needs to function.

Tip #3: Remember All Apps Aren’t Created the Same

Developer credibility matters. Apps created by hospitals, universities, health organizations, or reputable tech companies are generally safer than apps with no background information or vague descriptions. Reading reviews from long-time users can also help you understand how well the app works and whether it has a history of complaints or security issues.

Another good sign is frequent updates. Regular updates usually mean the developer is actively improving security and fixing bugs.

Tip #4: Protect Yourself with Smart Habits

Even the best app can’t keep your data safe if your phone or tablet is unsecure. A few easy habit changes can make a difference:

• Use strong, unique passwords for each app.
• Turn on two-factor authentication when it is offered.
• Update your apps and operating system regularly.
• Avoid public Wi-Fi when accessing or syncing health data.

These simple steps help keep your information out of the wrong hands.

Tip #5: Know If Your Doctor is Involved

Some apps are standalone tools. Others connect directly to your healthcare provider or electronic health records. This is where rules like HIPAA come into play.

If your doctor or clinician requires an app for treatment and has a formal agreement with the developer, HIPAA applies. If your provider simply recommends an app for general use, HIPAA may not apply until you share data with your care team.

Make sure to ask a few questions like:

• Can the app share information with your provider?
• Does it connect to your patient portal?
• How often does it pull in new data?
• Does your provider know how to view the information you share?

These details can help you decide how comfortable you feel using the app with your healthcare provider.

Bonus Tip: Trust Your Gut

If an app collects more data than you expected, shares information you are not comfortable with, or makes claims that do not feel right, pay attention to that feeling. Most of us know when something’s off.

Stay Safe and Informed

Mobile apps and health wearables can be incredibly helpful when used safely. A little awareness goes a long way in keeping your information private while still enjoying the convenience these tools offer. When you take time to understand what the app collects, who sees your data, and how it’s used, you give yourself the power to choose wisely.

If you want to learn more, check out our on-demand webinar, Navigating Mobile Health Apps Safely, for how to stay in control of your personal health data and keep it secure.

This article was written by AHIMA staff.