The Problem with Forgotten Permissions
Every time you click "Sign in with Google," "Connect with Facebook," or "Allow access," you are granting another service permission to access some of your data. Over time, these permissions accumulate. Many of the apps you connected months or years ago may no longer be in use, but they still have access to your accounts.
What Connected Apps Can Access
Depending on the permissions you granted, connected apps might have access to:
- Your email address and profile information.
- Your contacts or friends list.
- Your calendar events.
- Files stored in your cloud drive.
- The ability to send emails or post on your behalf.
If any of these apps are compromised in a data breach, your data could be exposed even if your own account is secure.
How to Review Your Connected Apps
Check each of your major accounts for connected services:
- Google: Visit myaccount.google.com, go to Security, then Third-party apps with account access.
- Facebook: Go to Settings, then Apps and Websites.
- Apple: Go to Settings, then your name, then Sign-in and Security, then Apps Using Apple ID.
- Twitter/X: Go to Settings, then Security and account access, then Apps and sessions.
What to Remove
Remove any connected app that you:
- No longer use or recognize.
- Signed up for once and never returned to.
- No longer trust or that has changed ownership.
Removing a connected app does not usually delete your account with that service. It simply revokes its ability to access your data through your main account.
Make It a Habit
Set a reminder to review your connected apps every three to six months. It only takes a few minutes and can significantly reduce your exposure to data breaches and unauthorized access. Think of it as digital housekeeping. It is quick, easy, and well worth the effort.
