Security News > 2020 > June > Why coronavirus contact tracing apps face privacy and security challenges
The methods used by contact tracing apps also play a role in the question of effectiveness versus privacy.
Contact tracing apps store contact logs, encryption keys, and other sensitive information on the mobile device.
Contact apps must perform authentication when information is submitted to its servers, such as when a user posts diagnosis and contact logs.
"After initial review, we have some serious concerns. Contact tracing apps must maintain a delicate balance between privacy and security, since poor implementation of security standards may put users' data at risk. This comes down to questions on what data is collected, how it is stored and, ultimately how it is distributed."
As multiple fake coronavirus apps have already been detected during the pandemic, users should install contact-tracing COVID-19 apps from official app stores, since they only allow authorized government agencies to publish such apps.