Is your clipboard safe? Invisible clipboard risks

Clipboard acts as a temporary storage for data that you transfer between and within applications. In short, it’s the place where your copied text is stored to enable you to paste it. The clipboard is usually unnamed its contents are stored in the device’s RAM. New “copy” action usually overrides the clipboard’s contents, as you have probably experienced.

Last year, a trendy video sharing platform TikTok raised privacy concerns. The app was secretly reading anything the users copied in their clipboards for “advertising purposes.”

When the iPhone released an update notifying users whenever an app accessed their clipboard content, another 53 trendy apps, turned out, did the same.

So is your clipboard safe and private? Let’s talk about hidden clipboard risks.

Who can access your clipboard?

It’s not unusual for apps to see your clipboard content. What TikTok did was not “unbelievable.” More apps than you image can access your clipboard on iPhone, Android phone, or your PC.

Usually, the apps can access your clipboard to improve your experience. They predict what you want to do and then do it for you. For example, if you copy a URL and open a browser, it can immediately suggest you the address without a need to paste it manually. If you use a third-party keyboard, it can cut down your typing time by allowing you to paste information with a click.

Is your clipboard safe to use then?

If you only used the trusted apps and were extra vigilant about every step you take online, then you’re most likely secure. But we live in a world where out of nowhere, another app is found to be accessing your data.

So no matter how tech-savvy you are, you should still be aware of the possible clipboard risks. Here’s what to be vigilant about:

3rd party keyboards that we give consent to

The third-party keyboards such as Switfkey, GBoard, and Fleksy can access not only what you type but what you copy too. If you decide to use such a keyboard, check the author, reviews, and use it only if you trust the app.

Apps that secretly read your data

Just like TikTok, some other “trusted” apps as Viber, The Huffington Post, and Accuweather can read your information on the clipboard. If we presume that keyboards implement advanced security practices, the news portals pose a serious concern. Always check what app can access what data. If it seems illogical, change permissions or delete the app.

Computers and malicious software

Although it’s not directly related to the clipboards, malicious software such as keylogger can access what you type and then send data to a third party. Considering that some of the keylogging practices are legal (for testing, debugging, or monitoring employees’ activity), you should always ask and get informed if that is the case. After all, you probably don’t want to accidentally disclose your personal information to the employer.

What about passwords? Privacy-related clipboard risks

The degree of clipboard risks always depends on what you copy and paste. If that’s a link to a meme you send to your friend, there’s probably nothing to worry about. But passwords are definitely something to be cautious about.

When you copy a password, it remains in the clipboard on iPhone and Android. If you use a third-party keyboard or a trendy app that accesses the clipboard, they can read your password too.

So what’s the solution?

First, always be cautious about what access you grant to every app – both on your phone, your browser, your desktop. If you don’t want a random news portal accessing your private information, simply read the news online without an app.

When it comes to password protection, use a password manager that provides clipboardless usage. Such a password manager as PassCamp has foreseen such clipboard risks and developed a password autofill solution.

When you visit a website, the password manager automatically fills the login fields for you. This way, you don’t need to copy and paste the password manually (a.k.a. avoid the clipboard).

Give it a try for free and stay calmer (but still vigilant) about clipboard risks!