[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-80px|||||” custom_padding=”0px||0px||true|false” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n
Kids have always kept secrets. You might have had a journal that could be locked with a key, or perhaps you wrote your innermost thoughts in \u201cinvisible ink\u201d. Children today have digital ways to keep their private things private – they\u2019re called \u201csecret vault apps\u201d which are often disguised as unassuming calculators.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Privacy is important for kids, but it shouldn’t come at the expense of safety. As the content often stored in secret vault apps can put children – and others – in danger, it\u2019s important that parents understand the risks and know how to spot these deceptive apps.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n Secret vault apps are smartphone or tablet apps designed to look like regular, utility apps on the surface, most commonly a calculator. A fake calculator functions just like a regular calculator, but when the user enters the passcode they established on setup, they can access and manage their private files.<\/p>\n There are many versions of fake calculator and vault apps available for download, but they all share one common purpose: to hide private images, videos, and files.<\/strong><\/p>\n In addition, some secret vault apps use the phone\u2019s camera to take a snapshot of an \u201cintruder\u201d if they enter an incorrect password.. This snapshot is stored in the vault to show the phone\u2019s owner who has been trying to access their files.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n As we live in an increasingly connected world, helping children stay safe by monitoring their online activities is something many parents now do regularly. As a consequence, some children may feel that their privacy is being invaded, and they may look to calculator vault apps as a space to hide the images and files that they don\u2019t want people to know about – either parents, friends, or siblings.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n While this might sound innocent in practice (everyone feels the need for privacy), <\/span>secret vault apps could be used to store media that\u2019s sexual in nature<\/b>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Sexting<\/span><\/a> is a major concern for parents. A 2024 UK survey found that <\/span>39% of adults first shared explicit content while they were underage<\/span><\/a>. It also revealed that 28% of under-18s had experienced misuse of their intimate images or had received an unwanted sexual image. Secret vault apps can offer a place for young people to hide sexual images and videos (real or \u201c<\/span>deepfakes<\/span><\/a>\u201d).<\/span><\/p>\n Secret vault apps can also be used to hide contacts – and even entire messaging apps – that kids don\u2019t want their parents to know about.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n Fake calculator and other vault apps may not be inherently dangerous in the same way as some social media or communication platforms. The risks lie in the type of content being stored in these apps – and why a child feels the need to go to such lengths to hide it. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Sexting and sexual content<\/b><\/p>\n A common use for secret vault apps is to hide inappropriate content or sexual imagery. Under 18s are not able to give consent for their naked image to be created or shared, so if they have one on their phone, stored in secret, this is against the law. Children may not understand the severity of taking and sharing nude images, or engaging in sexting.<\/span><\/p>\n Inappropriate relationships<\/b><\/p>\n A child may also use a secret vault app to conceal a relationship from their parents – with someone older for example. The app could be used to store contact details, photos, conversations, and even entire communication apps.<\/span><\/p>\n When messages, images, and chats are hidden, it becomes much harder for parents to know whether their child is being <\/span>groomed<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>bullied<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>sextorted<\/span><\/a>, or otherwise harassed – limiting their opportunity to intervene.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Privacy and security<\/b><\/p>\n There are many developers out there making calculator vault apps, so it\u2019s difficult to know which ones really help keep data and information secure or not. It\u2019s worth reminding your child that <\/span>nothing uploaded to the internet is 100% safe and secure. <\/b><\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/static.qustodio.com\/public-site\/uploads\/2022\/02\/07153444\/Calculator-Vault-Apps_BlogRebranding_Insideimage_Desktop.jpg” alt=”Technology tips to help with the back to school routine” title_text=”Calculator Vault Apps_BlogRebranding_Insideimage_Desktop” align=”center” disabled_on=”off|off|off” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n There are several things that might help you to find out if your child is using a fake calculator app:<\/span><\/p>\n 1. See how many calculator apps your child has on their phone<\/b><\/p>\n It might seem obvious, but if your child has more than one calculator app on their phone, one could be a private vault app. However, some children need to use scientific calculators for homework purposes, so the presence of an extra calculator doesn\u2019t always mean there\u2019s something to worry about.<\/span><\/p>\n 2. Search on the app store<\/b><\/p>\n If you can see the name of the app on your child\u2019s phone, look it up. The app description will show you if the calculator is real, or if it\u2019s a way to keep private files secret.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Using your child\u2019s device, you can try typing \u201cvault app\u201d on the App Store or Google Play Store to\u00a0 see a list of secret vault options for download. If your child has already downloaded one of these apps, then instead of \u201cDownload\u201d, the text will read \u201cOpen\u201d on the app itself. <\/span><\/p>\n 3. Look for behavioral signs<\/b><\/p>\n If you don\u2019t want to check your child\u2019s phone, and you\u2019re worried about them downloading and using vault apps without your knowledge, here are some of the signs your child could be using a secret vault app:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nWhat are secret vault apps?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Why might kids use a secret vault app?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Are secret vault apps safe?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\u00a0<\/h2>\n
4 ways to spot a fake calculator app<\/strong><\/h2>\n