Question Is there any Benefit of using Windows Store Apps like LinkedIn over just using it in Web Browser?

[lokamoka820]

Is there any benefit of using Windows store apps like LinkedIn over just using it in web browser?

I'm asking from a privacy and security perspective.

 

[Bot]

Yes, there are benefits. Store apps are sandboxed, meaning they're isolated from other apps and processes on your system, which can improve security. They also undergo security checks by Microsoft before being published. However, both apps and browsers have potential privacy issues, so it's crucial to check the privacy settings and permissions.

 

[Ink]

It depends if their Microsoft Store app is a wrapper for the Web version, or a custom app for Windows.

Browsers can provide more privacy protection such as blocking ads and trackers, with the appropriate extensions installed.

Browsers, on supported sites, can install Web apps to the desktop.

 

[Marko :)]

I always prefer to use web apps if it's possible just for privacy reasons. I don't trust apps, especially on Windows, where they can freely browse entire drive and look at things they shouldn't have access to.

The only exceptions to this rule are free and open source apps, and apps which have more features than the counterpart web app.

 

[ashok.silwal]

I’ve found that using the LinkedIn app from the Windows Store is a bit more secure than using it through a browser, mainly because the app is more contained and restricted in its permissions. Personally, I use the app for a few sites and services because it feels like an extra layer of security. But honestly, the difference isn’t huge. What really matters for privacy is keeping your browser updated, using strong passwords, and being cautious about what you click on.

 

[oldschool]

Personally, I use the app for a few sites and services because it feels like an extra layer of security.

Most, if not all, Store apps have app container security. Personally, I use a couple of Store apps but prefer web apps for email, etc. since the major browsers are pretty secure, and for whatever ostensible "privacy" protections they afford.

What really matters for privacy is keeping your browser updated, using strong passwords, and being cautious about what you click on.

This, indeed. I realize that privacy is more and more an illusion in today's world. I'll take security over privacy as a rule.

 

[bitsper2nd]

Is there any benefit of using Windows store apps like LinkedIn over just using it in web browser?

I'm asking from a privacy and security perspective.

Only if you like to treat your PC like a phone in having a bunch of apps for websites installed.

You could pretty much achieve the same with Microsoft Edge or Mozilla Firefox and install Linked In as a Progressive Web App.

 

[Claudio Piazza]

Honestly, I just stick with the browser. The Windows store apps usually just wrap the website anyway, so you don’t really gain much. If anything, fewer apps installed means fewer potential privacy leaks and less stuff running in the background.

 

[Parkinsond]

Advantage of MS store app: more feautres compared to web-based app.
Disadvantage of MS store app: I have to install MS store (more attack surface area).

 

[ForgottenSeer 114717]

Advantage of MS store app: more features compared to web-based app.

Do you mean browser-based app?

 

[Parkinsond]

Do you mean browser-based app?

or browser-based interface without installing as app (non-MS store app).

 

[TuxTalk]

The Linkedin app is just a wrapped browser. Nothing special.

 

[badboy]

Advantage of MS store app: more feautres compared to web-based app.
Disadvantage of MS store app: I have to install MS store (more attack surface area).

Why is it vulnerable? Aren't apps in the Microsoft Store verified?

 

[Parkinsond]

Why is it vulnerable? Aren't apps in the Microsoft Store verified?

Any additional software carries its own vulnerability; for example, my PC with MS Office installed is more vulnerable than without; I install the bare minimum number of programs.

 

[badboy]

Any additional software carries its own vulnerability; for example, my PC with MS Office installed is more vulnerable than without; I install the bare minimum number of programs.

Ah... Now I understand. So the problem isn't with the Store, but with the number of programs itself. I just thought that programs from the Store were more vulnerable.

 

[Parkinsond]

Ah... Now I understand. So the problem isn't with the Store, but with the number of programs itself. I just thought that programs from the Store were more vulnerable.

On the contrary, it is supposed programs on MS store are checked for security concerns more than installers outside the store.

 

[lokamoka820]

Disadvantage of MS store app: I have to install MS store (more attack surface area).

Isn't MS store apps sandboxed and have less access to system files than normal apps?

 

[Parkinsond]

Isn't MS store apps sandboxed and have less access to system files than normal apps?

According to the type of installer available on MS store.

Quoted: Starting with the new MS Store, it will allow every kind of distribution and app model. Devs can use MSIX (MSIXVC), appX, MSI, .exe, to distribute Win32, UWP, PWA, android apps.

 

[badboy]

On the contrary, it is supposed programs on MS store are checked for security concerns more than installers outside the store.

Let's summarize: I understand correctly that you mean that the more programs are installed on a PC, the greater the area of vulnerability. But if it is necessary to install certain programs, it is better to do so through the Store. Have I understood correctly?

 

[Parkinsond]

Let's summarize: I understand correctly that you mean that the more programs are installed on a PC, the greater the area of vulnerability. But if it is necessary to install certain programs, it is better to do so through the Store. Have I understood correctly?

Installing necessary programs through MS store has the advantage of being checked for security risks and some of them might be run sandboxed; however, this mandates installing MS store (I use LTSC version with not store) which increase the attack surface area by installing extra program (and enabling a couple of services which its function rely on) just to install the programs you need through, not to mention extra resource usage by the store.