In Need of Serious Help: How To Stop Apps From Scanning My Files?

This problem has been giving me so much anxiety and has been on my mind a lot.

My anxiety level has gotten to the point where I've even stopped installing 3rd party apps!

This is my problem:
I'm worried that an app that's running is able to view and access the other files (like my documents) on my hard drive that are in a completely different folder on my hard drive and without my permission.

It just seems so easy for an app to do this?

Is it possible for me to "contain" an app and make it impossible for an app to be able to view or access the files on my hard drive like my documents?

Thank you for any advice!

1. Yes, it's a 3rd party app, but probably your best option is Sandboxie
Sandboxie - Sandbox software for application isolation and secure Web browsing
2. Get a USB thumb drive to keep your documents,etc on and unplug it when not being used. I recommend Sandisk as it comes with it's own Secure Access software.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...5-1699509?th=1

Kari said:

In all honesty, as I told you in another thread of yours, you should try to get help. I am saying this as a fellow geek concerned about your well being. It brings nothing good if, as it looks like, you can only think how software companies are going to or trying to access your personal data.

I hope you have someone you can talk with about your fears.

Kari

Indeed - maybe computers are not for you? You might feel better sending letters - but who knows who is going to steam them open?

After reading the many NiceAndShy posts over the months, I agree with @Kari. Some counseling/therapy here is definitely needed, not computer help.

Your concern is much appreciated!

However, I don't have any mental problems and I'm just deeply concerned with so many apps having so much inbuilt "cloud connectivity".

I suggest disabling your network connection. No. Seriously.

Eagle51 said:

1. Yes, it's a 3rd party app, but probably your best option is Sandboxie
Sandboxie - Sandbox software for application isolation and secure Web browsing
2. Get a USB thumb drive to keep your documents,etc on and unplug it when not being used. I recommend Sandisk as it comes with it's own Secure Access software.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...5-1699509?th=1

Your idea is much appreciated!

I've come across this "Sandboxie" app before and it seems really great.

Are there any other ways I can prevent a 3rd party app from accessing the files on the hard drive that the 3rd party app is installed on?

I just want to make it clear that this is a genuine problem of mine I'm trying to solve.

Sandboxie seems like a great app.

I'm researching Sandboxie now.

I'd love to hear more feedback about Sandboxie!