Is Yandex Safe?

If you use or plan to use Yandex, you need to know: Is Yandex safe? 

Below, we explain whether Yandex is: 

• Safe to use. 
• Good for privacy. 

We also look at some steps you can take to improve both your safety and privacy when using this online service. 

What Is Yandex?

Yandex is a multinational corporation primarily known for its internet-related products and services.

Founded in 1997, it is often called the “Google of Russia” due to its dominance in the Russian search engine market. It offers search services in various languages and incorporates advanced algorithms to deliver relevant results.

Yandex provides a wide range of internet services, including Yandex.Mail (email), Yandex.Maps (mapping and navigation), Yandex.Translate (translation services), and Yandex.Disk (cloud storage). 

The company is also involved in developing cutting-edge technologies such as machine learning, artificial intelligence, and autonomous vehicles. Yandex.Taxi, its ride-hailing service, is a significant player in the transportation sector.

Other services include Yandex.Market, an online marketplace that allows users to compare prices and buy products from various retailers, and several media and advertising platforms, including Yandex.Direct, an online advertising service similar to Google AdWords, and Yandex.News, a news aggregation service.

Is Yandex Safe?

Depends on your definition of “safe.” 

As a brand, Yandex has been operating for over two decades. It utilizes safety features to keep its users safe while using its services, including encryption and secure connections (HTTPS) to protect user data from unauthorized access. 

However, Yandex’s reputation varies by region, with some users expressing concerns about its ties to the Russian government. 

In its international operations, Yandex strives to comply with local regulations and standards, which can provide an additional layer of assurance to users in those regions.

Yandex scores 690 out of 950 from the cybersecurity company UpGuard. The primary concerns listed are a lack of enforcement of HTTP Strict Transport Security (HSTS), the usage of insecure SSL/TLS versions, a lack of secure cookies, the potential for clickjacking, a lack of Content Security Policy implementation, a lack of HTTPOnly cookies, and the usage of weak cipher suites through TLS 1.2.

In 2023, data from 58,000 users was leaked following a breach of the food app Yandex.Eda. 

Is Yandex safe, according to Reddit?

The general consensus on Reddit is that Yandex can be used safely for specific purposes, such as image searches or browsing non-sensitive content. However, for sensitive or personal data, Redditors recommend using alternative services known for stronger privacy protections. 

Redditors express concern over Yandex’s potential ties to the Russian government. It’s noted that while Yandex offers features like not requiring a phone number for email registration, there are still potential privacy risks due to the company’s location and regulatory environment​.

Is Yandex Games safe?

Yandex Games is a legitimate platform for publishing and playing games. However, the safety of any platform largely depends on the content you engage with and the permissions you grant. 

Is Yandex DNS safe?

Yandex DNS is functional and provides basic, secure, and family-safe filtering options. It can improve browsing speed and offers some level of protection against malicious sites.

However, there are concerns due to Yandex’s ties to the Russian government. Users worry about potential monitoring and data collection.

It is recommended to use Yandex DNS with caution, particularly if privacy is a primary concern. 

Is Yandex Disc safe?

Depends on your definition of “safe.”

Yandex Disc offers several security features, including two-factor authentication, automatic backups, and access control (meaning users can set permissions and share files or folders with others through secure links, controlling who has access to their data).

Yandex Disc does not offer end-to-end encryption. As a result, Yandex could potentially access your data or be subject to governmental access requests​. 

Is Yandex keyboard safe?

Yandex Keyboard is generally considered safe in terms of functionality and user experience, but users should be mindful of potential privacy implications.

The primary concern for users is the potential privacy risk due to Yandex’s ties to the Russian government. 

Like many keyboard apps, Yandex Keyboard requires permissions to access certain data for its functionality. However, users have noted that it does not force them to provide a phone number, which is a positive aspect regarding privacy. 

Some users argue that privacy risks are not unique to Yandex and that similar risks exist with other tech companies from different countries. The choice of using Yandex Keyboard often boils down to individual trust levels and the specific features they find beneficial​.

Is Yandex Private?

No, Yandex is not considered a good choice for privacy-conscious internet users. 

Like many tech companies, Yandex collects user data to improve its services and for advertising purposes. Just how much data it collects became apparent in 2023 when some of Yandex’s source code was leaked. 

As a company based in Russia, Yandex is subject to Russian laws, which may require it to provide user data to government authorities upon request. 

This has raised concerns about privacy, especially among users outside Russia and especially since Yandex’s Netherlands-based parent company, Yandex NV, announced it would split its international and Russian units. 

Yandex services often come with customizable privacy settings that allow users to control aspects of their data sharing and visibility. For example, Yandex Browser includes an incognito mode, similar to other major browsers. 

In its privacy policy, Yandex outlines the type of data it collects, including name, mobile phone number, address, age, IP address, browser information, device information, usage data, search history, geolocation, financial information, and information from partners.

Yandex’s privacy policy gets a “Grade E” on Terms of Service; Didn’t Read (ToS;DR), a project that rates internet services’ terms of service and privacy policies. This is the worst grade a service can receive (Google likewise gets a “Grade E”).

ToS;DR notes that Yandex can view your browser history, users must provide identifiable information, the app required for the service requires broad permissions, the service shares personal data with third parties that aren’t involved in its operation, and user accounts can be deleted without reason or notice.

How to Improve Your Safety and Privacy On Yandex

For a safer and more private experience on Yandex, follow these steps:

• Adjust privacy settings. Review and adjust your account settings to control what data Yandex collects and stores. This includes activity history, search history, and personal information. Use Yandex’s privacy controls to manage permissions for apps and services, restrict access to your location, and turn off interest-based ads.
• Manage cookies and site data. Periodically clear your cookies and site data to reduce tracking. Adjust cookie settings to block third-party cookies, which are commonly used for tracking across websites.
• Use secure connections. Ensure that you are using secure connections (HTTPS) whenever possible. This encrypts data transmitted between your device and Yandex services. Consider using Yandex.DNS, which offers different levels of security and can block malicious sites.
• Use two-factor authentication. Activate two-factor authentication on your Yandex account for an added layer of security. This requires a second form of verification in addition to your password.
• Limit data sharing. Review and limit the permissions granted to Yandex apps on your devices. Restrict access to your contacts, camera, and location.
• Use a VPN. Use a reputable VPN service to hide your IP address and encrypt your internet traffic. This helps protect your privacy and reduces tracking by Yandex and other services.
• Search anonymously. Consider using more privacy-focused search engines like DuckDuckGo or Startpage for sensitive queries. If you continue using Yandex Search, avoid logging into your account while searching to minimize data association with your profile.
• Conduct regular security audits. Regularly audit your Yandex account and device security settings. Update passwords and review access logs to ensure there are no unauthorized access attempts.
• Use privacy-focused tools. Use privacy-focused browser extensions such as uBlock Origin (for ad blocking), Privacy Badger (for tracking protection), and HTTPS Everywhere (to enforce HTTPS connections). Consider using end-to-end encrypted email services like ProtonMail for sensitive communications.
• Stay informed. Keep up with updates to Yandex’s privacy policies and settings. Companies often update their practices, and staying informed can help you maintain control over your data.