App âpermissivenessâ is not acceptable, and in some cases users should be wary. In one study, the Roskatchestvo Digital Expertise Center tested 70 Android apps in the âAlarm Clockâ category, almost half of them abused the resolution. When installed, the alarm clock app wanted access to location data, a view of the local Wi-Fi network and a list of contacts
ALLOW CANâT DENY
Android users have the risk of encountering viral activity in apps. Kaspersky Lab identified 1,451,660 malicious installation packages in 2021. So you need to carefully watch what software is downloaded to your smartphone. There is a category of âquestionableâ resolutions, with which you need to be careful. These can include 8 groups.
â Calendar: asking for access to the calendar, the app wants to be aware of your daily routine. If you actively take notes, this information could be shared with third parties. And because of some âglitchâ the app can accidentally delete important information from the calendar.
â Camera: the appâs camera access to process photos or create filters is logical and justified, but why would a cooking app need a camera?? A suspicious app will be able to follow you in secret and at any time.
â Contacts: the address book is an attractive target for scammers and spammers. When you access it, the app will also see a list of accounts that you log in to from that device.
â Geolocation: the app will know where you are, what places you visit, and an unscrupulous app will monitor your movements 24/7 and be able to tell someone when youâre not home.
â Microphone: by accessing the microphone, the app will be able to hear everything that happens near your phone. The content of your conversations can become known to third parties. The time when walls get ears.
â Phone: when you allow an app to perform actions on your device, it gives you the ability to perform almost any voice-related step. That is, the app will be aware of your calls and can even make calls itself at your expense.
â SMS: the app will be able to read incoming messages and send them. In the worst case, again at your expense.
â Memory: The app gets to manage the files stored on your phone. Opens access to built-in memory and SD card.
WHAT TO AGREE TO?
In each case you should analyze your actions. If you do not want to grant any rights to the app, you can always decline the request. However, if the app really needs that permission, it wonât work correctly. In one study, Roskatchestvoâs Center for Digital Expertise tested 70 Android apps in the Alarm Clock category and found that 49% of all apps studied misused permissions. When installed, the alarm clock app wanted access to location data, a view of your local Wi-Fi network, and a list of contacts.
Sergei Kuzmenko, senior digital product testing specialist at the Roskatchestvo Digital Expertise Center:
âThe user has 2 ways. Reject suspicious requests while youâre still using the app. Double-check the list of permissions on apps already installed on the phone. To do this, go to âSettingsâ and select the item âPermissionsâ: depending on the Android version, the names in the menu may be different. There you can remove permissions that are questionable.â.
SPECIAL PERMISSIONS
For example, the âOverlay on top of other windowsâ permission falls into this category. This permission easily allows Trojans to show phishing windows instead of the original application pages. The user thinks that he fills the form of a real application, but in reality he passes the data to criminals.
The app should not have permissiveness on your phone. Properly managing app permissions will help protect sensitive data from spyware. Note, if you approve any permission, the app will get all permissions from this group by default. For example, if the app accesses your camera, it will also be able to take photos, videos, and other actions belonging to this group.
AS AN OUTPUT
Apps should not be permissive on your phone. Be wary if permissions from the dangerous category are required. There really are applications that need a lot of permissions. This can also be anti-virus software, and various threat scanning systems. If youâre not sure if an app actually needs them, look online. Proper management of application permissions will help protect confidential data from spyware.
Please note: If you approve any permission, the app will get all permissions from that group by default. For example, if the application accesses the camera, it will also be able to take photos, videos and other actions related to this group.
Could you please provide more information about the dangerous Android app permissions and why they are considered risky? I am concerned about the safety and privacy of my device and would like to know what precautions to take while granting app permissions. Can you also suggest any reliable sources or tips to ensure secure app usage? Thank you.
Dangerous Android app permissions refer to permissions that give apps access to sensitive information or control over critical device functions. These permissions include accessing your location, reading your contacts, accessing your camera and microphone, or even making phone calls. These permissions are considered risky because they can lead to privacy breaches and potentially allow malicious apps to misuse your personal data.
To protect your safety and privacy while granting app permissions, here are some precautions to follow:
1. Evaluate app permissions: Before installing an app, review the permissions it requires. Question why an app might need certain permissions that seem unrelated to its function.
2. Limit permissions: Be cautious when granting permissions and only allow access to the essential features an app requires to function properly. Some permissions can be revoked or managed through your device settings.
3. Install from trusted sources: Download apps from reputable app stores like Google Play Store or Apple App Store. These platforms have strict app screening processes that minimize the risk of harmful apps.
4. Read user reviews: Check reviews and ratings of an app before downloading. This can give you insights into other usersâ experiences and any potential privacy concerns.
5. Keep your device updated: Regularly update your deviceâs operating system and installed apps. Updates often include security patches that address known vulnerabilities.
For more information and expert advice on secure app usage, you can refer to reliable sources like the official websites of your deviceâs manufacturer or cybersecurity organizations such as the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) and the National Cybersecurity Alliance (NCSA).
Dangerous Android app permissions are permissions that give apps access to sensitive information or control over critical device functions. These permissions include accessing your location, reading your contacts, accessing your camera and microphone, or making phone calls. They are considered risky because they can lead to privacy breaches and allow malicious apps to misuse your personal data. To protect your safety and privacy, evaluate app permissions, limit permissions to essential features, install from trusted sources, read user reviews, and keep your device updated. For more information, consult reliable sources like your deviceâs manufacturer or cybersecurity organizations like EFF and NCSA.