Android permissions explained, security tips, and avoiding malware

[KlaymenDK]

Are you able to select or change permissions when downloading apps like with other phones.

Is this a question? If so, then the answer is no: you must either take the app with its requested permissions, or skip the app. It wouldn't make sense any other way, the app would most likely not work right.

Also: Welcome to the forum!

 

[melissab]

Wow! Awesome info for naive noobs such as myself. I never thought of checking during updates, always wanting to hurry. This is VERY useful.

 

[Roze]

Thanks alostpacket, I've been wondering what all of the various permissions were for, and your explanation clarified most of them for me <3

 

[Dro205]

This is probably the most helpful, informative post I've ever read. Thanks for taking the time to go through all that stuff... much appreciated!

 

[Bluemumba]

Hey so in my sleep I had this crazy dream where my eris was downloading an app that had a virus. JK this dream did not happen but I was thinking. Can I check a app for a virus on my computer. Like using spyswiper. Or can I not because the app is writen in a different code. Also i understand that I should not worry, but I just like to know if it can be done. Thx

 

[Lemurion]

What I don't understand is why they could not have separated the read phone state and read identity permissions.

I can see far more reasons to read phone state, and many of them don't need to know the phone identity. An audio player may need to know state to mute itself when a call comes in, but it doesn't need to know your phone's identity.

 

[swiftwood]

If you have your Android phone connected to a Linux system Is it possible to run an anti-virus program like AVG on the mounted drive?

 

[Bluemumba]

If you have your Android phone connected to a Linux system Is it possible to run an anti-virus program like AVG on the mounted drive?

Ok thank so windows is out the question. I have to find linux and have my computer run a chose of two operating system.
I there anyway to do this without having to go through this step.

 

[swiftwood]

VMware will let you run multiple operating systems at the same time VMware Workstation - Run Multiple OS Including Linux on Windows on Virtual Machines

 

[Booky]

Hello to all! I'm new here and I have problem. I instaled app I thing it was Parlago or something like that, it's app for chat like E buddy so you can have msn account and others. So when app asked me to create msn account it stole all my money (my credit) I had 10 euros. I was in wonder and called support and they told me that is everything ok with my gprs account and to create new apn profile and try again. So I bought another 10 euros and created new apn account and try to connect on gprs or edge and what happend? The same damm thing, I lost all my money again (I unistaled Parlago or what ever in meantime)

So I restore my phone to factory set. and try again and the same damm thing. I lost all my money whenever I try to connect.

Any help friends please

 

[MarcusMaximus]

Very useful thread. Thanks.
Is there any list of dodgy apps. Or apps you wouldn't recommend.

 

[theartfullodger]

Thanks, good work, wish I'd read it when I got the 'phone...

Keep up the good work!!!

List of dodgy apps could be interesting, legally.

Obviously one would need to be careful with wording, eg I have heard others say "KarlMarxIsms" is suspect but I'm sure that can't be the case and have every confidence in it & it's developer...

Cheers!

Lodger

 

[killacam2]

First post ever... So hello forums =)

I could be wrong, but I did not see any mention of antiVirus anyone have any thoughts on it's helpfulness? I have it currently installed on my phone haven't had any problems, but I also haven't installed any unknown apps.

 

[xfuchsiax]

What are you thoughts on services like AppBrain and AppAware when it comes to helping users find safe apps?

 

[outa9control8]

As a new droid owner this is much appreciated. Iam just lost with my behold 2:/::.seems everything on internet needs java or adobe cant do much seems. But good lookin out.v thx

 

[swiftwood]

First post ever... So hello forums =)

I could be wrong, but I did not see any mention of antiVirus anyone have any thoughts on it's helpfulness? I have it currently installed on my phone haven't had any problems, but I also haven't installed any unknown apps.

seems it really slows the phone down
http://androidforums.com/motorola-droid/32460-watch-out-app-antivirus-droidsecurity-inc.html

 

[helenhunt]

I am not a developer or programmer, some of the requests could be justified... like if I were downloading Checkers and it wanted permissions to my contact list... I would assume it was just a possible option to play against one of my friends!

Yuasa Battery

 

[The_Verse]

Awesome thread.

I am a new user and was wondering about the permissions. I just checked through some of my apps and wondered why Google Maps needed call access. It requires a lot of permissions, actually. I know it comes from a "trusted" source. However, I am still curious.

 

[kamots]

question . what does alogcat do? and will it hurt my phone if i clear all of those logs?

 

[island78]

Hi all,




This guide by Lost Packet Software is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

thanks for the info. looking to buy my first android phone and don't know a whole lot about it so this was very helpful.

 

[island78]

whoa didn't mean to post the whole guide. sorry.

 

[KlaymenDK]

whoa didn't mean to post the whole guide. sorry.

That's okay -- if you fix it. Please press the "

" button on your post and kindly delete the quote block. Thanks!

Also, welcome to the forum!

 

[zafonic]

I am new to Android, a week to be precise and only noticed this thread late last night. After reading this thread it' got me rather worried. Since having my Desire i have downloaded no more than probably 15 apps.

These are some of them:

Handcent SMS
Earth live wallpaper
plasma live wallpaper
Subsrate live wallpaper
flying balls live wallpaper
matrix live wallpaper
AK Notepad
Opera Mini 5
Coin Flip

Does anyone know if most of these are trusted apps, and going by part of the title of this thread if my phone got a virus how would i be able to tell?

EDIT: Can anyone tell me if the 'seeds of life' wallpaper app is safe at all?

Thanks

 

[ilikepie]

i just wanted to say thanks for this!

Being completely new to the android market and Open community, this is a great insight and relief after getting a little freaked out at what some apps wanted access to, on my freshly bought phone.
Good to know what they all wanted and that its ok cheers!

 

[androidforumsQuint]

Thanks for your security checklist. It's a good start.

I have an additional question about the app authors here.