Android permissions explained, security tips, and avoiding malware

[nycebo]

Awesome. Thanks.

 

[alostpacket]

You're welcome.

 

[mez]

++ sticky.

i just got had, ive reset my phone, and reinstalled only a handfull og my apps. im sticking to the stock ones where i can now.

 

[alostpacket]

I still need to add some info on IMEI this weekend but thanks for the bumps.

 

[cdma]

Morning Bump - Great write-up

 

[alostpacket]

Thanks for the bumps.

Just completed the latest edit adding in info about 2 more permissions including the phone state/IMEI one. Also added the

 

[alostpacket]

Added section on Public Wi-Fi

 

[alostpacket]

Question, do people want a section on Google Checkout or stolen phone security?



.

 

[nycebo]

I think that Stolen phone security would be brilliant. Indeed, I am already using a solution but don't want to distract from the core of the thread by making this a one version vs another version discussion. Thanks again.

 

[alostpacket]

Ok cool. I need to do a little bit of research and test some apps. I think in the mean time I might add something quick about google checkout.

 

[alostpacket]

A little birdie told me today was bump day.

(Also I got some clarification on 3 of the permissions I was unsure about and the descriptions were correct as I had them so removed the clarification needed notice on 3 of them. Still one that needs clarification though.)

 

[nycebo]

I don't understand why this isn't already stickied as a FAQ. Solid work, bud.

 

[KlaymenDK]

I concur. Stickied!

 

[alostpacket]

heh thanks guys, I'll do my best to keep it update if I learn anything new also

 

[governmentslave]

This is a very informative thread. I knew I had some questions about the general security of the phone, OS and marketplace, and you covered pretty much all of the ones I was wondering about. Thanks for putting the time into this for us not-so-experienced users!

 

[gadzooks]

As I understand things, Network & Location permissions are used by some apps for ads & ad-targeting (show me ads for things near me).

In & of itself, from a security perspective, this is mostly benign, to me.

Following ad links... well... goto exercise usual caution.

 

[alostpacket]

As I understand things, Network & Location permissions are used by some apps for ads & ad-targeting (show me ads for things near me).

In & of itself, from a security perspective, this is mostly benign, to me.

Following ad links... well... goto exercise usual caution.

Thanks, i went to add this info but the edit buttons are gone lol Gonna contacts the admins and see what I can do to help edit the guide still.

 

[gadzooks]

Thanks, i went to add this info but the edit buttons are gone lol Gonna contacts the admins and see what I can do to help edit the guide still.

Thank you for this very helpful, well-done writeup. We may be stuck, who knew...

 

[KlaymenDK]

Thanks, i went to add this info but the edit buttons are gone lol Gonna contacts the admins and see what I can do to help edit the guide still.

I stickied this, I didn't intend to lock you out of your own post! (I wonder if that's how it's supposed to work, of if I did something wrong.)

I've unstickied the thread (for the time being), see if you can edit now.

 

[alostpacket]

I stickied this, I didn't intend to lock you out of your own post! (I wonder if that's how it's supposed to work, of if I did something wrong.)

I've unstickied the thread (for the time being), see if you can edit now.

Haha no worries, I actually talked to Phases in IRC and he said that was some temporary thing and edit buttons should be back soon.

Thanks though.

 

[JRSIV]

This is why I joined the forum! Info like this is invaluable for newcomers to Android phones...An excellent, common sense guide that every Android uder should read. Thanks!

 

[alostpacket]

Thanks JRSIV!


Updated it today with a disclosure that I am now a developer of applications on the Market too.

 

[adamajah]

Thanks, alostpacket.

I've been looking for this kind of info ever since I started downloading apps, and seeing all the permissions required.

What sucks is, almost all apps (and I only DL highly rated ones) require tons of sensitive permissions... so it seems risky to DL pretty much any app other than first party ones.

Hopefully as awareness increases, competition will grow, and you will be able to find decently coded apps that don't require lots of permissions. Right now our hands are tied... if you want a good app, you have to put up with it snooping through your data. There is no alternative. :\

 

[lilfreek]

Are you able to select or change permissions when downloading apps like with other phones. And that was some real good info. Thanks.

 

[Rev. Po-Jay]

Thank you for the information. As a newb to Android (ex BB user), I really appreciate it.

Thanks updated with some information about permissions -- any corrections and additions welcome!

I really love how the explaination of "Open Source" is in itself Open Source!