Our phones contain a lot of personal data and it is imperative that we protect our privacy with all the necessary tools. They can be in any form such as security patches, anti-virus updates, app locks, etc. Among all these, one gullible aspect keeps us from noticing – app permissions Android.
When it comes to the world of apps, as you probably already know, it’s not as rosy as it seems. Some apps do their specified job excellently, while others do ‘a bit’ more than that.
In an age where we often question our privacy and the scope of our digitalisation, it’s important that we understand how Android app permissions work and what it means to give them the data they request. is natural.
Also read: Follow these 6 important tips to stay safe from viruses and malware
App permissions: Overview
Simply put, permissions are special permissions that an application must have in order to function properly. It could be a permission to the hardware side of the phone, or it could be a permission related to the software side — read/modify information.
Depending on the sensitivity of the area, the system may automatically grant permission or will ask the user.
For example, a simple messaging service will need permission to use contacts while hybrid version messaging service (read as WhatsApp) will require more than simple Contacts permission.
Prior to Android Marshmallow, users were not free to choose permission levels. Thankfully, after posting an introduction to Android Marshmallow, users are now free to decide all the permission groups an app also has access to.
Permission levels can be easily checked from within the Settings menu or from the apps page in Google Play. And if you find an app that’s looking for permission beyond its functionality, you know something’s up.
But before that — the permissions an app should or shouldn’t have — it’s important that we understand how app permissions work.
See also: 5 most popular Android apps, games, etc on Google Play
How do app permissions work?
By default, a basic Android app doesn’t have any permissions, meaning it can’t do its job without affecting the user’s experience. Google provides a total of about 17 permissions for apps to work. These permissions must be defined by the application before it can have access.
On the user’s side, they must consent before the app can start using data or hardware.
These permissions are handled by the Android API framework that requires an authentication process to verify if the app has the necessary permissions to function. And if not, you will get a pop-up every time, the app tries to access the permission and detects that it has been blocked.
There was a time when Android developers had to document even the tiniest app permissions like the vibration of a mobile phone.
However, many things have changed and now developers have to list whether the application they are building is required or not. normal rights or dangerous rights in the manifests.
Normal permissions are those that do not pose a risk to the user’s data or privacy, while dangerous permissions are those that have the potential to affect the user’s data or device functionality. Those are rights that we may accept or deny.
why do you need care?
It’s all about data privacy. For example, the watch app or the calculator app shouldn’t ask for permission to access your location or contacts. Just this year, in January, revelations were made about the beauty app Meitu that sought access beyond its limits – GPS location, mobile carrier information, data Wi-Fi connection data, SIM card info, jailbreak status – makes the common user question the developer’s real motives.
There are also cases where apps request permission to access the Contacts list and, when provided by a careless user, upload the same list on its servers.
This once again leads us to believe that popular apps won’t ask for permissions it has nothing to do with. But then, don’t misunderstand.
Even popular apps like Facebook Messenger or Moments ask for a lot of permissions. Thankfully, the ball is in our court to decide if we want to give the same.
Universal App Permissions
Having said the above, there are about 17 permissions on Android. Although a few of the lesser known may be grouped under similar titles, here are some of the most popular.
1. Contacts
The ability of the application to access the device’s contacts. When enabled, the application also has the ability to read and modify them.
2. Location
If you are a regular Google Maps user, you must know what this permission does. It helps the device get the approximate location through your Android’s GPS.
However, there are two sets of location permissions — exact and approximate.
3. In-app purchases
Permissions are set through which a person can purchase content inside the app. For example, upgrading to the pro version
4. Telephone
Permissions Phone performs a variety of functions such as making calls, reading and modifying call logs. However, shady apps can also make calls without the user’s knowledge, which could cost them money.
5. Storage
Most apps have this permission set, especially the camera app and browser app, among others. In a broader sense, this means the ability to read and write data from storage — both internal and external.
Have you accessed App Permissions again?
In today’s world where there is rarely anything private, due to frenzied security attacks it is imperative that you re-access all app permissions one by one. You can scrutinize them application-wise or allow wisely — the choice is yours. However, make sure it is done immediately. After all, you wouldn’t want some strangers stealing your data right in front of your nose.
Also Read: How To Securely Erase Your Android Phone Before Selling
Categories: How to
Source: thpttranhungdao.edu.vn/en/
