Are you going to download an app? These are the permissions you should be more careful with

Whenever you download an app on your cell phone, you must pay attention to certain details, that the developer has a good reputation, that other users have rated it positively, that its weight does not exceed the storage of your phone, and the permissions it requests. And it is that all applications need access to certain functions to be able to work, but there are requests that it is better to deny.

Although large companies have various security methods with the intention of guaranteeing that the apps available in their stores do not contain malware, their reviews are not always accurate, hence the importance of the user being aware and following all the recommendations.

Whenever you download an app on your cell phone, you must pay attention to certain details, that the developer has a good reputation, that other users have rated it positively, that its weight does not exceed the storage of your phone, and the permissions it requests. And it is that all applications need access to certain functions to be able to work, but there are requests that it is better to deny.

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Although large companies have various security methods with the intention of guaranteeing that the apps available in their stores do not contain malware, their reviews are not always accurate, hence the importance of the user being aware and following all the recommendations.

Among the best practices is the review of the permissions that the apps request, especially when certain functions appear in the list. We explain everything below.

Be careful with the permissions you grant to apps

It is true that a video editing application will need access to the camera and gallery, but it would not have to see your contacts, in the same way that a calendar app for example should not want to control your microphone.

Unfortunately, it is very common for applications to request extra permissions and for users to ignore them, putting their security at risk.

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Although, as the cybersecurity company AVG explains, the Android permission controller is in charge of telling applications what they can and cannot access, if the user gives authorization, the system will not be able to act.

In that sense, Android system permissions are divided between “normal” and “dangerous”. The former should not pose a risk to your privacy or the functionality of your device. On the other hand, those considered “dangerous” include access to your call history, private messages, location, camera, microphone, and more.

Unfortunately, it is very common for applications to request extra permissions and for users to ignore them, putting their security at risk.

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Although, as the cybersecurity company AVG explains, the Android permission controller is in charge of telling applications what they can and cannot access, if the user gives authorization, the system will not be able to act.

In that sense, Android system permissions are divided between “normal” and “dangerous”. The former should not pose a risk to your privacy or the functionality of your device. On the other hand, those considered “dangerous” include access to your call history, private messages, location, camera, microphone, and more.

AVG clarifies that although access to these features does not necessarily mean danger, they do have the potential for misuse, which is why Android gives us the opportunity to accept or reject them.

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The permissions that you should not give to apps

When you download a appsThese are the permissions The ones you should be more careful with:

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How to know when an app has access to a potentially risky function?

If you have never stopped to see what permissions are requested by the apps, give yourself some time and check if there is any that could be compromising your security.

To manage the permissions of Android applications you can go directly to Google Play, search for the app that interests you, scroll down and click on the About this application option, there you will see the list of permissions it requests.

Another option is to go to the Settings of your cell phone, enter the Applications menu and choose Permissions Manager. You will see a list of some of the most relevant functions of the device, when you click on it, it will show you the apps that have access and you can remove it or leave it.

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Just keep in mind that if you deny permission to some apps, they may stop working properly, so you should pay attention to what they need to operate smoothly.

In case you don’t notice anything strange but you want to know what degree of risk you are facing, then you can download security tools that are in charge of evaluating your phone and will tell you if any app represents a danger.

GDA / El Universal / Mexico

Source: Elcomercio

Callum

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