Personal Online Privacy... Interesting Read

http://m.androidcentral.com/john-mcafee-security-android

This is an interesting article to read. I think some of the comments are a bit overboard but the basics behind being more aware and concerned about personal online privacy is a very important point.

I find it interesting when an app asks for permissions that may not be needed for the purpose of the app.

Scary just how much information about us is just seeping out of our tech toys. Some more than others.

Stay Safe (both on the road and online)

 

I totally agree... Some in my ally snooping through my trash might hear the sound of a shell being loaded into the barrel of a shotgun... But online, oh sure... Totally OK... not!!!

 

And it's not just Google or Amazon ... It could be anyone anywhere if you have an insecure platform or the wrong app installed.

 

I had a Banking App once that would not show me where their ATMs were unless I gave them permission to see my location ALL the time, not just when using their app to find ATMs or Branches.

Now I could kind of see it if I am looking for an ATM/Branch "close to me"... Ok... To make it easier, and quicker, here is my location...

But if I am not in the app and needing goe info, why the #€|| do you need to know where I am... Or maybe I just want to manually type the town or ZIP Code for where I am...

Or maybe a family/friend is in another town and needs to know???

Nope, could only get the information needed only if I turned on location services to them 24/7...

Well... NO!!! ... I deleted their app out principle and very poor customer service.

And that is a bank which probably is trustworthy (hell they know every penny I spend and where already) and just be a bug in the coding... But what if their coder was up to no good or such thing was required from a less reputable company or person.

 

And I really liked the example in the article about a simple "Flashlight" App requesting access to resources... LOL

Ok, it might be something simple like serving you ads in a free app but like one of the comments said at the end of the article, "if I am using a FLASHLIGHT app I am probably not looking at the screen to even see the ad... LOL

And then if you don't allow access what? No ads get refreshed or updated or replaced??? Oh what a tragedy that would be... lol

 

I am not normally a big proponent of more regulations but not sure of the answer in this case... Apple and Google can do their part but having some teeth to bite back would be good too.

After all, it's a federal crime to mess around with someone's mail or access someone's medical data but it's open hunting season on everyone's email and other personal data.