The access that apps advertise that they need to function. Example: Full internet access, send SMS messages, etc. Please use this tag for app-permissions only. For file permissions, use 'file-permissions' instead.
47
votes
6answers
1k views
Is it possible to install an app and exclude some of its requested permissions?
Occasionally I want to install an application which requires certain permissions that I feel it really shouldn't need. Can I install the app without giving it these permissions? For example, GPS ...
40
votes
6answers
22k views
Why do so many applications require permission to read the phone state and identity?
Why do so many applications require permission to read the phone state and identity?. Specifically:
Phone calls
read phone state and identity
For example Quickpedia is a Wikipedia portal, but ...
10
votes
1answer
610 views
What do the permissions that applications require mean?
When installing an application, the application lists permissions that it needs to perform its functions.
I am creating this list of the the system defined permissions and a description of what ...
3
votes
1answer
4k views
Revoke App Permissions Without Root?
I have some apps that are asking for unnecessary permissions. I would like to revoke these, but I've read that this is not possible without rooting.
Is there any way to do this without having to ...
22
votes
13answers
2k views
Are there any tools to sandbox a malware application even more than the granted permissions on Android?
Suppose I want to run some program which requests too many permissions. For example, record from the microphone or read IMEI of my phone. However, there are no practical explanation why recording from ...
27
votes
6answers
2k views
How to search the Play Store by permissions?
How do I specify that I do not wish to see apps that require for example internet access? Or to only show apps that use a specific permission?
A specific repository with search on its webpage? An app ...
15
votes
3answers
867 views
Audit app permissions easily in one place?
Is there anyway to list all the applications installed on your phone and the permissions they require all on one page, or export the list so it can easily be audited?
6
votes
2answers
182 views
Is there a list that explains the risks involved with each granted application permission type?
Usually an installed android app will request permissions such as
Phone calls
read phone state and identity
or
System tools
prevent phone from sleeping
But the actual consequences from a ...
4
votes
3answers
813 views
Is there an Android calendar with limited security permissions?
I've just bought an entry-level Samsung Europa, running version 2.2. I'm technically-minded but new to this OS. I'd like to find a calendar that runs in limited security permissions, so that my ...
1
vote
4answers
599 views
How does su regulate app permissions?
I seen a lot of apps in the market that give superuser functionality to applications. However there is a pre-requisite of rooting your phone. I am curious how a rooted phone has those permissions ...
10
votes
3answers
513 views
How important is it to review the permissions that an app is using?
When installing or updating an app, how often do you pay attention to the permissions that an app is using? Do you ever not install an app because you think it is requesting too much access to the ...
5
votes
1answer
903 views
Determine app sending SMS Premium messages
I normally have "Block Premium Messaging" set up on the phones in my family. This is a verizon content block the prevents you (or family members) from sending messages to premium services that charge.
...
5
votes
1answer
2k views
I changed my sim card - how do I find which app is sending sms messages to my old number?
I recently traveled to another country and I'm using a local prepaid sim card on my Galaxy S2.
My prepaid credit was depleted rather quickly, and when I checked the phone record I found out my phone ...
15
votes
1answer
926 views
Why do some apps with no internet features require internet access?
A couple of apps I've installed or considered say they require internet access even though they have no obvious internet features. One of the most surprising ones was a simple compass app.
Why is ...
6
votes
2answers
2k views
Other apps to manage permissions?
I used to use - and loved - LBE Privacy Guard which allowed you to revoke specific permissions from specific apps.
Ever since AT&T finally pushed out Jelly Bean for the S3 though, it no longer ...
3
votes
0answers
792 views
What specific security risks (if any) does App Shield pose? [closed]
There was an app, App Shield (since removed from the Android market, here's a description on Android Zoom) with a unique feature that allowed a non-rooted Android user to remove permissions from other ...
4
votes
2answers
296 views
how to fake my personal information
I downloaded a game from Google Play. In the permission page, I noticed that it asks for my personal information.
Allow this application to:
Your personal information read sensitive log data.
Why ...
2
votes
2answers
1k views
Why does an app read my phone's IMEI number? An awful lot of them do
What reasons should an app have to need my phone's International Mobile Equipment Identity number? I noticed that unreasonably many of ordinary apps have the "phone state and identity" permission. ...
0
votes
0answers
47 views
Can Linux Containers be used on a non-rooted Android?
LXC could be an alternative to chroot, which requires rooting the system.
Can they be used without having root? Do they work on Android?
If so, this modern linux technology could be used to create ...
