05 Mar 11 After exploiting facebook, data thefts are moving to Android applications

I recently brought an excellent smart phone from LG electronics, LG Optimus P500. Best part of the phone is its OS that is Google Android.

First thing an Android user does is to visit the Android application store and install those applications which he is most familiar with or being recommended by the Android Market. Like

1. Lookout for mobile security
2. Twitter
3. facebook
4. gmail

So the most common thing which comes to mind is the number of permissions they ask for is mentioned below:

1. Read and Write access to SD card
2. Internet access
3. Location access
4. Read and write contact list and account list

To actually see the permission in details go to any application in Android market and check its permission tab.

I have a only query to you, do you hesitate to share your mobile phone with your known friends or family members?

Here is an example of Adobe Photoshop Express application which edit images, what why does this application requires below permission:

Your personal information
read contact data
Allows an application to read all of the contact (address) data stored on your device. Malicious applications can use this to send your data to other people.

Before installing any application to your android please ensure that its accessing correct data, if its accessing those data which he doesn’t requires to, than I would recommend avoid installing the application even once.