Android application installing guideline, a caution - DIY woodworking India

"Do not compromise on your personal data"

Well, I have been to android application development along with parallel woodworking DIY projects for the last 2-3 years. When coding has been making me sit, woodworking making me fit! at least to some extend where I have to move my body quite often. Its really true.

Now, switching back to the main topic, are we overlooking few things while installing an android application? I will talk about only android application as I have explored a lot in this field. Considering readers to be unaware of android app development coding, I will explain in simple language. 

Have you noticed that when you install an application from the play store, the former seeks permission like contact information, SD card, location information etc etc. How many of us read them very carefully? I had not till I started developing apps myself. But when I realised, I think everyone should be careful enough while installing an application. 

Are your OTPs being stolen? 

Applications having SMS read permission can read your text messages. Is it not scary? Though Google has strict guidelines while publishing an app, there are be lot of things which google cannot control. It solely depends on the user how he or she controls an app preventing it from accessing phone's sensitive information. 

A simple example how your data can be stolen

Consider that you have installed an application which can access internet and reads SMS. For reading sms, you have already known in the previous paragraph. When you have given internet permission, you are allowing the application to send all your sms over the internet. This is dangerous. 

Do not install an application from unknown sources and always check the developer's page

As Google checks a few things before publishing an app, you are secured to some extend. But if you are installing an app from unknown sources, it can be catastrophic! Check the developer page as well. 

Do not keep sensitive information in sms or SD card

As you have already known by now about the consequences, do not keep any sensitive information in your smartphone as far as you can. Always be careful about it. If you have received an OTP in your mobile, after using it, please delete that message. Same is applicable for any password related things.

Do not keep sensitive information as contact

Be careful when you install an app allowing it to access contact list. This may be quite vulnerable. Lot of people have habit of keeping their account number, pins etc as a contact. An app which can access these information may cause some damage.

Disclaimer

Finally, it all depends on the developer of the application how he wants to use the phone's resources. A good and honest developer do not harm anyone. Therefore, always go for reputed developers. Till now, all the permissions I have mentioned so far actually reside on a file called "manifest". When a developer builds an app, he adds relevant permission entries to that file and compile the app.

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