Thread: Smart phone flashlight app=malware!!

Isn't technology wonderful?

Dang that sucks. Maybe my crappy blackberry isn't so bad after all.

except for the awesome auto correct. Hate that.

Thanks for the heads up Wullie. Glad I've always been behind the curve on this kind of stuff. Heard of flashlight apps but never bothered to install one. They're probably getting me with something I did install though ....... just because I'm paranoid, doesn't mean they're not really after me.

it's just mis-information and FUD.... the flashlight button they show in the vid is the one from Apple which does not look at or steal you information....

Snopes says it is true But .........

Origins: On 1 October 2014, cybersecurity company Snoopwall released a "threat assessment report" discussing flashlight apps for Android devices and security threats they may pose. According to Snoopwall (who recommends using their flashlight instead of competitors' apps) the list of
permissions required by most flashlight apps is proof that the apps' makers are harvesting data and sending it abroad to cybercriminals.

A single flashlight app developer settled a complaint with the FTC over data collection policies in 2013. But the current anxiety over flashlight apps appears to have been prompted by the publicity surrounding the release of Snoopwalls' app rather than any specific breach of data security.

Flashlight apps are no riskier than any other app. Versions of Android verified by Google ensure that apps are pre-screened for malware, reducing the risk of malicious mobile software. No reports have surfaced indicating flashlight apps are sending user data to cybercriminals in any country. All third party apps (including flashlights) pose the risk of hidden malware if their developers are not on the up-and-up.

Last updated: 2 October 2014
Read more at snopes.com: Flashlight App Dangers

you can tell from the way the 'expert' is talking that he's full of shit. I'm not saying that this sort of thing isn't possible, but that vid just reeks of I-telling-you-that-you're-vulnerable-so you-better-buy-my-protection. They even show the built in flashlight app on an iphone.... how stupid is that....

hehe, it's so funny, I just watched it to the end... I don't know where to start with the BS, here's some memorable moments:

1) I'm just worried about kids.... and they just install these malwares that geolocate your children...... nuff said
2) so if you find a flashlight app under 100Kb you'll be safe.... that's total bullshit too ....

I'm just not sure what's worse, people who write and sell malware, or predators on your fears like this guy

This is true, as it is with any "Trojan Horse" type program, whether delivered through email, script, even some executables that can be hidden in some types of graphic files. If you download and install, or execute something you are not 100% sure of, you are at risk.

This flashlight hack is pretty basic stuff as well, not that sophisticated at all, but it doesn't need to be, because most want a that type of app and enough will download it.

Another app that's known as malware are many traffic apps, especially one's tagged for specific cities, will re-route you based on traffic reports. They piggy back on a known traffic app, put a city specific tag on it and once again, enough will download it that you're identity will get captured.

This is fun stuff...some of the stories I could tell....LOL!

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

Snopes says it is true But .........

Origins: On 1 October 2014, cybersecurity company Snoopwall released a "threat assessment report" discussing flashlight apps for Android devices and security threats they may pose. According to Snoopwall (who recommends using their flashlight instead of competitors' apps) the list of
permissions required by most flashlight apps is proof that the apps' makers are harvesting data and sending it abroad to cybercriminals.

A single flashlight app developer settled a complaint with the FTC over data collection policies in 2013. But the current anxiety over flashlight apps appears to have been prompted by the publicity surrounding the release of Snoopwalls' app rather than any specific breach of data security.

Flashlight apps are no riskier than any other app. Versions of Android verified by Google ensure that apps are pre-screened for malware, reducing the risk of malicious mobile software. No reports have surfaced indicating flashlight apps are sending user data to cybercriminals in any country. All third party apps (including flashlights) pose the risk of hidden malware if their developers are not on the up-and-up.

Last updated: 2 October 2014
Read more at snopes.com: Flashlight App Dangers

Pre-screened for malware - exactly....if you download, click on, or do anything without knowing what it is, you takes your chances....and if it blows up in your face...well???

Originally Posted by Phrank

Pre-screened for malware - exactly....if you download, click on, or do anything without knowing what it is, you takes your chances....and if it blows up in your face...well???

Just got a letter from my bank. Said "an incident involving a unauthorized access into a third party processor system has occurred. A company which processes transactions for physical retail merchants was the victim of a computer hacker. Evidence shows that your card may have been compromised." So they are issuing a new debit card/PIN within 7 to 10 days of Nov. 18 ...... what's the hurry ?

Anyway ........ be careful out there.