Android Permissions: The Hidden Dangers and How to Protect Yourself.

How Malicious Apps Can Use Them Against You?

Have you ever noticed that when you download an app on your Android phone or tablet, it asks for access to certain features or data on your device? These are called Android permissions. They’re there to help protect your privacy and security, but unfortunately, some app developers can use these permissions for malicious purposes. AndroidFreeware's team is happy to uncover the hidden dangers of Android Permissions for you.

Android Permissions Overview

Android permissions are a set of rules that determine what actions an app can take on your device. They act as a safeguard to ensure apps can’t access or control features on your device without your consent. When you download an app, you’ll be asked to grant permissions to certain functions such as your camera, microphone, contacts, location, and other sensitive information.

What are the Potential Uses of Permissions for Malicious Activity?

Unfortunately, some app developers can use these permissions to take advantage of users for malicious purposes. For example, an app that requests access to your microphone or camera could use them to record audio or video without your knowledge. An app that requests access to your contacts could harvest your personal information and contacts' lists. An app that requests access to your location could track your movements and keep tabs on where you go.

Here is list with the most common Android permissions that can be used for malicious purposes:

Permission	Purpose
ANDROID.PERMISSION.INTERNET	Allows applications to open network sockets.
ANDROID.PERMISSION.READ_PHONE_STATE	Allows access to phone state.
ANDROID.PERMISSION.RECEIVE_BOOT_COMPLETED	Allows an application to receive the Broadcast when the device boots.
ANDROID.PERMISSION.FOREGROUND_SERVICE	Allows an application to have itself run as a foreground service.
ANDROID.PERMISSION.ACCESS_WIFI_STATE	Allows applications to access information about Wi-Fi networks.
ANDROID.PERMISSION.CHANGE_WIFI_STATE	Allows applications to change Wi-Fi status, such as enable or disable Wi-Fi.
ANDROID.PERMISSION.ACCESS_FINE_LOCATION	Allows an application to access precise location.
ANDROID.PERMISSION.ACCESS_COARSE_LOCATION	Allows an application to access approximate location.
ANDROID.PERMISSION.READ_SMS	Allows an application to read SMS messages.
ANDROID.PERMISSION.WRITE_SMS	Allows an application to write SMS messages.
ANDROID.PERMISSION.CALL_PHONE	Allows an application to initiate a phone call without user intervention.
ANDROID.PERMISSION.GET_ACCOUNTS	Allows access to the list of accounts in the Accounts Service.
ANDROID.PERMISSION.READ_CONTACTS	Allows an application to read the user's contacts data.
ANDROID.PERMISSION.WRITE_CONTACTS	Allows an application to write the user's contacts data.
ANDROID.PERMISSION.RECORD_AUDIO	Allows an application to record audio.
ANDROID.PERMISSION.CAMERA	Allows an application to take pictures and videos.
ANDROID.PERMISSION.FLASHLIGHT	Allows access to the flashlight.
ANDROID.PERMISSION.VIBRATE	Allows access to the vibrator.
ANDROID.PERMISSION.SEND_SMS	Allows an application to send SMS messages.
ANDROID.PERMISSION.RECEIVE_SMS	Allows an application to monitor incoming SMS.
ANDROID.PERMISSION.BROADCAST_STICKY	Allows an application to broadcast sticky Intents.
ANDROID.PERMISSION.READ_CALENDAR	Allows an application to read the user's calendar information.
ANDROID.PERMISSION.READ_EXTERNAL_STORAGE	Allows an application to read from external storage.
ANDROID.PERMISSION.WRITE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE	Allows an application to write to external storage.
ANDROID.PERMISSION.RECEIVE_MMS	Allows an application to monitor incoming MMS.
ANDROID.PERMISSION.WAKE_LOCK	Allows an application to prevent the phone from going to sleep.
ANDROID.PERMISSION.USE_FINGERPRINT	Allows an application to use fingerprint hardware.
ANDROID.PERMISSION.BLUETOOTH	Allows an application to connect to paired bluetooth devices.
ANDROID.PERMISSION.BLUETOOTH_ADMIN	Allows an application to discover and pair bluetooth devices.
ANDROID.PERMISSION.SUBSCRIBED_FEEDS_READ	Allows an application to read the user's subscribed feeds.
ANDROID.PERMISSION.READ_USER_DICTIONARY	Allows an application to read the user's dictionary.
ANDROID.PERMISSION.WRITE_USER_DICTIONARY	Allows an application to write the user's dictionary.

Exploits and Malicious Intent

Some people exploit these malicious apps for their personal gain. They can use the information gathered by the app to steal your identity, or sell your data to third parties. Furthermore, some apps can even be used to remotely control your device, install other malware, or steal sensitive account information.

What Strategies Can I Use for Protecting My Android Device from Exploitation and Malicious Permissions?

There are several ways you can protect yourself from these attacks. Firstly, check app reviews on Google Play and other app stores to see if there are any reports of suspicious or malicious activity connected with the app. It’s important that you carefully evaluate the permissions requested by the app and if they are necessary, as you can monitor them in the app settings menu on your device.

Additionally, make sure you’re running the latest version of Android on your device to take advantage of the latest security features, such as the permission prompts that provide more detail about what the permission allows the app to do.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Android permissions are important safeguards that protect your privacy and security on your device. However, some app developers could use these permissions for malicious purposes, and it’s important to understand why the app is requesting permission and be cautious about granting them. Always review the app permissions carefully, and be wary of downloading apps from untrusted sources. We recommend to take a look of our list with Top 10 Repositories and Sites to Download APK Files. Stay safe out there!