Flashlight apps = spyware

[Doc Dan]

http://www.topbuzz.com/article/i6413496 ... anguage=en

This is scary.

[The Deacon]

Yet another reason for me to be happy I don't use a cell phone.

[SolidState]

Yet another reason for me to be happy I don't use a cell phone.

Smart phones are currently smarter than most of their users. It always surprises me when people are surprised by this kind of thing.

[bearfacedkiller]

This is basic fear mongering. Internet security and identity theft is a real threat but this is chicken little bs. Seriously, spyware worse than Ebola? Comparing this to a disease that makes you die a painful death due to internal bleeding through the separation of the layers of blood vessels, mainly capillaries, is weak. A blatant attempt to prey on people's fears.

That story is already two years old and i am no more worried about it now than I was then. They based the whole story on the terms of service of the apps. Also, they sell security apps for cellphones so fear mongering is marketing for them. That is what this is really about in my opinion.

Who downloads a flashlight app? Android and iOS come with one built in. Those do not contain spyware even if that misleading "news" piece showed people clicking on the built in iOS flashlight. They lose credibility right there for talking about the top ten downloaded apps and then showing the built in app being used.

We are all responsible for our own safety and security and I encourage anybody to do whatever gives them peace of mind. I personally am not losing any sleep over this one. This is just my opinion. :)

[Evil D]

Meanwhile that site wants me to download their app, which in certain is squeaky clean.

[Doc Dan]

A lot of apps are problematic. One has to be careful what is downloaded to a smartphone just as well as a computer. Basically, a smartphone is a small computer and they can get malware, spyware, and viruses.

[Evil D]

You should be running a decent antivirus/anti-malware on your cell either way. I like Trend Micro.

[demoncase]

Who downloads a flashlight app? Android and iOS come with one built in. Those do not contain spyware even if that misleading "news" piece showed people clicking on the built in iOS flashlight. They lose credibility right there for talking about the top ten downloaded apps and then showing the built in app being used.

On my HTC Android (M10 One) it's hard coded into the phone on the drop down menu that you can't change- so not even an app as such; it's the same type of setting as screen brightness and ringer volume

I too cannot think of a reason to download a flashlight app.....but then again I can't think of a reason to buy homeopathic 'medicine' and there's a right old market for that bobbins

[Evil D]

A lot of older gen phones didn't have a flashlight app, and the LED light was strictly for flash. Those apps exist because they gave the flashlight functionality, but I'd imagine their downloads have slowed quite a bit as makers are catching on and giving the flashlight option.

[Donut]

It feels like android and IOS have had this feature built into the operating system for a few years now. You shouldn't have to install software for it.

[Doc Dan]

A lot of older gen phones didn't have a flashlight app, and the LED light was strictly for flash. Those apps exist because they gave the flashlight functionality, but I'd imagine their downloads have slowed quite a bit as makers are catching on and giving the flashlight option.

Right. And this was exactly what these thieves were capitalizing on. My current phone has a flashlight build in. But the ones I had previously did not.

[chuck_roxas45]

That's why I regularly use my smart phone when I'm naked. If they keep looking, I'm guessing someone in the government is a pervert. :D

[standy99]

You want scary, read the conditions for taptalk

[bh49]

Smart phones are currently smarter than most of their users. It always surprises me when people are surprised by this kind of thing.

Or by people who think that free apps are free.

[wrdwrght]

Anyone here still using Kaspersky Lab? Putin thanks you.

[MichaelScott]

It is easy for people to fear what they don’t understand.

I have consulted with people to help them with their computers, devices and software (I have been in the “IT” business for fifty-three years and retired from IBM) who believe the strangest things. A number of my clients have tape or Post-It notes covering the camera on their laptops because they think “someone”, probably the “government” or evil hackers are watching them. No. Just, no. And who would want to stare at someone's face for hours?

Malware on iOS systems is basically non-existent. Now, if you are an unfortunate Windows victim, it is a different story.

[W7H2O]

I'm still using a clam phone. :eek:

[SolidState]

It is easy for people to fear what they don’t understand.

I have consulted with people to help them with their computers, devices and software (I have been in the “IT” business for fifty-three years and retired from IBM) who believe the strangest things. A number of my clients have tape or Post-It notes covering the camera on their laptops because they think “someone”, probably the “government” or evil hackers are watching them. No. Just, no. And who would want to stare at someone's face for hours?

Malware on iOS systems is basically non-existent. Now, if you are an unfortunate Windows victim, it is a different story.

Remind me not to utilize your services for anything remotely modern involving programming or spyware.
https://wikileaks.org/ciav7p1/