All Questions
Tagged with google-play-store security
45
questions
1
vote
0
answers
329
views
Testing Play Integrity API in Android SDK emulator
I want to test my app with the Google Play verdict API, especially MEETS_STRONG_INTEGRITY. To test, I plan to use Android Studio as I have always done, but when I create a device, I cannot approve the ...
- 11
1
vote
0
answers
40
views
About Data safety section in Play store?
In the "Data safety" section of apps in Play Store, when it shows
Data collected: photos and videos
or
Data shared: photos and videos.
What does it mean? Or if some apps do not show it, ...
- 31
2
votes
2
answers
362
views
Prevent play store from installing apps
The Google play store has a line in their TOS that gives them the right to install arbitrary apps/updates without consent of the user.
Sadly, some apps appear to require play store to be enabled to ...
- 21
18
votes
1
answer
4k
views
Does Google still have the ability to uninstall apps without user permission (in 2023)?
In the past, Google has admitted that they have the ability to uninstall apps without user permission Exercising Our Remote Application Removal Feature
This post is almost 13 years old, Android was at ...
- 181
1
vote
0
answers
260
views
PlayStore does not update APKMirror apps
I have an Android device where I have not assigned any Google account to it, just because I don't like/trust Google.
Since I cannot use the PlayStore to get apps without assigning an account (thanks ...
- 111
1
vote
0
answers
61
views
What happens when Google decides an app is "bad"?
An Android 7 (Nougat) device that hadn't been used in a while (perhaps a few months) was recently turned on. That device has Nova Launcher Pro installed. It does not have external (microSD card) ...
- 4,663
39
votes
1
answer
12k
views
What is Google up to? Google Play Store updating apps even though auto-update is disabled
Recently, I've noticed Google Play Store automatically "updating" apps, even when auto-updates are explicitly disabled.
I put "updating" in quotes, because all the apps in question ...
- 4,663
2
votes
0
answers
70
views
Can applications access users information without having permissions?
When i scan apps with
Am pre_release Some apps have this access, which is in the photo. My question is, what is this access? Can you explain about it first? And in the second place While camera ...
- 29
2
votes
1
answer
349
views
Can an app installed from the Google Playstore install another app with different permissions?
I installed an app for custom notifications from the Playstore. The app requires sensitive permissions (camera, contacts, and storage), but has no network access. When I selected a setting the app ...
- 33
2
votes
0
answers
99
views
Security of Solid Explorer Hash
I am not sure if this is the right place to ask, but how secure is checking file hash with Solid Explorer for Android?
I don't have computer access so it's my only option.
Does anyone know if it's a ...
- 21
1
vote
0
answers
295
views
"System" is trying to access Internet
I am using OnePlus 3T, Android 9. Recently I installed an app called "NoRoot Firewall" to prevent the apps from accessing the internet. I explicitly allowed and denied access to internet for some apps ...
- 111
0
votes
0
answers
442
views
App from playstore run but same apk crashes on sideload install
On my noughat device, I have downloaded app from playstore, which is running great. Extract apk from install app, uninstall it and again succussfully install with package installer. But second time on ...
1
vote
0
answers
1k
views
How to block app silent installation
Recently I noticed I have opera browser installed. I definitely did not install it because I was sleeping at that time. I checked installation time and revealed it was the day before yesterday
...
- 462
1
vote
1
answer
143
views
What private data can apps access without any specified permissions?
Let's say an app doesn't require any permissions at all. What could that app access that could be a potential privacy risk? Other app usage? List of installed apps? Check is my screen unlocked? Google ...
- 395
0
votes
2
answers
2k
views
Are device administrator permissions a security risk?
I would like to use t-igra's SwipeLock+ app, but it requires device administrator permissions.
Google Play Store lists the following permissions:
receive data from Internet
view network connections
...
1
vote
0
answers
118
views
How do I sign in to google without compromising password?
I've got a Lenovo Solo VR headset. I've got a long, randomly generated password for my google account that is pretty much impossible to memorize without an eidetic memory. If you remove the goggles to ...
- 121
3
votes
0
answers
590
views
Tangerine app security warning?
I recently got the Essential phone and I started downloading all my apps back. I downloaded the Tangerine banking app, and I got this security warning as soon as I opened the app.
"It seems your ...
- 131
1
vote
1
answer
937
views
How to secure install untrusted app
I need to use of Google Play Store app for my project. This app is prepared by unknown to me Chinese GPS devices' manufacturer and I want to use it to communicate with device.
App is published on ...
- 111
0
votes
1
answer
60
views
How to open locked Samsung Galaxy S5?
Can anybody help me how to open locked Samsung Galaxy? I do not know, I had a fingerprint showing up and the alternative password. I had a keyboard showing numbers and alphabets. But now, it's totally ...
- 1
4
votes
0
answers
397
views
What is tested in the Google Play Pre-Launch Security Report?
The Google Play store includes a pre-launch security scan in Pre Launch Report -> Security. I am trying to find out what it is actually testing for. Are there any resources that get into detail on ...
- 141
2
votes
1
answer
9k
views
How can I prevent installation of NEW applications on an Android 5.1 device, but keep auto-updates of existing applications?
We will soon have to provide a phone to a person who is obviously not familiar with IT stuff at all, and not capable of learning anything about information security, etc. (and probably not capable of ...
- 345
1
vote
1
answer
133
views
Google password compromised?
A few days ago I noticed my phone notify me about my Google play account as if I had changed my password. Yesterday I found out I had been infected with a rootkit and a packet sniffer. I was able to ...
- 113
3
votes
1
answer
3k
views
Can't remove stolen phone from account
So I had an Android phone stolen - nearly two years ago now. When it was taken, I immediately reset my Google account password (and most others). I have 2-factor auth on my Google account. I have ...
- 813
2
votes
2
answers
706
views
How to understand app restrictions set by developers
So I was just looking at are very standard app, - Bank of America and Ally Bank. none of these apps showed up on Google Play Store and in my list of devices they indicated as being incompatible . So I ...
- 497
0
votes
0
answers
102
views
Found this amazing app on playstore, but how secure is it?
Today I came across a app on play store called RLWatcher. It is an amazing app which could come in handy in a lot of situations. It lets the user remotely sense movement, sound or even just the ...
- 831
5
votes
2
answers
192
views
A Windows PC software is pushing its app onto my android devices. How can I avoid it?
This weekend I installed a popular Windows antivirus in my PC laptop. The installer offered the android app, and I denied it.
Nonetheless, a couple hours later all my android devices had the ...
- 1,133
1
vote
1
answer
2k
views
Does the Play Store app verify the APKs?
Many people (including me) are downloading/installing/updating applications in public networks where we cant be sure of a secure connection without MiTM attacks, does Google's Play Store transmit the ...
- 113
27
votes
3
answers
274k
views
How can I stop being redirected to the App Store/Google Store by dodgy ad-scripts?
There are a load of sites that do this now, and it's really annoying:
I visit a content site on my Android device.
10-15 seconds after loading starts the site hangs for a few seconds.
Google play ...
- 381
2
votes
2
answers
85k
views
How can I reset the Play Store content filter pin?
I have forgotten my Google Play Content filter pin and would like to reset it so I can download some apps that are being blocked.
Does anyone know how I can reset the pin?
- 21
31
votes
4
answers
3k
views
Can there be malicious apps on Google Play?
Do I need to worry about malicious apps on Google Play, or can I trust everything I install, so long as I install it from Google Play?
And if I need to worry, what red flags should I look for - ...
- 839
19
votes
2
answers
4k
views
Is it "safe" to provide users with the apk file?
I was wondering, if I have an app that is available on the Play Store, is it "safe" to provide a direct download of the apk file to someone (either signed with the proper keys, or just debug-version)?
...
- 1,417
8
votes
2
answers
3k
views
Can my Android phone be hacked without installing permissions?
After reading this article ( Kaspersky smartphone report ) this got me wondering.
Obviously if I install a dodgy app through Play Store or directly from a website, that can be dangerous, however if I ...
- 91
2
votes
1
answer
5k
views
Android 4.1 unable to connect to Google Play but other wifi functions work - how to fix?
I'm using a Rikomagic 802III running Android 4.1.1, connected to my TV. Until today, I was able to connect to Google Play, and my widgets were showing data. Now, when I open Google Play, I get an ...
- 163
0
votes
1
answer
361
views
Does Google Audit all apps that enter the market place? [duplicate]
Possible Duplicate:
Are the apps safe? How can I make my Android more secure?
There are several 'requires root' apps in the market and one of the most famous ones have more than 5 Million ...
- 713
3
votes
2
answers
703
views
Android applications privacy and security concerns
If a user wants to install some applications from play store, is it sole responsibility of the user to decide whether the apps may harm or not? Should the user be worries regarding permissions? For ...
- 369
0
votes
1
answer
1k
views
Dangers of Apps running in "Hidden mode"?
I have downloaded an app to record all my calls. The app is working great but the trouble is that it doesn't shows up under the "Ongoing" in the notification bar nor does it shows up in "active ...
user16112
26
votes
2
answers
4k
views
Security of Paid apps in Google Play?
What measures does Google takes to ensure that paid apps that are downloaded do not get spread for free? Currently I see a possibility that can leak out a large number of apps:
Someone pays to ...
user16112
22
votes
2
answers
9k
views
Stolen phone: is changing your GMail password enough?
My Galaxy phone got stolen today. Of course I blocked my SIM card and changed my password for GMail (and went to the police) but is this enough? Could the person that stole my phone still log in to ...
- 221
9
votes
2
answers
368
views
Is there a service that rates app security/permissions?
Is there a service/company/app that vets Android apps and reports on their "trustworthiness"?
I recently moved from Blackberry to a Galaxy S2 which does not have an LED indicator light. I searched ...
- 303
4
votes
3
answers
5k
views
Why do some Android apps need access to my SD card and fine location?
I understand why apps like Maps need to know my specific location, but is it safe to allow any application to access these things? Are there any clues as to which apps are safe and which aren't?
Also,...
- 49
7
votes
1
answer
314
views
Buying apps and entering credit card number via 3G/GPRS. Is it secure enough?
As title. Of course using Android market and the Google Checkout payment. By the way, how about other market-like apps?
- 2,369
16
votes
3
answers
17k
views
How would you uninstall a rogue Home (Launcher) application?
If you were to install a Home Screen application that does not give you access to the System Settings screen (to go to Manage Applications), and also does not let you launch Apps (such as the Market ...
- 487
8
votes
2
answers
647
views
Android and antiviruses
This is actually three questions:
Are anti-viruses needed for smartphones running Android OS?
Is the Android Market absolutely safe (because all precautions are taken by Google to prevent any ...
- 2,365
7
votes
3
answers
429
views
Protection from Malicious Intent
Is there an app, or will Google produce a system, where I can protect my Android device?
Imagine a soundboard app that's free, but it asks for your contact information. The average user might be ...
- 607
3
votes
2
answers
176
views
How can I see in the App store whether I am working secure
I wanted to buy some small application from the app store, it asked for my credit card information, but I was unsure whether we were working in secure mode.
How can you see, during payment, whether ...
- 6,927