In today's world, Security for our digital devices has become a major concern all over which carry our important information all the time. I have came across some major events recently, which I would like to share with you all. I was thinking of some of the facts which really should be taken seriously and these facts literally became real which was really shocking for me.
Facts are following:
1. Whenever you are sitting with your Smartphone, It is listening to your talks, your surroundings sounds and even they trigger cameras to capture you by using Primary and Secondary cameras of the phone. This is not only with Android and Iphones(Most affected by the company itself). I am not being biased for Apple users, Android had also remained affected with these kind of things, however, being a open-source OS, it can be controlled and you can secure your phone as you want and in iOS its is not there as it completely controlled by one company.
2. The Applications which are under scanner are Majorly Social media related which unknowingly record what you say, what you do. They even know when you pickup the phone, when you are walking, what you are talking and when phone has been placed on desk etc.. and list goes on with the help of sensors that are in the phone. Firstly, My wife noticed this, that whenever you are saying specific word or place you want to visit, Facebook would show that specific place or product you were talking about few hours in the form of ads and same with other free apps also.
Recently, all became true through news about Apple slowing down the phones and Apps showing ads what you are talking about recently.
Go through these news as evidence:
“Is your phone listening words you say?”
1. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencet...
“Apple slowing down Iphones and guess fruther what they can do?”
2. https://news.sky.com/story/apple-hi...
3. Other things I have noticed is ISP's(Internet Service Providers) injecting ads in Browsers which you do not want and it is too without your permission. It means when you are visiting any web page through browser, Page that came up with ads which shouldn’t have been there. They can even capture what you type. So, stay alert what you are visiting on PC, Mobiles and while downloading, installing softwares & apps from Playstore.
Next Point comes how to secure your devices like Android, Windows and MAC Operating Systems:
1. Either use Linux OS or make sure that your Windows, MAC and Android Operating Systems are fully secured with good security apps like AVG, ESET Security, Norton Etc.
2. You can install small extensions on Chrome, Mozilla like "Ublock" which can block any unwanted ads and websites which spread malware. This extension is completely free to use and open source from Linux World.
3. If you want see which app is triggering your mobiles sensors like Camera, Mic etc. without your consent, You can install ‘Haven’ app from below link, recently released by White Hat Hacker ‘Edward Snowden’. It will trigger events whenever your apps try to access any of the camera's, mic etc on your device. It can crash as it is in development stage. Power for the people.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.havenapp.main&hl=en
4. Most recommended - While taking call on Mobiles, is the use of Headphones with Mic. As using Headphone will stop Apps to what you are talking on the call as this is a seperate hardware for talking and listening. No sensor is involved in it.
I hope this small article will help you & your friends secure devices from these apps, malwares to some extent. If you have any questions please mention them below in comments, I will be happy to answer them or email me at honeysmiley@rediff.com. Please share this post if you like to.
Thanks
Harmanpreet Singh
