Android Apps May Automatically Transmit Sensitive Information Through Mobile Phone’s Built-in Sensors

Android Apps May Automatically Transmit Sensitive Information Through Mobile Phone's Built-in Sensors

Android Apps May Automatically Transmit Sensitive Information Through Mobile Phone's Built-in Sensors

Three years ago, the Fed­eral Trade Com­mis­sion dimmed hopes for the Brightest Flash­light app for Android, slap­ping its devel­oper with charges of con­sumer decep­tion.The app was trans­mit­ting users' loca­tions and device IDs to third par­ties without telling the users or get­ting their permission.New research led by Northeastern professor Guevara Noubir reveals that some Android apps may automatically transmit sensitive information, such as the routes you travel, through the phone's built-in sensors.

Are Your Android Apps Secretly Tracking Your Location?

Are Your Android Apps Secretly Tracking Your Location?

Researchers led by Northeastern University professor Guevara Noubir have discovered that some of your Android apps may automatically be communicating sensitive information, such as your travel routes, through your phone's built-in sensors.If you recall, three years ago the Brightest Flashlight app for Android was charged by the Federal Trade Commission for consumer deception since the app was relaying user location and device ID to third parties without letting users know or getting permission to do so.The new research has revealed that other Android apps can be manipulated to reach inside your mobile phone to track your location and traffic patterns – all without your knowledge or consent.

Research Shows Android Apps Can Secretly Track Users' Whereabouts

Research Shows Android Apps Can Secretly Track Users' Whereabouts

Android users who take advantage of third-party apps have legitimate cause for privacy concerns, according to new research.Researchers with Northeastern University in Boston have found that it's possible for Android apps to be mined for information about a user's whereabouts and their travel patterns.The study, titled "Inferring User Routes and Locations using Zero-Permission Mobile Sensors" and lead-authored by Northeastern University Professor of Computer and Information Science and lead-author Guevara Noubir found that apps "can infer vehicular users' location and traveled routes, with high accuracy and without the users' knowledge, using gyroscope, accelerometer, and magnetometer information."