Flashlight app is Malware?

[flatbutt]

I heard that this app is actually spyware. Hard to believe and confirm but does anybody here have anything/ info on this?

edit: never mind...my bad

[stomachmonkey]

If we are talking about an iOS version then no, not likely.

Android version, entirely possible.

[Rusty Heap]

My Flesh light glasses seem to work fine?

[stomachmonkey]

Originally Posted by Rusty Heap

My Flesh light glasses seem to work fine?

Flesh light?

Freudian slip?

[Rusty Heap]

Originally Posted by stomachmonkey

Flesh light?

Freudian slip?

I am just a small Pilot of one. amazing elevations can be gained.

[widebody911]

Yes, there have been cases of flashlight apps collecting and transmitting other data. Free apps like Flashlight can spy and steal personal data: Protect your smartphone with these tips : PERSONAL TECH : Tech Times

People need to think about what permissions an app requests when they install it; most apps I've seen ask for way more than they really need. Check out Hidden Android feature allows users to fine tune app permissions | ZDNet and Protecting Your Privacy: App Ops, Privacy Guard, and XPrivacy - XDA Forums

[VINMAN]

Originally Posted by stomachmonkey

If we are talking about an iOS version then no, not likely.

Android version, entirely possible.

Every android phone I've ever owned had a flashlight as part of the phone hardware. Was never a separate "app"

[stomachmonkey]

Originally Posted by VINMAN

Every android phone I've ever owned had a flashlight as part of the phone hardware. Was never a separate "app"

There is always a 3rd party app to replace what a device shipped with.

It's those that we are talking about and you need to watch out for.

Google Play store apps are not vetted.

"But a new report claims the Google Play Store is not as safe as you might think. According to RiskIQ, the number of Android viruses and malware in apps delivered via the Google Play Store have quadrupled from 2011 to 2013, rising from 11,000 to 42,000. According to Tech Spot, the “malicious tasks performed by the apps uncovered in the study include recording phone conversations, taking full control of the infected handset, stealing personal information such as email addresses, contact lists and GPS data, as well as downloading other malware.” Worse, Google is accused of being slow to remove these Android viruses, with RiskIQ claiming a low removal rate of 25 percent in 2013. All in all, it’s estimated that an astounding four percent of apps in the Google Play Store are riddled with malware."

Android Virus Threat: Google Play Store Viruses Are 4 Percent Of All Apps In 2014?

[Brando]

If using an android device, I highly recommend rooting it and installing the XPOSED framework plus this:

http://forum.xda-developers.com/xposed/modules/xprivacy-ultimate-android-privacy-app-t2320783

Permission rulesets are community driven. You can pick and choose what data and resources apps can access.