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from the no-money-in-fixing-the-problem dept.
Pre-installed apps on low-end Android phones are full of security holes
In what has become an annual reckoning, security research company Kryptowire recently published its 2019 report on the state of manufacturer-installed software and firmware for Android devices and, to no one's surprise, they found more than 140 bugs which could be exploited for malicious purposes.
The DHS-funded report uncovered 146 apps, which come pre-installed on inexpensive Android handsets, would pull shenanigans like eavesdropping through the microphone, unilaterally changing their permissions or surreptitiously transmitting data back to the manufacturer without ever notifying the user.
Kryptowire found these bugs on phones from 29 different manufacturers from relatively unknowns like Cubot and Doogee to marquee companies include Sony. And given that the average Android come with anywhere from 100 to 400 apps pre-installed, often bundled as part of larger app suites, these vulnerabilities pose a growing threat to users.
(Score: 2) by Snotnose on Tuesday November 19 2019, @01:09AM
I fail to see your point. 3 phones ago I was annoyed FB was taking up space that was advertised as mine. Last phone I tried to delete it and couldn't. Fast forward to a cat pushing a phone from a stack of library books into a cuppa tea, and me focusing on the cat instead of the phone.
Last phone was an LG Power X, and after several weeks I wish I had that phone again.
New phone is a Samsung A20, I still wish I had my LG phone, but I did manage to delete the Facebook app. Something I could never never do on my LG phone.
It's been 3-4 weeks, and $200, but I really wish that A) my cat had not knocked my phone into my cuppa tea; B) Not having FB on my phone, disabled o not, is a fucking thing I would pay $200 for.
When the dust settled America realized it was saved by a porn star.