Android is an open-source OS meaning people can tweak the OS and change a few things. While this is my favorite feature of Android, sometimes it might work against you as it also makes it easier for hackers and Malwares to access private information on your device.
A few weeks ago, I told you about one of the most dreadful malwares in Android history, the godless apps.
In today's post, I will be telling you another app you should avoid by all means!
Today's culprit is Flash Keyboard, a very popular third-party keyboard app with over 50 million installs and a 4.3 rating on Google play store but DO NOT be deceived by these numbers.
A UK-based cyber-security firm, Pentest discovered Flash Keyboard to be asking for Too much permissions, displaying infected ads, asking for administrative privileges in order to make Uninstaller the app difficult, tracking user behavior, and then sending the data to servers in China without the user’s permission.
In more simple words, Flash Keyboard app is spying on Android users and security experts have already classified the app as a “malware.”
Pentest discovered that the app requires unwanted access such as access to a phone’s Bluetooth connection, WiFi status, geo-location feature, which a normal keyboard app would not require.
Also, the app would ask for access to kill background processes, read your SMS messages, show system overlays, or remove download notifications. Pentest says there is no reasons for a keyboard app to need all these permissions.
Flash Keyboard also asks for device admin permissions, and it uses these powers to take over your smartphone’s lock screen and show ads even if you don't allow it.
To make matter worse, Flash Keyboard secretly transfers data to unidentified servers based in China and other foreign countries.
Flash Keyboard also transmits sensitive user data such as the owner’s email address, device manufacturer, Model number, IMEI number and Android version to what it believes to be analytics servers in the US, Netherlands and China.
It also sends details of the current connected Wi-Fi network and other networks in its range, identity of the mobile network being used and GPS coordinates(Location) of the user.
In summary, save yourself from all these troubles and DON'T install FLASH KEYBOARD!
It's not like it even has good functions..
If you need a good third-party keyboard app, I recommend you use SwiftKey.
A few weeks ago, I told you about one of the most dreadful malwares in Android history, the godless apps.
In today's post, I will be telling you another app you should avoid by all means!
Today's culprit is Flash Keyboard, a very popular third-party keyboard app with over 50 million installs and a 4.3 rating on Google play store but DO NOT be deceived by these numbers.
A UK-based cyber-security firm, Pentest discovered Flash Keyboard to be asking for Too much permissions, displaying infected ads, asking for administrative privileges in order to make Uninstaller the app difficult, tracking user behavior, and then sending the data to servers in China without the user’s permission.
In more simple words, Flash Keyboard app is spying on Android users and security experts have already classified the app as a “malware.”
Pentest discovered that the app requires unwanted access such as access to a phone’s Bluetooth connection, WiFi status, geo-location feature, which a normal keyboard app would not require.
Also, the app would ask for access to kill background processes, read your SMS messages, show system overlays, or remove download notifications. Pentest says there is no reasons for a keyboard app to need all these permissions.
Flash Keyboard also asks for device admin permissions, and it uses these powers to take over your smartphone’s lock screen and show ads even if you don't allow it.
To make matter worse, Flash Keyboard secretly transfers data to unidentified servers based in China and other foreign countries.
Flash Keyboard also transmits sensitive user data such as the owner’s email address, device manufacturer, Model number, IMEI number and Android version to what it believes to be analytics servers in the US, Netherlands and China.
It also sends details of the current connected Wi-Fi network and other networks in its range, identity of the mobile network being used and GPS coordinates(Location) of the user.
In summary, save yourself from all these troubles and DON'T install FLASH KEYBOARD!
It's not like it even has good functions..
If you need a good third-party keyboard app, I recommend you use SwiftKey.
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