TT.iNFo

Flashlight Apps That Install Malware on Your Smartphone

10/1/2014

There are many apps on Google's Play Store that can be dangerous to use, which is why you should scrutinize the permissions that each app requires before installing it.

Some apps cross the line by installing malware on your smartphone that can compromise all of your personal data (including username and passwords you enter on your phone). A good example of this type of infiltration is through a simple flashlight app used by hundreds of millions of unsuspecting people.

Brightest Flashlight Free and Super-Bright LED Flashlight are just two of the many flashlight apps available on Google's Play Store that require too many permissions and installs malware.

If you'd like more proof, read the "FTC Approves Final Order Settling Charges Against Flashlight App Creator".

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Requiring Unnecessary Permissions

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Special Report

What Flashlight App Do I Use?

I use the Privacy Flashlight app which only requires access to your camera/mic. Some will argue that it could turn on your microphone, but then it would need access to your WiFi to gain control.

It needs access to your camera because it uses it's flash bulb, nothing more.

There are other flashlight apps that you can use but be mindful of the permissions that they require.

Click on a picture above to enlarge and read the captions (hover your mouse over the enlarged picture to view the arrow to advance).

Install the Privacy Flashlight App from Google's Play Store...

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Do You Use A VPN?

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Five VPN Services You Should Consider

3/24/2014

A VPN, or a Virtual Private Network, is a great tool to protect your privacy and security while you use the internet. Whether you're at home or using public Wi-Fi while traveling, the best combine great pricing with security features and privacy guarantees that make them worth your trust. -Alan Henry

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Does Your VPN Takes Your Anonymity Seriously?

3/16/2014

Millions of people use a VPN service to protect their privacy, but not all VPNs are as anonymous as one might hope. In fact, some VPN services log users' IP-addresses for weeks. To find out how secure VPNs really are TorrentFreak asked the leading providers about their logging policies, and more. -Ernesto

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VPN Services You Should Know About

1/10/2014

VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) are no longer just for work. VPN prevents snoops from eavesdropping on your online activity, whether that's marketers, someone malicious, or even the government. -Fahmida Y. Rashid

Read Full Article on PCMag.com >

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Are You Positive Your VPN Service Is Anonymous?

1/4/2014

It’s taken a long time but today we bring the first installment in a series of posts highlighting VPN services that take privacy seriously. Our first article focuses on anonymity and a later installment will highlight file-sharing aspects and possible limitations. -Enigmax & Ernesto

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Retail Stores Track You via Your Smartphone's WiFi

7/22/2013

Euclid taps smartphone WiFi to track you.

My wife can verify that when we bought our first HTC EVO 4G smartphones (Jan. 2011), that I was a strong believer in rooting our phones and making sure that the WiFi is OFF when we left our house (more rooting info).

Of course I didn't know for sure that stores were tracking us through our Smartphones. But, I was aware that as long as our phones were sending out a signal to connect through WiFi, someone could try to use it against us.

Don't forget that other businesses can implement the same tactics as the stores (eg: restaurants & cafes).

If you don't want to be tracked while you're out-n-about, simply shut your phone's WiFi off when you leave your house (it saves your battery as well).

When you walk into a brick and mortar retail store like a Nordstrom, Cabela, or even Family Dollar, you're being tracked around the store. Not by an over-suspicious security guard, but by the store's wireless network, using your phone's Wi-Fi. The store then uses your phone to track you around the store, determine if you're a repeat visitor, see what departments you visit, and more. -Alan Henry

Read Alan's Full Article on LifeHacker >

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Top 7 Reasons That I Prefer Private Internet Access

6/14/2013

VPN = Private Internet Access (PIA)

I've used several different VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) over the years, but ever since I started using Private Internet Access in January 2013... I've never looked back.

Top 7 Reasons That I Prefer PIA

Simple to use interface.
Not a computer/smartphone resource hog while it runs in the background.
Does not store log files of your internet activity, ever.
Inexpensive yearly cost.
Can be used on 5 of your devices simultaneously (eg: PCs, laptops, smartphones & tablets).
Encrypted WiFi.
Unlimited bandwidth (over 5 devices).

Of course there are many other features that are useful but you can read through those on Private Internet Access' website.

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Unsecured Public WiFi Connections

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Whether you travel a lot or just prefer using public WiFi, you should definitely consider using Private Internet Access to secure your connection.

Who should consider adding strong public WiFi security encryption layers to protect your privacy and data?

That's an excellent question and the short answer is, "YOU".

Do you perform any of the following activities while using an unsecured public WiFi access point (eg: cafe, library, bookstore, airport or hotel)?

Check email.
Login to social network websites (eg: Twitter, Facebook, Google+ or Pinterest).
Share sensitive data.
Login to banking or credit card accounts.
Login to apps on your smartphone to watch programs/movies via; Netflix, Hulu+, M-Go, VuDu, Crackle, etc.

If you answered, "Yes" to one or more of above then you should sign-up without further delay to enjoy all the same benefits that I do.

Low Cost Peace Of Mind For 5 Devices

I recommend paying for the $39.95 yearly subscription because then you'll receive the lowest price possible.

Now, if you take the $3.33/month cost a step further and divide that by 5 devices, it's a mere $0.67/device each month.

If you're not 100% convinced, then sign-up for a month initially ($6.95). You can always pay the yearly subscription after your 30 day test drive.

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Computer Settings Once PIA is Installed

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Smartphone App Settings

Below left picture shows the settings that I use, naturally you can choose whatever settings fit your needs. Picture on the right shows what it looks like in the notification bar when connected through the VPN app.

Watching Netflix With PIA App Loaded via 4GLTE

I load the Private Internet Access app on my smartphone even when I watch programs on Netflix via 4gLTE (while sitting in our vehicle and my wife is shopping).

It protects my privacy in 2 ways:

Stops nearby prying eyes who may be using spy software to intercept login information.

Prevents Netflix from tracking my actual location through their app.

Click on a picture above to enlarge and read the captions (hover your mouse over the enlarged picture to view the arrow to advance).

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How Do You Know If The VPN You Chose Is Trustworthy?

5/22/2013

I've read about why I really should use a VPN and I've been looking into different providers, but there's one thing I'm worried about. Can't a VPN provider just look at my traffic all they want and see what I'm doing? Don't I just have to trust them not to spy on me? If that's true, how do I pick one I can trust, when they can all see what I'm doing? -Alan Henry

Read Alan's Full Article on Lifehacker >

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More Reasons to Root Your Android Smartphone

9/24/2012

I'll let Max explain his reasons for rooting your android smartphone.

Visit Max's High On Android YouTube Channel >

Reasons You Should Start Using a VPN

9/7/2012

You may know what a VPN, or Virtual Private Network, is; you probably don't use one. You really should be using a VPN, and even if you don't think so now, at some point in the future you may consider it as important as your internet connection. -Alan Henry

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Positive Reasons to Root Your HTC EVO 4G Smartphone

10/29/2011

Why would you take your phone, a device that cost a few hundred dollars, and void its warranty by rooting it? It's a question that a lot of unrooted people ask and is not an easy all-encompassing answer. -Paul E. King

Read Paul's Full Article on Pocketables >

Which VPN Providers Are The Best At Protecting Your Anonymity?

10/8/2011

There are dozens of VPN providers, many of which carry marketing on their web pages which suggests that the anonymity of their subscribers is a top priority. But is it really? Do their privacy policies stand up to scrutiny? We decided to find out. -Enigmax

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