Tech Tuesday: Flashlight Apps Shine a Light on Privacy Issues

November 25, 2014Posted at 17:09h in Social Media by Marc Silverstein

The very app you use to find your way in the dark is the same one cyberspies could be using to shine a light on your personal information. Snoopwall privacy experts say flashlight apps, like Brightest Flashlight, tap into your unique smartphone ID, camera, and location to gain access to your data.

But Brightest Flashlight isn’t the only app you should watch out for. Carnegie Mellon researchers conducted a study on surprising Android apps that require privacy permissions. The highest ranked apps include:

1. Toss It

screen-capture

2. Angry Birds

screen-capture-1

3. Talking Tom Fre

screen-capture-4

4. Dictionary.com

screen-capture-2

5. Mouse Trap

screen-capture-3

6. Horoscope

screen-capture-5

The same question is on all of our minds–Why exactly does “Toss It” need my location for me to throw a virtual ball of paper into a virtual trashcan? Before you smash your phone in a privacy induced panic, take a breath. The apps are mainly collecting your data to share with advertising networks. But keep in mind, the more apps that have access to your information, the higher the chance that hackers could get their hands on your data.

We suggest you check before you click. The same Carnegie Mellon team who conducted the app study set up PrivacyGrade, a website that grades the privacy settings of smartphone apps. You can also set app permissions on a case-by-case basis with Android iOS versions. To deny a permission, click on “Settings”, select Privacy then choose a permission (for example GPS) and swipe the slider from “on” to “off”. Better safe than sorry.



Send this to friend

GET IT NOW
500% MORE SUBSCRIBERS
EFFICIENCY
BOOST YOUR SALES
CREATIVITY
INSPIRE YOUR VISITORS
BE UNIQUE
CREATE UNIQUE POPUPS

*By downloading the Insight, The Art of Tweeting you are also joining our newsletter.

Power Your Brand
Your Information will never be shared with any third party.
* By downloading our insights, you are also joining our newsletter.
Power Your Brand
Your Information will never be shared with any third party.
* By downloading our insights, you are also joining our newsletter.
Power Your Brand
Your Information will never be shared with any third party.
* By downloading our insights, you are also joining our newsletter.
Power Your Brand
Your Information will never be shared with any third party.
* By downloading our insights, you are also joining our newsletter.
Start Making Headlines Today!
Your Information will never be shared with any third party.
* By getting the discount code, you are also joining our newsletter.
Sign up to receive 25% off
your first news release
distribution through PR Web.
Our phones are temporarily unavailable. Yes we paid the bill, no it's not the Russians. To contact us,please send
an email to info@onthemarcmedia.com.
Phones Temporarily Down
Call Us Today:
Social media
Call Us Today:
Get our crisis management toolkit delivered to your inbox now
LEARN MORE


    PGlmcmFtZSB3aWR0aD0iNzQwIiBoZWlnaHQ9IjQxNSIgc3JjPSJodHRwczovL3d3dy55b3V0dWJlLmNvbS9lbWJlZC9wRDJpV3U4b3NxWSIgZnJhbWVib3JkZXI9IjAiIGFsbG93PSJhY2NlbGVyb21ldGVyOyBhdXRvcGxheTsgZW5jcnlwdGVkLW1lZGlhOyBneXJvc2NvcGU7IHBpY3R1cmUtaW4tcGljdHVyZSIgYWxsb3dmdWxsc2NyZWVuPjwvaWZyYW1lPg==
    Jonathan Balog
    Chief Communications Officer,
    Goodwill Industries of the Chesapeake
    On The Marc Media has been instrumental in helping Goodwill elevate our mission and programs to new heights. Their exceptional work in recently launching our new adult high school in Baltimore stands as a testament to their unparalleled expertise in public relations. They didn't just secure interviews; they opened doors to influential national, local, trade, and podcast platforms, ensuring our message resonated far and wide. Their deep understanding of our mission, strategic PR approach, and storytelling is an enormous asset. Their team is responsive, creative and quick to adapt to changing circumstances. I’d wholeheartedly recommend them to any organization seeking a dedicated, results-driven PR partner.
    "
    Kenny Kelley
    Founder, Silent Beacon
    As the founder of Silent Beacon, I've had the privilege of working with numerous partners and teams, but my experience with On The Marc Media has been unparalleled From the moment we began, it was clear that they were not just another PR firm; they were a group of passionate storytellers ready to dive deep into the essence of our business. Understanding the intricacies of a product like Silent Beacon is no small feat, yet the team at On The Marc Media grasped our mission and functionality faster than I could have ever expected. Their ability to digest complex information and turn it into compelling narratives is simply astounding. But what's most impressive is how they've managed to get our story in front of the right eyes. The news hits we've received have been spot-on, aligning perfectly with our target audience and business goals. It's clear they have a robust network and know exactly how to leverage it to benefit their clients. I can say, without a doubt, that On The Marc Media has been instrumental in amplifying our brand and propelling our business forward. Their expertise in public relations is evident in the quality and quantity of attention Silent Beacon has received. If you're looking for a PR team that will take the time to understand your business, craft a tailored strategy, and deliver exceptional results, look no further than On The Marc Media.
    "
    Greg Maybaum
    Founder, Greg Maybaum Real Estate Closings
    I’ve been a pioneer and innovator among New York City closing attorneys for 35 years, but my branding needed a skillful refresh to reflect my experience, and I needed someone to transform my website into a tool that would help me prequalify prospects so I could make better use of my time serving upscale clients. On The Marc Media did an amazing job for me on both of those objectives. They reinvented my brand and created a style guide to ensure that my positioning, messaging and graphic design remains consistent going forward. And they not only changed the look and functionality of my website, they turned it into a semi-automated sales funnel that includes a detailed questionnaire that enables me to instantly understand the goals of each prospective client. On The Marc Media really cares. They have the marketing expertise to deliver incredible results and they’re continually evaluating their strategy to see where greater opportunities might exist. I highly recommend working with this team!
    "
    Kimberly Wehle
    Professor, University of Baltimore School of Law
    Pro-active, media savvy, and extremely knowledgeable, On The Marc Media knows their stuff when it comes to PR. I’d heard that they were well connected and one of the best in the business. And after working with them, I can attest to that. Their team landed me dozens of media interviews, including several national appearances in record time.
    "
    Dr. Dale Isaacson
    Doctor, DC Derm Docs
    As specialists in both cosmetic and general medical dermatology, we’ve devoted our practice to helping clients get the healthy body and appearance they need to lead happy lives. We’re also a business that needs expert marketing to let potential clients know we’re here to help them. On The Marc Media built a fantastic social media presence for us on all the right platforms and provided lots of sticky, eye-catching content to grow our following. They got us high-profile coverage in TV, print and online media. And they transformed our website from a static brochure to a business-boosting lead generator. They’ve also helped us use email marketing to keep our expertise and new treatments top-of-mind with prospective and existing clients. If you want your social media and marketing to glow like our clients’ faces, reach out to On The Marc Media!
    "
    Diana Pohlman
    Founder, P.A.N.D.A.S. Network
    On The Marc Media helped us craft a compelling story and acquire critical media coverage that has exponentially raised awareness about P.A.N.D.A.S. across the nation. Their dedicated and professional team will bend over backwards to tell your story and make sure it is heard. Above all else, On The Marc Media shared our compassion and passion for the P.A.N.D.A.S. cause, which made them feel like real partners with a genuine desire to achieve our goals with us.
    "
    Jason Smolen
    Co-Founding Principal, SmolenPlevy
    Marc Silverstein and On The Marc Media have ably represented SmolenPlevy these past years. The firm's needs are diverse ranging from marketing to public relations. Marc consistently develops a solution that is right for the target audience and within budget, assisting our firm in getting out the news of its reputation as a go-to law firm. Marc is highly regarded and highly recommended.
    "
    Laurie Brunner
    Mainstream Management, LLC
    On The Marc Media has helped us entirely rebrand our business with market research and an integrated communications strategy. They've also increased our social media following on Facebook by 405% in just 6 months. On The Marc Media's hands-on approach sets them apart from other public relations and marketing companies, as they consistently go above and beyond to serve our needs—and in every instance have exceeded our objectives. They are true partners with my company, and we consider them a valuable extension of our team.
    "
    Robin Wiener
    President & Founding Partner, Get Real Health
    We've been a proud client of On The Marc Media since 2011. They are a one-of-a-kind PR company. The OTMM team has a great balance of experience in front of the camera and behind it, and are a powerhouse as it relates to social media. We've seen all our marketing objectives and goals met because of our collaboration with OTMM. I would highly recommend them anytime, anyplace!
    "
    Dedalus
    VP of Communications, Dedalus Healthcare
    I cannot speak highly enough of On The Marc Media's exceptional partnership with Dedalus Healthcare. Their dedication, hard work, and unwavering commitment to our success have been instrumental in our journey. On The Marc Media not only understood our business goals but also helped us design a comprehensive strategy that perfectly aligned with our objectives.

    Their ability to adapt and remain nimble in a constantly changing landscape has been a game-changer for us. From social media management to media pitching, they have consistently demonstrated their expertise and determination to deliver real results. On The Marc Media truly embodies the essence of a trusted partner.
    "
    PGlmcmFtZSB3aWR0aD0iNTYwIiBoZWlnaHQ9IjMxNSIgc3JjPSJodHRwczovL3d3dy55b3V0dWJlLmNvbS9lbWJlZC9HT1ZqMmdfR1MyRT9zaT1tM2ZfNmRqeVRDaDZscVU4IiB0aXRsZT0iWW91VHViZSB2aWRlbyBwbGF5ZXIiIGZyYW1lYm9yZGVyPSIwIiBhbGxvdz0iYWNjZWxlcm9tZXRlcjsgYXV0b3BsYXk7IGNsaXBib2FyZC13cml0ZTsgZW5jcnlwdGVkLW1lZGlhOyBneXJvc2NvcGU7IHBpY3R1cmUtaW4tcGljdHVyZTsgd2ViLXNoYXJlIiBhbGxvd2Z1bGxzY3JlZW4+PC9pZnJhbWU+
    PGlmcmFtZSB3aWR0aD0iNTYwIiBoZWlnaHQ9IjMxNSIgc3JjPSJodHRwczovL3d3dy55b3V0dWJlLmNvbS9lbWJlZC82aGFRN3hicFJTND9zaT1mZnlkU1ZyNDBlWUIxMXM0IiB0aXRsZT0iWW91VHViZSB2aWRlbyBwbGF5ZXIiIGZyYW1lYm9yZGVyPSIwIiBhbGxvdz0iYWNjZWxlcm9tZXRlcjsgYXV0b3BsYXk7IGNsaXBib2FyZC13cml0ZTsgZW5jcnlwdGVkLW1lZGlhOyBneXJvc2NvcGU7IHBpY3R1cmUtaW4tcGljdHVyZTsgd2ViLXNoYXJlIiBhbGxvd2Z1bGxzY3JlZW4+PC9pZnJhbWU+
    PGlmcmFtZSB3aWR0aD0iNTYwIiBoZWlnaHQ9IjMxNSIgc3JjPSJodHRwczovL3d3dy55b3V0dWJlLmNvbS9lbWJlZC9sQWUxdjlnWGtiQT9zaT1zU21nck42RVhzTW9NeDRjIiB0aXRsZT0iWW91VHViZSB2aWRlbyBwbGF5ZXIiIGZyYW1lYm9yZGVyPSIwIiBhbGxvdz0iYWNjZWxlcm9tZXRlcjsgYXV0b3BsYXk7IGNsaXBib2FyZC13cml0ZTsgZW5jcnlwdGVkLW1lZGlhOyBneXJvc2NvcGU7IHBpY3R1cmUtaW4tcGljdHVyZTsgd2ViLXNoYXJlIiBhbGxvd2Z1bGxzY3JlZW4+PC9pZnJhbWU+
    PGlmcmFtZSB3aWR0aD0iNTYwIiBoZWlnaHQ9IjMxNSIgc3JjPSJodHRwczovL3d3dy55b3V0dWJlLmNvbS9lbWJlZC9TUThLM2RvajFtaz9zaT1HeENUUjluSzd5MXd6UEVjIiB0aXRsZT0iWW91VHViZSB2aWRlbyBwbGF5ZXIiIGZyYW1lYm9yZGVyPSIwIiBhbGxvdz0iYWNjZWxlcm9tZXRlcjsgYXV0b3BsYXk7IGNsaXBib2FyZC13cml0ZTsgZW5jcnlwdGVkLW1lZGlhOyBneXJvc2NvcGU7IHBpY3R1cmUtaW4tcGljdHVyZTsgd2ViLXNoYXJlIiBhbGxvd2Z1bGxzY3JlZW4+PC9pZnJhbWU+
    PGlmcmFtZSB3aWR0aD0iNTYwIiBoZWlnaHQ9IjMxNSIgc3JjPSJodHRwczovL3d3dy55b3V0dWJlLmNvbS9lbWJlZC9adlRFSW9Yb0ZvYz9zaT02bHpDQ2FjT1Y4endmQjgxIiB0aXRsZT0iWW91VHViZSB2aWRlbyBwbGF5ZXIiIGZyYW1lYm9yZGVyPSIwIiBhbGxvdz0iYWNjZWxlcm9tZXRlcjsgYXV0b3BsYXk7IGNsaXBib2FyZC13cml0ZTsgZW5jcnlwdGVkLW1lZGlhOyBneXJvc2NvcGU7IHBpY3R1cmUtaW4tcGljdHVyZTsgd2ViLXNoYXJlIiBhbGxvd2Z1bGxzY3JlZW4+PC9pZnJhbWU+
    PGlmcmFtZSB3aWR0aD0iNTYwIiBoZWlnaHQ9IjMxNSIgc3JjPSJodHRwczovL3d3dy55b3V0dWJlLmNvbS9lbWJlZC9xcFhvbW5Fc0FYOD9zaT1YMHZ6OEE4NFUxcTJqclJQIiB0aXRsZT0iWW91VHViZSB2aWRlbyBwbGF5ZXIiIGZyYW1lYm9yZGVyPSIwIiBhbGxvdz0iYWNjZWxlcm9tZXRlcjsgYXV0b3BsYXk7IGNsaXBib2FyZC13cml0ZTsgZW5jcnlwdGVkLW1lZGlhOyBneXJvc2NvcGU7IHBpY3R1cmUtaW4tcGljdHVyZTsgd2ViLXNoYXJlIiBhbGxvd2Z1bGxzY3JlZW4+PC9pZnJhbWU+