The Digital Expertise Center of Roskachestvo reported that the main threats of New Year's mobile applications are unlimited access to the Internet, the launch of background services and access to files and shared storage, which are superfluous for such programs.
Experts noted that at first glance, applications request harmless permissions, and users easily agree to them, but a detailed analysis shows a disturbing picture. Almost all tested applications have permissions to access the Internet, launch background services, disable sleep mode, and access files and shared storage. These functions are not needed for New Year's wallpapers, frames and "calls from Santa Claus".
Roskachestvo presented a risk rating of applications: high risk for "Дед Мороз Звонить на Русском" and Santa Videocall; medium risk for "Новогодний фейк звонок и чат", Christmas Photo Editor, Photo Frame, Photo Booth; moderate risk for Live Wallpaper and Decorations.
Among the alarming permissions are also photo and video shooting, audio recording, autorun, modification or deletion of data and obtaining information about the phone status. For example, "Дед Мороз Звонить на Русском" requests 36 permissions, including access to files, autorun and background operation.
Read more materials on the topic:
- «Тайный Санта» with a catch: Internet fraudsters have become more active before the New Year
- Stealers of the New Year's mood: experts told how fraudsters are trying to deceive Russians before the holiday
- Protection against Grinches: Roskomnadzor may receive the right to extrajudicial blocking of sites with fake tickets
