Android Also Gives Google Remote App Installation Power

the8thark · Jun 28, 2010

Android Also Gives Google Remote App Installation Power
Android Also Gives Google Remote App Installation Power | threatpost

I can so see this being abused by everyone and anyone. Sure remote wiping a phone if stolen is a good idea but remotely installing and deleting certain apps on your phone. So if big brother does not like a certain app they can do a mass deletion of it. Or mass install their propaganda apps. Not good at all.

jetmech1 · Jun 28, 2010

When I had the Blackberry Storm, Verizon would remotely install (push) apps on to the Blackberry often. It was annoying. So far I have not had that issue with the Droid Incredible. But I'm sure they will do it sometime in the near future.

Dex · Jun 28, 2010

Or with an open source app store and no in depth approval process, they can uninstall malicious apps that don't do what they're supposed to do.

dtravis7 · Jun 28, 2010

People bash Apple and the App Store for controlling which Apps are accepted. Well how about this?

Google Flicks Remote Kill Switch on Two Android Applications

Google killing apps of your phone? Nice.

Kash · Jun 28, 2010

Well to be fair, Google removed applications that were in violation of its TOS and had already been pulled from the Marketplace. Practically nobody had them installed, so it was more like a cleanup act.

dtravis7 · Jun 28, 2010

Sorry, I do not want anyone from the outside zapping anything from my phone, computer, whatever. I see your point but am totally against Apple, Google, whoever having control over my device and remove anything from my device.

alexsd123 · Jul 1, 2010

dtravis7 said:
Sorry, I do not want anyone from the outside zapping anything from my phone, computer, whatever. I see your point but am totally against Apple, Google, whoever having control over my device and remove anything from my device.

They are doing this to help the hopeless users, the ones that buy a new computer when they get a virus. I wish that instead of them deleting the app, they would pop a warning message on your screen about the app that you have. That way people have the choice if they want to delete it or keep it. I agree with you that Apple and Google shouldn't be poking around deleting things, but I understand where they're coming from.

Chris H. · Jul 1, 2010

Kash said:
Well to be fair, Google removed applications that were in violation of its TOS and had already been pulled from the Marketplace. Practically nobody had them installed, so it was more like a cleanup act.

Didn't Apple do the same thing?

EndlessMac · Jul 1, 2010

What I'm more concerned about is that some person outside of Google is able to hack the process and do it themselves since the backdoor feature is built in. Whether a person wants to trust Google is one thing but it's an entirely different problem when an untrustworthy person is able to do it.

the8thark · Jul 1, 2010

Chris H. said:
Didn't Apple do the same thing?

No.

Apple removed the apps from it's App Store. But copies of the apps already downloaded before they are removed stay on your phone.

But Google on Android removes the apps from their app store and also remotly removes them (uninstalls) them from your phone too without your knowledge. That is the difference.

Chris H. · Jul 1, 2010

the8thark said:
No.

Apple removed the apps from it's App Store. But copies of the apps already downloaded before they are removed stay on your phone.

But Google on Android removes the apps from their app store and also remotly removes them (uninstalls) them from your phone too without your knowledge. That is the difference.

Oh. I see.

I'd rather have it Apple's way- I'll keep the app I've downloaded, even if it means it'll never be updated.

james_b · Jul 2, 2010

Apple can blacklist and remotely disable applications on your iPhone

Apple can blacklist and remotely disable applications on your iPhone

Chris H. · Jul 2, 2010

james_b said:
Apple can blacklist and remotely disable applications on your iPhone

Apple can blacklist and remotely disable applications on your iPhone

This applies to iOS (formerly iPhone OS) 2.0 and 2.1- two generations ago.

Whether or not Apple still has this code remains to be seen.

james_b · Jul 2, 2010

I guess it would take a forensic examination of the phone to be carried out to find out if they are still doing it.

There is this from the apple site:

Find My iPhone

CVE-ID: CVE-2010-1776

Available for: iOS 2.0 through 3.1.3 for iPhone 3G and later, iOS 2.1 through 3.1.3 for iPod touch (2nd generation) and later

Impact: A device with a MobileMe account configured may be remotely wiped, even if "Find My iPhone" is disabled.

Also this:

Apple Headed for Privacy Row With iOS 4 Update

http://www.governmentsecurity.org/global-security-news/apple-headed-for-privacy-row-with-ios-4-update.html

Still think apple has taken that code out?

they are all as bad as each other.

the8thark · Jul 2, 2010

james_b said:
Apple can blacklist and remotely disable applications on your iPhone

Apple can blacklist and remotely disable applications on your iPhone

having the capability to do something and actually doing it are two different things. Sure Apple can do this. But I doubt they ever would. Google on the other hand probably would and already have I think.

james_b · Jul 2, 2010

the8thark said:
having the capability to do something and actually doing it are two different things. Sure Apple can do this. But I doubt they ever would. Google on the other hand probably would and already have I think.

doubt, probably and think....all sounds a little tenuous to me.

Why do you think they would include it if they didn't indent to use it?

Its pointless having a conversion with a fanboy. Even when shown that facts they argue that black is white.

I give up.

dtravis7 · Jul 2, 2010

Remote Wipe for the Iphone is for phones that are stolen so the users data can be deleted for their protection. You can disagree but that is a fact.

Also no name calling or insulting of any member here is allowed.

the8thark · Jul 2, 2010

With Apple all the time. Apple patent and include a heap of stuff for the simple purpose of so their competitors can't use it. Or get good ideas from it.

I know Apple is not God on Earth. They make mistakes. But this time they did no wrong. Mind you if they use the kill switch and start deleting apps then I'd be worried. But for the time being it's all ok.

And please do not call me a fan boy. I just as many others here would be insulted by that comment. I like Apple as do you. If you hated Apple you would not be posting on an Apple based forum.