Android security - does it exist?

[Gatak]

Does Android OS contain application access rights security features?

In my mind Android feels extremely unsecure because I as the user cannot change what parts of the OS it has access too.

For example Take RixFM app. It is for listening to a popular Swedish radio station. However, it requests (or used to) access to things like SMS and phone log and contact lists. Market warns about this, but gives no option to block access to any of it. It is all or nothing.

Is there a way to tighten security on Android to prevent some apps from accessing specific things?

It would be cool and useful to have something like the SuperUser app, but for accessing different areas in Android, instead of just full root access to the Linux backend.

On Windows we have UAC and User Profiles to determine access rights, for example to install drivers or access certain parts of the Windows Registry. Something similar for Android would be very good.

[Double]

yes, don't install those apps.

Problem... Solved.

[Yuna]

Is there a way to tighten security on Android to prevent some apps from accessing specific things?

use java then

[Athalef]

This is the benefit of android market. You get to know exactly what the app is going to use before you install it.
if you'll prevent some permissions from these apps they won't work properly.

Sent from my GT-I5700

[hotchili]

Hello,

I read about a app that can control permissions for apps!
Here is the link (its a german forum) Permission Blocker - Android-Hilfe.de

There is a warning, that it changes things in packages.xml and if that fails you have to reflash ...

But maybe this app is what you are looking for.

[Gatak]

yes, don't install those apps.

Problem... Solved.

This is not really a solution to the problem, because most apps ask for more permissions than they really need. I still feel this is a big limitation of the OS. Also, most users I feel would simply ignore or not understand the security warning and install the app anyway if they do not have any alternatives.

---------- Post added at 06:55 AM ---------- Previous post was at 06:53 AM ----------

Hello,

I read about a app that can control permissions for apps!
Here is the link (its a german forum) Permission Blocker - Android-Hilfe.de
This looks good. I will run it through translator and look at it =) Thanks.

I wonder why Android did not include this kind of security features.
There is a warning, that it changes things in packages.xml and if that fails you have to reflash ...

But maybe this app is what you are looking for.

This looks good. I will run it through translator and look at it =) Thanks.

I wonder why Android did not include this kind of security features.

[schermvlieger]

This is not really a solution to the problem, because most apps ask for more permissions than they really need. [...]

... which exactly proves Double's case in my opinion!

[Gatak]

[/COLOR]

... which exactly proves Double's case in my opinion!

I guess you run windows or linux as administrator with all apps full access to all of OS and files and just "don't install those apps" that might/theoretically could compromise your privacy or security then?

[eViLrAcEr]

I guess you run windows or linux as administrator with all apps full access to all of OS and files and just "don't install those apps" that might/theoretically could compromise your privacy or security then?

with linux, you SEE when an app wants root rights. (on Desktop). Windows just asks almost always when install a software so it's annoying.
on the other hand, all iphone apps have all rights (except maybe root rights)

@hotchilli: very useful post! I am seeing if changing the xml actually disallows the use of that permission or if it is just for the user to see.