Question about Camera block & Mic block for Android

Discussion in 'privacy technology' started by Abdallah, May 1, 2015.

  1. Abdallah

    Abdallah Registered Member

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    I Just Want to know if anybody already using this two apps , and opinions about it , is it worth ?

    The two apps seems to function very good , no internet access in the Pro versions , very good logging feature in Mic block app , nice list of apps with Mic & Camera permissions , very easy disable/enable feature through notifications , etc.

    Camera Block

    Website:
    http://bytepioneer.com/camera-block
    Playstore (Pro):
    https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bettertomorrowapps.camerablock


    Microphone Block

    Website:
    http://bytepioneer.com/microphone-block
    Playstore (Pro):
    https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bettertomorrowapps.microphoneblock


    PS: I think free versions available with some limitations , etc.

    Abdullah
     
    Last edited: May 1, 2015
  2. Kiebler

    Kiebler Registered Member

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    Cannot Xprivacy for Android do the same function?
     
  3. Abdallah

    Abdallah Registered Member

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    Quick search about XPrivacy and it seems to need rooted device ,

    Is it the same app you refer to ?
     
  4. krustytheclown2

    krustytheclown2 Registered Member

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    Maybe I'm paranoid but I'm skeptical that this is genuinely foolproof, especially if the phone were to be compromised with any sort of sophisticated spyware. I'm sticking with tape over the camera, and the battery out when I don't want the microphone running.
     
  5. Abdallah

    Abdallah Registered Member

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    About your camera solution , it seems to be good .. but the other "mic" solution , it looks like not easy way as sometimes I want to use my phone , play games , recieve calls ,

    PS: mic block app didn't intercept my voice in calls
     
  6. krustytheclown2

    krustytheclown2 Registered Member

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    So you're saying that when you receive a call while the mic block is running, it doesn't even block your voice? Then it's worthless. The method that the FBI used to turn cellphones into roving bugs involved placing a call to the phone without having the call show up to the phone (it's complicated and requires cooperation of the mobile provider). This was with dumb phones over a decade ago, I can't tell you whether Android prevents this sort of thing, but I am certain that this app has a glaring weakness.

    Convenience and privacy are typically opposed to each other ;) And it shouldn't matter much if somebody were to record your audio if all you're doing is playing games.
     
  7. Abdallah

    Abdallah Registered Member

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    What ?
    Really I didn't think about the possibility of this before , can you give any source talked about that spaying calls ?
     
  8. krustytheclown2

    krustytheclown2 Registered Member

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    http://news.cnet.com/FBI-taps-cell-phone-mic-as-eavesdropping-tool/2100-1029_3-6140191.html

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Covert_listening_device#Remotely_activated_mobile_phone_microphones

    It's not novel nor uncommon. Android or iOS spyware like Finfisher has the same capabilities. Carrying around a mic, camera, and GPS 24/7 like most people do is a spy agency's wet dream. Removing the battery is the only way to get around this, and you might even want to remove the SIM to be 100% safe as I've heard that it might reveal your location.

    The fact that you can't remove the battery from an iPhone doesn't seem like a coincidence to me. Recently there was a scandal about the fact that Apple stores the GPS location of every iPhone for 30 days, and although you can disable the function, most people don't know to.
     
    Last edited: May 4, 2015
  9. Abdallah

    Abdallah Registered Member

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    Thats a new information for me !

    Abdullah
     
    Last edited: May 8, 2015
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