Android Apps Leak Personal Data

It has been reported that certain Android Apps in the Google Play store are leaking personal information, including social networking site passwords and credit card information.

Researchers at Leibniz University of Hannov and Philipps University of Marburg, located in Germany, conducted a study whereby they downloaded 13,500 free apps onto a Samsung Galaxy Nexus with an Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich operating system. They discovered that 1,074 of those apps contained code that could potentially be susceptible to man-in-the-middle attacks, meaning private data can be intercepted. Man-in-the-middle attacks happen when a third party places itself into a connection between two separate devices and controls the relay of their communication.

Researchers analysed 100 of the apps and successfully attacked 41 of them. They gathered passwords, bank details and email content. Having personal data intercepted is an uncomfortable, insecure feeling, so be cautious when inputting information into your device.

Google is yet to comment on the situation, but we will keep you updated.