Android’s App Permissions Flaw; Assistive Tech Gets Smarter

Posted May 9th, 2017 at 12:30 pm (UTC-4)
Leave a comment

Today’s Tech Sightings:

A Google carpet is seen at the entrance of the new headquarters of Google France before its official inauguration in Paris, France. (Reuters)

Serious App Permissions Flaw Will Not be Fixed Until Android O

Google’s Android operating system might get a lot of unwanted attention from hackers because of its popularity, but research from Check Point security firm points to deeper problems. Google Play’s app permission model grants apps downloaded from the store extensive access, putting users at risk of malware, ransomware and other threats. Google does not intend to address the issue until it releases its new Android O operating system.

Ransomware Remains Profitable as Victims Fall Prey to Attacks

New research from Barracuda networks found that 47 percent out of more than 1,000 respondents have been victimized by ransomware attacks. Among those attacked, 59 percent could not identify the source of the ransomware and 75 percent of those who found the source said it came via email.

Assistive Tech Gets Smart

Smart assistive technologies increasingly are coming to the aid of people with disabilities, from AI-enabled eyesight services to smart hearing aids and other connected devices. Writer Michelle Donahue looks at some of the new technologies that are opening a world of accessibility to the disabled.

More:

Aida Akl
Aida Akl is a journalist working on VOA's English Webdesk. She has written on a wide range of topics, although her more recent contributions have focused on technology. She has covered both domestic and international events since the mid-1980s as a VOA reporter and international broadcaster.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *