The iphone allows you to control whether the app accesses the GPS. Why shouldn't you be able to control whether it subversively sends something to the outside world?
Unless you're a "guru" with firewalls and network access via ports and such, you can't even be sure you're home PC/Mac isn't sending info "home" (short of disconnecting it.)
Or that the info isn't being "hacked" from your banks servers anyway (there's a headline about that once a week or so.)
While I'd like to have some control over such things, just for "peace of mind", NO, I don't think it's a serious issue.
short of disconnecting from the internet there is no way you can be really sure. So if you want to be absolutely sure your financial app doesn't 'subversively' connect to some outside computer to upload your financial details and passwords DON'T CONNECT TO THE INTERNET! Simple as that...
Want to work with that app anyway? Then download it, install it, disconnect from the internet, and work with your app. When you're finished with the app, un-install it before connecting to the internet again.
The iPhone seems to have pretty strong controls about what each app can and cannot do so I'm wondering whether there is any way for me determine whether an app can phone home. In today's world a little paranoia can come in handy.
The only way to determine that is to trust Apple to not let any nefarious programs through their vetting process.
Sure, apps aren't SUPPOSED to do that without notifying you, and Apple tries to reject apps that don't follow their guidelines (and apparently some that do )... but you have no way of really knowing. You just have to go on faith that the app creator was/is an honest person just trying to make a buck from their app in a legitimate manner.
Same goes for WinMo apps, Pre apps, Android apps ... and desktop computer apps. If your hardware is connected to the internet, a nefarious app could send stuff out without you knowing it. (unless you're closely monitoring your network traffic, which isn't possible on the iPhone... unless there's an app for that.)
Give them the name of the app and they might do it for you.
Call me old school or paranoid but I don't do financial activity with a wifi connection. Even if it is a secure web site, I'll use the AT&T connection.
Well, I guess the only thing I can say is that I hope that someone from Apple is reading these forums and that they will give us the ability to determine the permissions of each iPhone app (access to the internet / GPS / Contacts, etc).
Unless you're a "guru" with firewalls and network access via ports and such, you can't even be sure you're home PC/Mac isn't sending info "home" (short of disconnecting it.)
Little Snitch doesn't require guru skills. It CAN get old though. There is no iPhone equivalent.
There is no perfect solution, but taking steps is a good idea whenever you're dealing with sensitive data.
Comments
The iphone allows you to control whether the app accesses the GPS. Why shouldn't you be able to control whether it subversively sends something to the outside world?
Jess
Or that the info isn't being "hacked" from your banks servers anyway (there's a headline about that once a week or so.)
While I'd like to have some control over such things, just for "peace of mind", NO, I don't think it's a serious issue.
(You did ask for opinions on the matter.)
Don't you think this is a serious issue?
I think this a deadly serious issue.
And I gave you a deadly serious answer:
short of disconnecting from the internet there is no way you can be really sure. So if you want to be absolutely sure your financial app doesn't 'subversively' connect to some outside computer to upload your financial details and passwords DON'T CONNECT TO THE INTERNET! Simple as that...
Want to work with that app anyway? Then download it, install it, disconnect from the internet, and work with your app. When you're finished with the app, un-install it before connecting to the internet again.
Good luck, Jess.
The iPhone seems to have pretty strong controls about what each app can and cannot do so I'm wondering whether there is any way for me determine whether an app can phone home. In today's world a little paranoia can come in handy.
Jess
Sure, apps aren't SUPPOSED to do that without notifying you, and Apple tries to reject apps that don't follow their guidelines (and apparently some that do
Same goes for WinMo apps, Pre apps, Android apps ... and desktop computer apps. If your hardware is connected to the internet, a nefarious app could send stuff out without you knowing it. (unless you're closely monitoring your network traffic, which isn't possible on the iPhone... unless there's an app for that.)
http://i-phone-home.blogspot.com/200...tion-list.html
Give them the name of the app and they might do it for you.
Call me old school or paranoid but I don't do financial activity with a wifi connection. Even if it is a secure web site, I'll use the AT&T connection.
In today's world a little paranoia can come in handy.
IN today's world a little paranoïa is not nearly enough!
Jess
Unless you're a "guru" with firewalls and network access via ports and such, you can't even be sure you're home PC/Mac isn't sending info "home" (short of disconnecting it.)
Little Snitch doesn't require guru skills. It CAN get old though. There is no iPhone equivalent.
There is no perfect solution, but taking steps is a good idea whenever you're dealing with sensitive data.