Please help me understand permissions

[silversleeper]

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.symantec.mobilesecurity&hl=en

Can someone please help me understand why this is necessary and why so many people agree with Nortons Permission Requirements even though it is so intrusive? How or why are they going to make phone calls/send messages from my phone without my knowledge? Who are they contacting? Why do they need to use my phone? What I find out rageous is why they say they will "TAKE PICTURES AND VIDEOS with my Camera This permission allows the app to use the camera at any time without your confirmation. What is the point of that why would they need to do it?

DIRECTLY CALL PHONE NUMBERS
Allows the app to call phone numbers without your intervention. This may result in unexpected charges or calls. Note that this doesn't allow the app to call emergency numbers. Malicious apps may cost you money by making calls without your confirmation.
SEND SMS MESSAGES
Allows the app to send SMS messages. This may result in unexpected charges. Malicious apps may cost you money by sending messages without your confirmation.



HARDWARE CONTROLS
CHANGE YOUR AUDIO SETTINGS
Allows the app to modify global audio settings such as volume and which speaker is used for output.
TAKE PICTURES AND VIDEOS
Allows the app to take pictures and videos with the camera. This permission allows the app to use the camera at any time without your confirmation.

 

[silversleeper]

Also isn't the point of the Norton to block this from happening? "This may allow the app to share or save your calendar data, regardless of confidentiality or sensitivity.READ CALENDAR EVENTS PLUS CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION" so if I download this I agree to this? What??????? BTW I have a full 360 account so I can add the full Paid version to my phone but with the outrageous permission I can't in good conscious. Again please help me understand why this is necessary.

Allows the app to read all calendar events stored on your tablet, including those of friends or co-workers. This may allow the app to share or save your calendar data, regardless of confidentiality or sensitivity. Allows the app to read all calendar events stored on your phone, including those of friends or co-workers. This may allow the app to share or save your calendar data, regardless of confidentiality or sensitivity.

 

[chanchan05]

Call Phone numbers: Not sure about this since I don't have the app.

Send SMS: Going by Avast, such apps need this permission so that the app can send SMS of its location to a specified phone number so you can track it.

Change audio settings: For the scream trigger alarm. When you activate this, the volume is forced to max output, even if you left the phone in silent mode.

Take pictures and video: again going by other security apps, this allows the app to secretly take pictures using the front camera when the device is stolen, thus showing the thief's face. This is triggered by an online command or a secret SMS command.

Calendar: This allows for scheduling of activities, like scans and other stuff.

Anyway, if you are installing this for the antivirus purposes, you don't need to. If its for the anti-theft, then there are others. However Symantec is a trusted and reputable company which has access to even more important data than your personal life. Multinational companies use Symantec security software to protect their computers containing blueprints, financial data amounting to millions, contract data, and other stuff that are often targets of corporate espionage. Its one of those companies to which your data is irrelevant.

 

[silversleeper]

Hello ChanChan

Thanks for your help. so the Camera won't be triggered unless I report it stolen? It won't just start taking random pictures? for example if I am taking a dump/playing a game a picture of that isn't going to just pop up on the web somewhere? I know that Norton is a trusted Global company in the internet security market and I am sure there are more important information on other phones, but I wanted to know the reason/why they need to request all of these permissions to use the app. Also as I highlighted before I am own the Norton360 for my PC, so I have a license to put it on my phone

Call Phone numbers: Not sure about this since I don't have the app.

Send SMS: Going by Avast, such apps need this permission so that the app can send SMS of its location to a specified phone number so you can track it.

Change audio settings: For the scream trigger alarm. When you activate this, the volume is forced to max output, even if you left the phone in silent mode.

Take pictures and video: again going by other security apps, this allows the app to secretly take pictures using the front camera when the device is stolen, thus showing the thief's face. This is triggered by an online command or a secret SMS command.

Calendar: This allows for scheduling of activities, like scans and other stuff.

Anyway, if you are installing this for the antivirus purposes, you don't need to. If its for the anti-theft, then there are others. However Symantec is a trusted and reputable company which has access to even more important data than your personal life. Multinational companies use Symantec security software to protect their computers containing blueprints, financial data amounting to millions, contract data, and other stuff that are often targets of corporate espionage. Its one of those companies to which your data is irrelevant.

 

[Twisted21]

Chanchan is right. I use AVAST also and the permissions are a bit apprehensive but you will find any of the security/ anti theft apps are like this. The anti theft feature is really nice but research reviews/ forums. People have had issues even with AVAST bricking their phone or phone stuck on siren/screaming mode cause somehow the theft/ stolen script was activated.

 

[chanchan05]

Hello ChanChan

Thanks for your help. so the Camera won't be triggered unless I report it stolen? It won't just start taking random pictures? for example if I am taking a dump/playing a game a picture of that isn't going to just pop up on the web somewhere? I know that Norton is a trusted Global company in the internet security market and I am sure there are more important information on other phones, but I wanted to know the reason/why they need to request all of these permissions to use the app. Also as I highlighted before I am own the Norton360 for my PC, so I have a license to put it on my phone

Yes that is correct. While permissions are apprehensivem you have to consider the features an app provides as well.