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Security Advice for a newbie downloading games ect

S

Saffa999

Lurker
Hi

I have tried the search function for my answer but to no avail.

My son ( 4 years ) has started taking a liking to games on our tablets. We have agreed times a day when he can play or use the tablet.Now the issue is the stuff we are downloading is full of in app purchases and advertising.

Are we best to pay for a game to start with and not go for the free options?

When we try download a game a popup asks us to accept the T & C and these are things like Access to contacts, Media, pics WIFI info. Is this bad?

What I am basically asking for is some guidelines as to how to spot a game which pure purpose is to gather info and not give the end user much.

Should I have any security software on my devices as I currently have nothing.

Any advice would be greatly aperciated

Thank You
 
You can't really get away from ads in games if you're going the free route, even the ones with IAP's so sometimes, it is good to spend a little up front to avoid the stuff that comes with free games.

Make sure purchases are password protected via the Play store settings too. I've been caught out with that in the past, only to the tune of a couple of quid, but it's still annoying.

If you've a bit of time and want to have an in depth read on permissions etc, take a look here: http://androidforums.com/threads/an...ned-security-tips-and-avoiding-malware.36936/

Basically, have a look at what a game is, then look at the permissions and try to work out why an app would need certain permissions. For example, a Subway Surfer style game shouldn't need access to send texts/make receive calls etc.

I wouldn't worry about security stuff, as long as you're careful with what you install, be mindful of permissions etc, you should be fine. That being said, if you do want an extra layer of security, take a look at something like lookout or avast. Stay well away from anything by Cheetah Mobile (they sell your info to advertisers and their apps are virtually spy ware).

Google Play actually has a dedicated family section now, so if you want to have a look at some "safe" games to get your lad started, have a look here: https://play.google.com/store/apps/category/FAMILY?hl=en_GB

I had similar questions when my wee lad was a similar age, so please don't be afraid to ask if you have any more questions, I'll be happy to help.
 
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El Presidente said:
You can't really get away from ads in games if you're going the free route, even the ones with IAP's so sometimes, it is good to spend a little up front to avoid the stuff that comes with free games.

Make sure purchases are password protected via the Play store settings too. I've been caught out with that in the past, only to the tune of a couple of quid, but it's still annoying.

If you've a bit of time and want to have an in depth read on permissions etc, take a look here: http://androidforums.com/threads/an...ned-security-tips-and-avoiding-malware.36936/

Basically, have a look at a game is, then look at the permissions and try to work out why an app would need certain permissions. For example, a Subway Surfer style game shouldn't need access to send texts/make receive calls etc.
Click to expand...

For the benefit of the OP, this is a very good example of what you really should be avoiding when installing most games. Subway Surfers that did NOT come from Google or Amazon, but came from a Chinese app store.
subway.jpg

I just posted it for example and did hit "CANCEL" afterwards. :thumbsupdroid:
 
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