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Unwanted GOV App Auto Downloaded

10mmLife

10mmLife

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I got a notification from my phone security software that an app I did not download was safe after installation.

This app is from the state of Massachusetts department of public health. My phone number is a Massachusetts number that I've kept after moving to New Hampshire 2 years ago.

Does anyone else have a new app on your phone from the state where your phone number is associated?

I'm sure it has to do with something under the guise of Covid but I'm not comfortable with the government autoloading apps on my personal phone especially considering how evasive apps can be to your personal life.

What's your thoughts on this?

I have attached a screenshot of the app for reference.

Screenshot_20210618-181640_Settings.jpg
 
I've read several of these have had security issues. My State, Pennsylvania, Contact Tracing App had a breach which is why I'd never consider using one.

www.helpnetsecurity.com

40% of COVID-19 contact tracing apps lack basic protections - Help Net Security

A Guardsquare report reassesses the levels of security protections and privacy risks of COVID-19 contact tracing apps.
www.helpnetsecurity.com www.helpnetsecurity.com

www.nbcphiladelphia.com

Pennsylvania Contact Tracing Breach Impacts Private Info of 72K People

Pennsylvania officials say employees of a vendor paid to conduct COVID-19 contact tracing may have compromised the private information of at least 72,000 people
www.nbcphiladelphia.com www.nbcphiladelphia.com
 
BET7 said:
I've read several of these have had security issues. My State, Pennsylvania, Contact Tracing App had a breach which is why I'd never consider using one.

www.helpnetsecurity.com

40% of COVID-19 contact tracing apps lack basic protections - Help Net Security

A Guardsquare report reassesses the levels of security protections and privacy risks of COVID-19 contact tracing apps.
www.helpnetsecurity.com www.helpnetsecurity.com

www.nbcphiladelphia.com

Pennsylvania Contact Tracing Breach Impacts Private Info of 72K People

Pennsylvania officials say employees of a vendor paid to conduct COVID-19 contact tracing may have compromised the private information of at least 72,000 people
www.nbcphiladelphia.com www.nbcphiladelphia.com
Click to expand...
Unfortunately the government always goes with the lowest bidder for contract work so things like this are bound to happen and we end up screwed in the end.
 
Interesting, I thought WEA was enough
www.fcc.gov

Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA)

The Wireless Emergency Alerts system is an essential part of America's emergency preparedness. Since its launch in 2012, the WEA system has been used more than 84,000 times to warn the public about dangerous weather, missing children, and other critical situations – all through alerts on...
www.fcc.gov www.fcc.gov
 
Classified said:
Interesting, I thought WEA was enough
www.fcc.gov

Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA)

The Wireless Emergency Alerts system is an essential part of America's emergency preparedness. Since its launch in 2012, the WEA system has been used more than 84,000 times to warn the public about dangerous weather, missing children, and other critical situations – all through alerts on...
www.fcc.gov www.fcc.gov
Click to expand...

Supposedly it is and does? ​

Government redundancy?​

​

Per WEA quote:​

​

"Enhanced Wireless Emergency Alerts Available for COVID-19 Pandemic"​


"The Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau has reminded authorized alert originators that the Wireless Emergency Alert system is available as a tool during the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic. Learn more"

The posts "Learn more" connects to:
www.fcc.gov

Enhanced Wireless Emergency Alerts Available for Coronavirus Pandemic

The Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau reminds authorized alert originators that the Wireless Emergency Alert system is available as a tool during the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic
www.fcc.gov www.fcc.gov
 
I can't see that kinda thing happening in my state. And if my carrier allowed it I would get a new carrier.

That said, there is literally no aspect of my cell phone ( ANY cell phone) that I trust. My wife, among other things) is an Apple programmer and not in practical application, but she's a hacker or easily could be. She has all our Macs and phones locked down tight. I don't have anything Google related on my phone and I don't use Google as a search engine. Not that Apple isn't tracking you too, but if you do your research you'll find that Apple is pretty proud of the fact that they don't sell your **** like Google does.

That said, I don't trust any of them. I don't use location services, I turn it off when I ain't using it, I use a proxy ( A very good proxy) and I never say anything on a phone or a computer or with a pen and paper that I wouldn't say right to God's ( Assuming there is one) face.
 
Bassbob said:
I can't see that kinda thing happening in my state. And if my carrier allowed it I would get a new carrier.

That said, there is literally no aspect of my cell phone ( ANY cell phone) that I trust. My wife, among other things) is an Apple programmer and not in practical application, but she's a hacker or easily could be. She has all our Macs and phones locked down tight. I don't have anything Google related on my phone and I don't use Google as a search engine. Not that Apple isn't tracking you too, but if you do your research you'll find that Apple is pretty proud of the fact that they don't sell your **** like Google does.

That said, I don't trust any of them. I don't use location services, I turn it off when I ain't using it, I use a proxy ( A very good proxy) and I never say anything on a phone or a computer or with a pen and paper that I wouldn't say right to God's ( Assuming there is one) face.
Click to expand...
1st: You don't have to assume there is a God; there positively is even if you (or anyone) does not believe it.

And the only guarantee (no matter what one's level of expertise) that Snoopy Sam or anyone else who wants to be
God (and know all) will not, is not to use electronics at all. One can take steps, perhaps reduce intrusion, but lock it down altogether? Absolutely not. The only safe secret/knowledge is the unspoken one in your head. And very few
folks on earth are going to survive without tech or running their mouth.
 
C. Sumpin said:
1st: You don't have to assume there is a God; there positively is even if you (or anyone) does not believe it.

And the only guarantee (no matter what one's level of expertise) that Snoopy Sam or anyone else who wants to be
God (and know all) will not, is not to use electronics at all. One can take steps, perhaps reduce intrusion, but lock it down altogether? Absolutely not. The only safe secret/knowledge is the unspoken one in your head. And very few
folks on earth are going to survive without tech or running their mouth.
Click to expand...


Well certainly I am not going to get into religion here, but other than that you are absolutely correct. However, as you stated, it is possible to reduce incursion and to make it to where the only people getting into your electronic space are people who know a hell of a lot more about it than you or I. Virtually hacker proof is about as good as you can do. Clearly you can't control what phone carriers do or what internet servers are breached. Hence the never saying anything you aren't willing to say in public.
 
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