Android - Understanding Permissions

Mobile industry is booming. Everyday new technologies are entering into this super fast evolving industry. Millions of apps are developed and downloaded every day. These apps are the main driving force in this ever growing mobile world. From casual games to some serious enterprise apps, they serve their user in every possible way.

The market is exploding with great apps and ideas and attracts lot of customers. People pay money to buy these apps. This attracts frauds, hackers to take advantage of people's innocence and lack of knowledge about the loop holes in this relatively new technology. They attack users using malwares and access user's private data. Users are fooled and mostly unaware. It's like unlocking your phone and handing it over to some unknown person. You will not do this in real world.

The two major platforms present at the moment in the market, android and iOS, both are build upon very secure and robust and trusted platform like Linux and UNIX. Both provide similar security and application sandboxing which puts restrictions on inter process communication between different apps and their data from unauthorized access. Then how come one is said to be more secure then other?

IOS gets its secure tag from the fact that it works within its own closed environment. Similar to Blackberry, iOS apps are first tested and based on some strict perimeters set, are approved or rejected by Apple. Application developers have to comply with Apple's rules for publishing their apps. Hence it is secure but not full proof. There are malwares in iOS as well.

Android on the other hand, has a more open approach. They involve user to decide what kind of access they want to permit to the application. Application gets installed only when permissions it has asked has been granted by the user. If permission is not granted, application will not work. Google do examine all apps uploaded to Play Store (they use a cloud service to verify new apps against known malware signatures and test them for malware-like behavior).

This approach looks secure but due to the involvement of users for granting permissions, there are risk factors introduced. And this has become a point of concern as Google has failed to make user more aware about these permissions. Most of the users simply don't look into what permissions they are allowing while installing the app. They treat it similar to installing some software on PC or sign up on some site, scroll the privacy policy and click "accept" without reading into what the terms and conditions are and what could be the consequences if there occur some issue in the future.

The most common permission asked like network access, storage access, contacts, phone state or system tools, etc. should be allowed carefully.

Most of the apps use these permission in ethical manner. But some malware's might ask internet or network permission for ads and storage access for reading and writing down some file, but in background may collect sensitive and private user data. User will not be aware of what is happening in the background. Some apps may even trace your phone activities, online transactions and may use them for their profit. Some may simply collect your data and use it for their analysis.

Well the good thing is most of the apps out in market doesn’t do anything like that. However, one must ask question on the permissions an app is asking for – why the app needs network access, why storage access, why phone state access. User should investigate a little and check if the developers have mentioned why they are using these permissions. If there is something suspicious one should not download that app. There are hundreds of similar apps available in market, try them but do check the permissions. If you believe an app installed on your device is a malware, you can report it to google and if they found it contagious they will remove it from the play store and take action against the developers.

Remember to check the permission access you are giving to the application. The security of your data and privacy is in your hands. Check for the user reviews of the apps before installing them. Download apps from trusted vendor or store.

 A little knowledge and careful approach can provide a great experience to you and your smartphone will make your life smarter. 

Amritsar Trip

Day 1, (27th July, 2013)

I woke up at 4:45 am and finished off morning ablutions. In the process, got a bit late as I had planned to leave at 5:45 am. I left the house at 6:00 am for metro station. I had checked for the timings of the metro a day earlier and frequency in the morning was 15-20 min. So I had little window to catch the metro or get a auto to reach New Delhi Railway Station (NDLS). I was lucky and upon reaching metro station (Janak Puri West), I boarded the metro within few minutes. 

I reached NDLS at 6:45 am. Waited for 5 min. and saw the other three, members of "Modest Maverikz", Deepak Mittal (Doll), Harsh Kumar (Chinky) and Himanshu Kukreti (Pahari), jostling through the early morning crowd.

We were all excited. We were together after 2 or 3 months. We immediately checked for our train, Swarna Shatabdi. It was scheduled to leave at 7:20 am from platform #1. It was at the end, the last platform from the main entrance.
We reached the platform, train was there, checked for seat numbers (we were still in waiting 2 days back) and boarded the train. Exchanged a seat and so 
Chinky, me and Himanshu were together and Doll sitting in front of us.

Doll pinched me as soon as Chinky clicked this !!!

 Train was on time and left NDLS at 7:20 am and soon snacks and breakfast was served. Doll and me opted for the veg option and Chinky and Himanshu got the non veg. It was same old menu of Indian Railways - two veg cutlets with boiled beans and carrots with two slices of bread, jam and butter. Non veg had omelette instead of cutlets.
We were gossiping and cracking jokes, clicking pictures and posting them on fb with Doll as our victim.

funny morphed pic of Doll :P

Though we had our breakfast, we were still hungry. When we reached Ambala, Doll and Himanshu quickly got some Chola Kulchas and Chips. These were good but not great.. OK types as they were not hot. We had 2 min. stoppage only, so we didn't get the cooked ones. 

Time went by in our gossips and jokes (mostly on Doll and his hair style and few other morphed versions). We reached Amritsar on time. Since we were now not going to Chandigarh as planned earlier, we had to book our hotel and return tickets. Doll quickly called his friend and booked 4 tickets on "Shan-e-Punjab" for next day. It was better option then roadways buses. 

The taxi walas and auto walas were all trying to get our attention and annoying us. Doll was taking lot of time on his calls, so rest of us decided to quickly get a taxi, book a hotel, have our lunch and leave for Wagha Border. As soon as the tickets were booked, we got into a taxi and he dropped us at a hotel to check it. Hotel was OK. They showed us 3 rooms and we quickly booked one. It has wifi as well. We asked the taxi wala to wait for some time and then take us to a restaurant or dhaba and then to Wagha. 

We checked into hotel "Shiraz Regency" and after getting fresh we called the taxi wala and he took us to a near by restaurant "Crystal Restaurant". The ambiance was good. 

Watch carefully!! all four of us are in this pic :)

We quickly order the food - Paneer Butter Masala and Dal Makhani in veg and two Chicken dishes for Chinky and Himanshu along with butter naan and tandoori roti for Doll. We took some photographs and again started gossiping. 

We realized that it has been a long time since we ordered and the food was not served yet. We were getting late for the Wagha. But as soon as we reminded the manager, food was served. We were hungry as usual and attacked the food :P. It was yummy and really delicious. They served a decent amount and we were all fully satisfied by it and totally filled up. 

We left the restaurant at around 4:00 pm, had to reach Wagha by 5:00 pm. Himanshu had arranged VIP entry for us for the parade at Wagha Border. It was a straight road to Wagha about 23-25 km from Amritsar. The driver showed us the Khalsa College

Khalsa College

and a memorial built on the road known as "India Gate" (I doubt it was named as India Gate, but it would be first building you will see when entering India on that road). 



There was a huge rush at the entry. Those who had VIP entry were allowed to take car inside for parking or else walk 0.5 km to the main stands. It took us 40 to 50 min. to enter the main facility. After crossing the gates, with the VIP entry, we zoomed passed the crowd and gets seated at the front of the main parade area near the border.


One thing that was clear in the whole trip was the humidity and heat. Back in Delhi it was raining when we left, but here it was super humid and hot. We were sitting in the sun as there were no shade drenched in sweat we were waiting for the parade to start.

Doll, Chinky and Pahari in stands

We were taking pictures, comparing the facilities on the either side of the border, the crowd and all such stuff. There were patriotic songs played by the BSF. Females were asked to come and dance on some of the songs, carry and run with the Indian Flag up-to the border and come back. All were enjoying that environment that was created by the army and the huge crowd. Many foreigner were also there, carrying Indian Flag.

Me and Pahari at the Wagha Border

At 6:30 pm the parade was started. It was simply awesome. No other words. The army personnel in the parade were high on energy and showing their aggression in their controlled gestures towards the troops on other sides. Both sides were enacting in similar way. There were in between some battle cry and slogan being shouted from both sides. One slogan from Pakistan side catch our interest. It was "jiye jiye.... Pakistan", but it sounded very differently and hilarious on the loud speakers. As soon as the flags were lowered and the soldiers shook hands from both sides, gates were closed and parade was over.

We took some pictures with the soldiers and head back to our taxi. 

In about an hours time from Wagha Border, we reached the Golden Temple. The driver dropped us at the main market and we had to walk through the market and reach to the main complex. There was huge crowd, I guess because of weekend. 







It was already dark and around 8:30 pm or 9:00 pm. when we entered the main complex of the Golden Temple. It was beautiful view from the entrance steps. It looked like a small Golden lamp in the middle of dark water. But as soon as we entered inside it all looked more amazing and big.

Golden Temple

Chinky at the steps slipped and we got one more reason to crack jokes. We walked upto the steps around the temple where people were bathing and praying, we clicked pictures and watched the temple and admired the beautiful scene that was in front of us. Golden Temple in the middle surrounded by dark water and white marble complex in the night. An amazing experience. 

We walked around the temple, thought of entering inside the main shrine, but there was huge rush. Waiting time of around 2:30 hrs to 3:00 hrs just to reach inside. We decided not to go as we were all tired and hungry by now. This was the second time that we were all together on a trip to world famous monument and not entered the main building (last time was Taj Mahal, Agra).
So we entered the langgar area to have our dinner. We all get seated down on mats with our plates. We were served with kheer, dal and roti. Simple yet satisfying dinner.

Langgar at Golden Temple

After the langgar, we bought some kara prashad and ate it.
Took some more pictures and then decided its time to leave. 

Going back, Himanshu and Chinky purchased kara and some other stuff for themselves. I took the pictures while they were shopping. We took an auto and reached back to our room. Tired from the heat and exertion, we took bath and watched television.

Masti time :D

Doll and I, decided to sleep while Himanshu and Chinky were watching movie. And so the first day ends.  

Day 2, (28th July, 2013)

Me and Doll woke up early for a Sunday morning at around 6:00 am. He went out in the market for a walk. I decided to stay back and freshen up. After about an hour he came back with some fruits. We woke Himanshu and Chinky. Himanshu was quick to wake up but Chinky took his time... long time.

Jaag Ja Chinky !!

We ate Guavas and Jamuns. Had a small game developed where the seeds should be thrown into the bin directly. Doll was an expert in that. He spitted directly into the bin and Himanshu and I were using our hands for aiming and throwing. Chinky after he woke up had problems in aiming for the bin even using his hands. 

Time for some experiments :)

I took some pictures while others were getting ready and watching television. We decided to checkout from the hotel and after visiting places directly go to station. We checked out at around 9:30 am. and headed straight for breakfast at "Prahwe da dhaba". We ordered 2 plate Amritsari Naan and 2 plate aaloo parantha along with 4 lassis. Naans were crispy and stuffed perfectly.. the best naans I had in my life! Pranthas were also good but compared to Naans, they were of no match. Naan was just amazing :) 



After our breakfast we headed to Jallianwala Bhagh. It had a narrow entry as mentioned in history books.

Shaheedi Kuan

We saw the "Shaheedi Kuan" and the bullet marks on the wall. The park was well maintained with lot of flowers (I guess to give peace to all those who died in that park). 

Memorial at Jallianwala Bagh

We relaxed in the park for close to an hour and half. It was humid similar to day before, but since we were in an open airy park it was OK for some time. We took some pictures there, joked and discussed some history associated with the area.


When we left it was around noon and we were feeling the heat. I had seen a Barista near the entrance of park, so we headed straight to it. It was heaven!!!

Classic Mojito

From the heat and humidity outside, it felt like Heaven inside. We were alone in the cafe. We ordered Classic Mojito first. Till it was prepared, we sat just below the air conditioner and cool ourselves. 

Yummy shake !

For the second round we ordered some milkshakes. 
After an hour or more, we decided to leave now and head to sweet shop which Chinky wanted to visit. So we left Barista.

We went to Bansal's and purchased sweets and some snacks for our way back to Delhi. From there headed straight to Railway Station. At the station, just opposite of it, we packed some tandoori aaloo paranthas and veg biryaani for the journey back. The breakfast was really heavy so we were not hungry at that time.

We boarded the train and it left on time at 3:10 pm.

a look inside the train

It was a special experience for us since we had never traveled in general class before (I guess I am right.. it was general class). But we had no other option other than using roadway buses to go back. 

Chinky was in a shock! I guess, at least from the look of his face. We all were feeling the heat as we were seated facing opposite to the direction in which train was moving. So, it was not that comfortable, but better than travelling via bus. We joked on our situation and kept on teasing each other.

Field's view from the train

Again Doll was the main target for us as always. We took pictures and morph them and shared with our friends. We gossiped and joked all our journey, ate our biryani at around 5:00 pm,

Biryani Time

snacks in between, cold drinks, etc. We shouted Pakistani slogans that we heard at the Wagha to teases Doll as he was getting irritated with that. 

Remembering Jainy and his way of celebration

In this way we kept ourselves busy and stayed away from feeling the humidity. Doll in between left his seat and stood at the gates.

Dinner time.. aaloo parantha :D

At around 10:00 pm, we entered New Delhi. We decided to get off at "Sabzi Mandi" station as the train will take another 40 mins to reach NDLS. We deboarded  at the station. Himanshu, Doll and Chinky took the metro and I took the auto. I reached back home at around 11:00 pm and was very excited to meet my parents and share the whole experience with them, it was a wonderful trip. But as soon as I entered inside, I realized I was missing my Limited Edition Blackberry Z10.... I had left it in the auto. And in this way my excitement from the whole journey ended. That night I was tracing and chasing the auto, lodging complaint with the authorities and in the end went to bed at around 3:00 am. A tragic end to a nice trip.