Reason 7,565,236 to have an IPhone:

Android Phone Security Flaw Due To Hidden Bloatware

This is just nuts.  Here's the story from Forbes, Android Headlines, and PC Mag:

Since 2017, the Google Smart Phone known as Android Pixel has had hidden tracking that allows for privilege escalation.  That means that the data on your phone, everything, can be tracked.

It was later determined that this tracking is on all Android phones.

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As if the tracking isn't bad enough, this security breach leaves Android owners open to what's known as man-in-the-middle attacks. This makes it easy for the guy in the middle to easily access and add malicious code or spyware to the phone.

The app is called Showcase.apk, and it was added to Verizon phones for demo purposes. It's impossible to remove this app because it's part of the firmware image.

I Verify says: " we don't have evidence this vulnerability is being actively exploited.The reason for the heightened concern is that the app is designed to retrieve a configuration file over unsecured HTTP… to execute system commands or modules that could open a backdoor, making it easy to compromise the device. Because the app is not itself malicious, just poorly built, most security technology may overlook it… and since the app is installed at the system level and part of the firmware image, it can not be uninstalled at the user level.”

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How Do I Get Rid Of This Malicious App?

Google is removing the app with an update and won't be installing the app on future Android phones.

I couldn't find a definitive date for the Google update for your phone to remove this spyware.

8 Things To Do If You Paid A Phone Scammer

Merciless phone scammers are targeting unaware folks with schemes involving pleas for charity, car warranties, unpaid traffic tickets, you name it. The Federal Trade Commission says, "Scammers often ask you to pay in ways that make it tough to get your money back. No matter what payment method you used to pay, the sooner you act, the better."
If you have paid one of these scammers and then realize you have been scammed, here are 8 tips from the Federal Trade Commission, on what to do if you have paid a scammer.

Gallery Credit: Brad Carpenter/Federal Trade Commission/Canva

Montana Cell Phone Habits That Drive Us Crazy

Fellow Montanans are fed up with these obnoxious cell phone habits.

Gallery Credit: Megan Carter

Five Hidden Features From the iOS 17 iPhone Update

Just when you thought they thought of it all.

Gallery Credit: Danielle Kootman

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