Re: Google power over Android

["Jones, Dan" <Dan.Jones () UMASSMED EDU>]

To me this makes the Android/Google platform a non starter for (even tangential) use with any sort of validated 
environment. 

I suppose any OS patches could just be pushed without notice as well, and wonder what recourse one would have if data 
was lost or the device became a doorstop as a result. Any change in applications or OS should require prior acceptance 
by the user (as a sort of change management).

Given Google's approach to protecting privacy, and this ability to install or remove applications without notice, I've 
removed the HTC Incredible from my short list of phones I would like to have. 

Dan Jones
UMass Medical School



-----Original Message-----
From: The EDUCAUSE Security Constituent Group Listserv [mailto:SECURITY () LISTSERV EDUCAUSE EDU] On Behalf Of randy 
marchany
Sent: Monday, June 28, 2010 4:06 PM
To: SECURITY () LISTSERV EDUCAUSE EDU
Subject: [SECURITY] Google power over Android

Something sinister about this statement:

"Google has the power to not only remove applications from users'
Android phones, but remotely install them as well."

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2010/06/28/google_remote_android_application_install/

Guess we have to start re-evaluating our smart phone initiatives......

-Randy Marchany
VA Tech IT Security Office & Lab.