Many applications require the user to grant access to the smartphone's microphone when installing it on the smartphone. This can be potentially dangerous, as many users do not read the installation terms anc conditions of the application and give it access to the microphone without understanding the consequences.

The head of the Zecurion analytical center, Vladimir Ulyanov, told Sputnik radio in an interview that such documents usually indicate that the application can collect voice data and transfer it to a third party.

Ulyanov emphasized that access to the microphone should be provided only to those applications that cannot function without it. However, the main condition is trust in the program and its developers. The expert recommends checking your smartphone settings and canceling suspicious permissions.

He also noted that in most cases, the use of data collected by developers will not harm the owner of the smartphone. This data is typically used to improve program performance and serve targeted advertisements. However, there is a risk that voice data could end up in the hands of criminals, which could lead to unpleasant consequences, including extorting money from users based on the information obtained.

Therefore, it is recommended to exercise caution when granting access to your smartphone's microphone and carefully check app permissions, especially when in doubt.

Earlier, ESET information security specialists discovered the “iRecorder - Screen Recorder” application on Google Play, which has been spying on users since August 2022, recording their conversations and sending them to attackers.