In the ever-changing digital landscape, smartphones have become an indispensable part of our lives, easily merging into our daily activities. However, this convenience raises possible privacy risks, which users should be aware of. If you’ve ever spotted a green dot at the top of your Android phone’s screen, it could be a subtle hint that someone is monitoring or listening to you without your awareness.
The presence of a green dot indicates that an app is now using your phone’s sensors, notably the microphone and camera.
While this can happen for legitimate reasons, such as using a voice recorder app or making a phone conversation, it’s crucial to note that it can also be a sign of “spyware” programs that could jeopardize your privacy.
The green dot on Android devices, like its cousin on iPhones, has aroused concerns about possible invasions of privacy. The question arises: How can you tell the difference between legitimate programs and potentially dangerous ones that are secretly utilizing your device’s sensors?
With the Android 12 upgrade, the Privacy Indicator dot was added as a major feature. This function is available on a variety of brands, including Samsung, Pixel, and others, and provides users with a quick visual cue when an app attempts to access their microphone or camera.
In most circumstances, this does not warrant immediate worry.
Apps like voice assistants and legitimate third-party applications may require access to these sensors to work properly.
However, monitoring is necessary. If a green dot appears unexpectedly, it’s time to examine deeper. This could mean that an app has been granted access to your microphone or camera even when you aren’t utilizing them. You can check and manage these rights in the “permissions” section of your device’s settings.
To keep your smartphone secure, Jamie Akhtar, CEO and co-founder of CyberSmart, recommends taking prompt action if you suspect unwanted access. Running a virus scan with the Play Store’s Play Protect function is a good starting step. Changing passwords is suggested, especially for crucial accounts such as email. To minimize further compromise, this process should be carried out on a secure device.
Determining which app caused the green dot is a simple process.
When you see the green dot, swipe down from the top of your screen to show a microphone or camera symbol, which indicates that the sensor is operational. Tapping the symbol indicates which app is currently using it. From here, you can revoke the app’s permissions or uninstall it as needed.
