Google saves passwords WiFi devices with Android - tuexperto.com

search giant has again been involved in a bitter controversy. A leaked report reveals late most disturbing practice. And it Google be storing all passwords WiFi network access of all those devices running Android . It seems that mobile phones and tablets equipped from Android 2.2 (this includes all versions up to date) would be sending back to headquarters Google the WiFi password Network to which they are accessed. In fact, considering that according to the latest IDC report , during the second quarter of this year sold a whopping 187 million Android phones , the figure would fivefold with 748 million phones in 2013 of which Google would know the password to one or more WiFi networks . This is not counting the tablets also work with this operating system.

This repor t explains

published and distributed by Computer World , Google keep this document secret, so that no person or team could use. Nevertheless, the idea that Google is storing these passwords somewhere in their offices Mountain View does not leave anything alone. On devices with Android 2.3.4 just go to section Settings and click then on Privacy . In these cases, Google get the password to access the WiFi through the “Backup my settings on” in models of HTC or “Back up my data” at the terminals of Samsung . Unfortunately, none of these two spaces is marked WiFi , a detail that could provide clues about the type of configuration data that actually stores the signature.

Android 4.2 (one of the newer versions of this platform) we will track through the section Settings . The mechanism that is responsible for obtaining and storing this data is called: “Backup Google’s servers for application data, WiFi passwords and other settings” .

is quite possible that the user has collated what kind of data is stored. In fact, Android contains a wide range of configuration options. This information, however, is guide supported on some devices , indicating that the failure to save the configuration can be very positive for export to a new device if you acquired simultaneously or more forward. In some textbooks, such as the Galaxy Nexus , states that “If this is checked, a wide variety of their personal data will be backed up automatically, including your passwords WiFi , browser bookmarks, apps you’ve installed, the words you have added to the dictionary and most custom settings “.

The problem is maximized when we realize that Google not only saves data access our WiFi network more usual: the home, for example. The system is also responsible for gathering information from the public networks, so that signing Mountain View can accurate data about places we visit and make a route, if you like. This information, if the competent authorities in the United States require , may be submitted at any time and studied by the security services.

In this regard, we recommend:

1. section Access Settings your Android device (either smartphone or tablet) and Backup.

2. An interesting option may be to factory reset the data, but in this case I recommend that you disable only the “Copy Me” . Then you will be displayed the following question: Would you stop creating backups WiFi passwords , markers and other data settings and applications, and delete all copies of the servers Google ? Simply tap on the OK .

3. Finally, you should change the password to your WiFi network or restore factory settings if you had changed and on occasion.

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Cecilia Hill is a writer specializing in technology. In addition to working in various media, working on his own communications company. He is finishing his studies in Hispanic Studies at the University of Lleida. He loves technology, literature and the arts. + Google+ Profile Cecilia Hill