Antivirus software from Symantec, Norton Mobile Security discovered Facebook privacy leaks and exposes personal information of users through the Internet, including the phone number. NortonMobile released the new version of Norton Mobile Security for Android devices, and it features a new addition - the Norton Mobile Insight Technology - which flagged Facebook for Android app.

Mobile Insight Technology

This new feature has analysed over 4 million Android applications and processes from tens of thousands of new applications daily. Using automatic and proprietary static and dynamic analysis techniques which automatically discover malicious applications, privacy risks and potential intrusive behaviour. Mobile Insight Technology also tells the user what application will perform and hints specific, relevant and actionable information with risky behaviour.

Facebook for Android App Privacy Leaks

Facebook for Android is one particular application caught by the Mobile Insight Technology. It was flagged for leaking device phone number of users who downloaded and installed the application. By activating the Facebook for Android app (even once), your mobile phone number is sent over the Internet to Facebook servers. This activity does not require you to log in, provide your phone number or even enter your Facebook account to happen.

According to Google Play, hundreds of millions of devices have installed the Facebook application and a significant portion of those devices are likely affected. Unfortunately, Facebook for Android app is not the only one which leaks private data or even attracts malware on your device.

Norton Mobile Security

Installing an antivirus or security software on your device decreases the chance of getting malicious software and reduces the risk of exposing private data stored on your phone. Norton Mobile Security features the following protection on your mobile phone or tablet:

- Remote locking of your lost or stolen phone via SMS

- Scan and remove app that may potentially harm or slow down your device

- Scans SD card for threats

- Norton Mobile Insight for malware, greyware and privacy protection

- Scream trigger to alarm your missing device

- Remotely wipe information on your device to protect privacy

- Instant lock phone option if SIM card is removed

- Blocks unwanted calls and SMS

- Control security features on all your devices online