WTMP: Friend or Foe for Your Smartphone?

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The widespread use of mobile phones raises significant safety and privacy concerns globally. In Sri Lanka, amidst these concerns, posts are circulating on WhatsApp about an app called WTMP (Who Touched My Phone), claiming it can enhance mobile security.

The post suggests that if you're concerned about the privacy of your mobile phone, you can use an app called Who Touched My Phone (WTMP). According to the post, when someone attempts to unlock your phone, the app captures a photo of the person trying to unlock it. Furthermore, if that person successfully unlocks the phone, the app records the apps they accessed.

We decided to explore more details regarding this interesting app.

Explanation

Mobile phone security is a global concern. Third-party apps promising to enhance security need careful examination. Let's take a deep dive into WTMP (Who Touched My Phone) and see if it lives up to its claims.

What Does WTMP Do?

WTMP claims to add security by taking a picture of anyone who unlocks your phone without permission. It runs in the background and snaps a photo with the front camera upon detecting an unlock attempt. The app also offers features like logging app usage and failed unlock attempts.

How Does the App Work?

After installing the app, open it and click the activate button. Then, close the app and lock your device. Whenever a user unlocks the device or tries to do so, the application starts recording a report (photo, list of launched apps).

This app uses the Device Administrator's permission. The application needs device administrator rights to look out for incorrect unlock attempts. Android only detects a password or pattern as incorrect if it has at least four digits/characters or pattern dots.

Popularity and Reviews: A Double-Edged Sword

With over 10 million downloads and a 4.7 rating on Google Play, WTMP seems a popular choice among especially Android users. Also, we noticed that the WTMP app had a high trust score with many positive indicators, yet one negative point is that the identity of the owner of the WTMP website is hidden on WHOIS.

However, some reviews mention issues with some functions of the free app, therefore pushing users towards paid subscriptions, which, as a few reviews, offer stable functionality.

Security and Privacy Concerns

Here's where things get tricky:

Privacy Intrusion: Taking pictures without someone's consent is an invasion of privacy. Imagine a friend or family member borrowing your phone and being unknowingly photographed.

False Positives: Accidental screen touches, or someone trying to return a lost phone could trigger the camera, creating unnecessary suspicion.

Battery Drain: Running this app continuously in the background can significantly drain your battery.

Potential for Misuse: The app's functionality could be misused to monitor someone's phone use without their knowledge.

Alternatives and Recommendations

Instead of WTMP, consider these options to improve your phone's security:

Built-in Security Features: Most smartphones offer fingerprint or facial recognition unlocks, as well as password options. Utilize these for enhanced security.

App Lockers: Secure sensitive apps with a separate PIN or pattern for added protection.

Find My Device: Enable "Find My Device" on Android or "Find My iPhone" on iOS. This allows remote location tracking and data wiping if your phone is lost or stolen.

Anti-virus Software: Install a reputable antivirus app to protect against malware and phishing attacks.

Asela Vidyalankara, a cyber security expert based in Sri Lanka, says that although the WTMP App is listed in the official App Store and is safe to install, the fact that it asks for a lot of device permissions is a bit worrying.

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Conclusion:

While the idea behind WTMP might seem appealing, the privacy concerns and potential misuse outweigh its benefits. Built-in security features and responsible app usage are more sustainable solutions.