The rapidly increasing popularity of the Pokémon Go app for Android and iPhone has created a number of security risks. These risks include the existence of fake and malicious versions of the app; the extensive permissions granted to the app on the mobile device (camera, contacts, GPS, storage, network activity, etc.); and the “full access” permission granted to the user’s Google data when they log in using their Google account; along with various physical security risks. The University of Utah’s Information Security Office encourages users to be cognizant and educated on the application’s privacy settings and permissions before downloading and/or using the app. Dan Bowden (pronounced BOW-den), chief information security officer for the U, is available for interviews.
Dan Bowden | 801-518-9087 (mobile or text)