In a proactive measure to safeguard sensitive national security data, the Government of Pakistan has issued a cybersecurity advisory cautioning government departments, officials, and employees against the use of certain online camera applications.
The advisory singles out the NoteCam Lite- GPS Memo Camera app, identifying it as a potential tool employed by hostile intelligence agencies to collect data, including grid references of military installations and other sensitive locations.
Available on the Google Play store since May 12, 2015, and developed by Derekr Corporation, NoteCam Lite- GPS Memo Camera has amassed over 10 million downloads. While the app offers GPS information integration, providing details like latitude, longitude, altitude, accuracy, time, and user comments, the advisory sheds light on its extensive permissions. These include access to precise locations, content manipulation on SD cards, advertising ID permission, running foreground services, Google Play license check, full network access, and more.
Government officials and employees are strongly advised to refrain from using NoteCam Lite- GPS Memo Camera and its pro version, NoteCam Pro-Photo with notes. The advisory explicitly states that the use of this app may be treated as prohibited, cautioning individuals against capturing images of sensitive civil, military, and critical installations and their surroundings.
