Google 'flaw' puts users' details on display

The only reason this poses a security "threat" is because utility companies, banks, and other institutions use these "personal" bits of information like a password. And from what I hear, in the US your SSN's are used like this rather often as well.

I once had a long discussion with some call center manager about how using my DOB as a password to being able to cancel my account was hideously crappy and insecure, needless to say "its company policy" and there wasn't anything I could do to avoid it. (Yes I'm one of those people, but I really had nothing better to do and trolling some random call center staff is one of my favorite pastimes)

I probably should have put this nearer the top but oh well, to conclude, its not really a big deal, and hardly any different to any other commerce where you hand over this information along with your credit card. The only reason people are up and arms about it is because its too easy to get snagged by some identity thief uploading an seemingly legit application. In reality, there is easier ways to own someone in a targeted attack.

Simple solution: don't use your main google account for the play store, you can have multiple google accounts applied to android and pick and choose which to use for play store and which to use for gmail etc.

Next step would be for the app creator to login, see what they can use to create requests for other personal credentials. Facebook password reminder, they get in, then they have the user's DoB and family information (for those stupid companies still using "what's your mothers maiden name" password reminder questions).

You could probably do a fair chunk of damage, but that's all based off the fact that the user would have to be silly enough to still use the same password over multiple services. Yes I know... we've been telling them for far too long, but people still don't listen. They think that if their bank password and their email password are different then they are safe.