Privacy Policy
LinkShell is a remote-access client. Your saved connection profiles and optional passwords are stored locally on your device. LinkShell does not require an account and the developer does not operate a service that receives your SSH, SFTP, or RDP credentials. The app does use Google Mobile Ads, which collects certain device and usage information as described below.
1. Who we are
LinkShell (package com.pappuraj.linkshell) is provided by
Pappuraj Bhottacharjee ("we," "us," or "our"). Questions about this policy or
LinkShell's privacy practices may be sent to
info@pappuraj.com.
2. Information LinkShell handles
To provide its features, LinkShell may handle the following information:
- Connection information: profile name, protocol, host name or IP address, port, username, domain, authentication method, display and input preferences, favorite status, and last-connected time.
- Authentication information: passwords you enter for SSH, SFTP, or RDP and private-key files you select. Saving a password is optional.
- Remote-session content: terminal input and output, remote desktop display/input, and files or folders you choose to transfer through SFTP.
- Network-tool input and results: host names, IP addresses, ports, and reachability or scan results for systems you choose to test.
- App preferences: theme, keyboard mappings, pointer behavior, and related settings.
- Advertising data: data automatically collected by the Google Mobile Ads SDK, detailed in Section 5.
3. How we use information
LinkShell uses information to:
- save and organize connection profiles on your device;
- authenticate and establish connections to destinations you select;
- provide terminal, remote desktop, SFTP, and network-diagnostic features;
- remember your app and input preferences;
- allow you to export or import profile backups; and
- display, measure, and protect advertising through Google Mobile Ads.
4. Local storage, remote connections, and backups
Connection profiles and preferences are stored in LinkShell's private app storage. If you choose to save a password, it is encrypted using AES-GCM with a non-exportable key held by Android Keystore. Private-key files are accessed only when you select them for authentication.
SSH, SFTP, RDP, and network-tool traffic is sent directly between your device and the host or network destination you specify. That destination and its operator may process connection details and session content under their own policies; we do not control systems you choose to access.
LinkShell can create a portable JSON backup when you request one. The backup contains connection profile settings, but intentionally excludes saved passwords and private-key contents. You choose where the exported file is stored and are responsible for protecting and deleting it.
5. Advertising and third-party data collection
LinkShell displays banner and interstitial advertisements using the Google Mobile Ads SDK (AdMob), provided by Google. According to Google's disclosure for this SDK, it may automatically collect and share:
- your device's IP address, which may be used to estimate general location;
- app and ad interactions, such as app launches, taps, and ad views;
- diagnostic and performance information, such as launch time, hangs, and energy usage; and
- device or account identifiers, including the Android advertising ID, App Set ID, and other applicable identifiers.
Google uses this information for advertising, analytics, and fraud prevention. Data sent by the Google Mobile Ads SDK is encrypted in transit. Google's handling of this data is governed by the Google Privacy Policy and its information for sites and apps that use Google services. You can reset or delete your advertising ID through your Android device settings where supported.
6. Sharing of information
We do not sell your connection profiles, credentials, or remote-session content. Information may be disclosed only:
- to the remote systems you explicitly direct LinkShell to connect to;
- to Google through the Mobile Ads SDK as described in Section 5;
- when you direct the app to export a backup or transfer a file; or
- if required to comply with applicable law, legal process, or a valid governmental request.
7. Retention and deletion
Local profiles, credentials, trusted host information, and preferences remain on your device until you delete the relevant profile, clear LinkShell's app data, or uninstall the app. Deleting a profile also deletes its locally saved password. Session-only passwords are not intentionally retained after the session flow ends. Exported backup files remain wherever you saved them until you delete them.
LinkShell does not provide or require a developer-hosted user account, so there is no LinkShell cloud account to delete. Google determines the retention of advertising data it processes; consult Google's privacy resources and controls for more information.
8. Security
We use reasonable technical measures designed to protect locally stored information, including Android private app storage and Android Keystore-backed encryption for saved passwords. Network security also depends on the protocol, configuration, remote system, and network you use. No storage or transmission method can be guaranteed completely secure.
9. Children's privacy
LinkShell is a technical remote-access utility and is not directed to children under 13. We do not knowingly request personal information from children. If you believe a child has provided personal information through a service we control, contact us so we can review the concern.
10. International processing
Google and remote systems selected by you may process information in countries other than your own. Their privacy policies govern their processing and international transfers.
11. Changes to this policy
We may update this policy when LinkShell's features, data practices, or legal obligations change. We will publish the revised policy with a new effective date. Material changes may also be communicated through the app or its store listing when appropriate.
12. Contact us
Pappuraj Bhottacharjee
Email: info@pappuraj.com