Related
Originally I was on stock 2.1 rooted with the official update and ad-free android was working fine. The other day I used kies mini to get the official 2.2 froyo update as per tmobile's instructions, then I re-rooted with super one click. All my root only apps are working fine and able to get SU permissions, including ad-free android. I run ad-free android like I always have and it just doesn't block any ads at all, neither in apps or on the web.
I've search the forums for days but can't make sense of any of the threads that seem related.
Hoping someone can put me on the right track.
So far I have tried:
1. Reverting, and redownloading/reapplying hosts. (Within ad-free android.)
2. Uninstalling, rebooting, and reinstalling.
And to summarize my state, I'm stock 2.2 with root and the only root apps I have are wifi tether, barnacle and ad-free android and they all report getting superuser permissions successfully.
It was doing this for me too. I would check for host updates but it would say they are the latest and still would not.block ads. A reinstall, update of hosts file and reboot worked for me though.
So I have to play devils advocate but why block the ad's. I realize that they can be annoying but after listening to droid cast and following some of the app dev's on twitter I can say that I no longer use them.
Biggest reason to not use an ad blocker is to support your dev's otherwise they go to the apple side to make more money.
But anyway like the other user said make sure you have the most up todate files. then It will work.
also tried:
3: settings/manage apps/clear data
-Uninstall, reboot, reinstall, redownload/apply hosts
-reboot, still ads
hazard99 said:
So I have to play devils advocate but why block the ad's. I realize that they can be annoying but after listening to droid cast and following some of the app dev's on twitter I can say that I no longer use them.
Biggest reason to not use an ad blocker is to support your dev's otherwise they go to the apple side to make more money.
But anyway like the other user said make sure you have the most up todate files. then It will work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I want to block ads on websites primarily, and also block ads in angry birds, which I've already paid for on iPod touch.
But ya I tried all that and it still doesn't block ads. It's very weird. It says it's all set and up to date, but no ads anywhere are blocked.
hazard99 said:
So I have to play devils advocate but why block the ad's. I realize that they can be annoying but after listening to droid cast and following some of the app dev's on twitter I can say that I no longer use them.
Biggest reason to not use an ad blocker is to support your dev's otherwise they go to the apple side to make more money.
But anyway like the other user said make sure you have the most up todate files. then It will work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep, I only care about ads on websites that are misplaced and horribly annoying (flash ad's come to mind). I don't mind having ad's in apps/games that are free.
I use adblock + flashblock on Firefox because of my reasons above, however I do let ad's on certain sites load to support the site owner (xda and teamwhiskey sites for example). I don't mind ad's like google adsense which aren't really annoying, but some sites just overkill on the ad's and force me to block them.
I think I figured it out, my /system directory was 100% full.
I used root uninstaller (free from market, by "android text") to remove telenav gps then reinstalled ad-free and now it's all good.
Hope it helps someone else.
This begs the question though as to why my /system is 100% full.
As the title reads, is this a problem? If so how do you keep your phone safe?
Sent from my SCH-I500 using XDA App
I've never had a virus. If you are worried though, I recommend Lookout from the market.
I second lookout..i even pay for lookout
Sent from my SCH-I500 using XDA App
Not that I always check, but a virus cant get on you phone by browsing naughty sites (like PCs). Typically, I dont think we can even call them viruses, its more like malware or malicious apps. The only way these can get on your device is if you install them... and before the app installs, the installer TELLS you what the apps can do.
Basically, if you want to install some pretty Asian wallpaper and the installer says: Accesses Contacts; Accesses SDCard; Accesses Internet; etc; etc.. then chances are its a baaadddd ju-ju application. User comments will filter out bad apps pretty quickly too. Stay away from 3rd party app sites. The only ones you should trust is Google and the upcoming Amazon markets.
Beware of what you install...and be cautious of 3rd party apks
Thanks for the info.
Is it recommended to keep the settings-->applications-->unknown sources box unchecked?
I would unless you completely understand the 3rd party APK.
bwheelies said:
Thanks for the info.
Is it recommended to keep the settings-->applications-->unknown sources box unchecked?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is for apps you snag off the net that aren't sported on the market for whatever reason. I have mine checked but I only download from trusted sites and am aware of what it is. If you don't have any intentions to download out side of the market, then it doesn't matter.
Use droidWall to block network access for specific apps you feel not confortable.
There are no viruses for smartphones, if something to download or install bricks your phone its not because its a virus, ever. Antivirus apps are just a way to make money and/or advertise.
Sent from my stock 2.1
unrooted, fully bloated (for now) Fascinate
Hello XDA
I've written a security guide I have posted to quite a few Android communities/forums. This guide is intended for new users to Android so probably doesn't apply to anyone here. But I do think Android users deserve solid advice from the experts and with all the media scare tactics going around, now more than ever.
However, I was hoping that if some Devs had the time, they could give some of it a quick read. I'm hoping to get a more informed developer opinion on whether I missed anything or am mis-representing something or another. I'd like to make sure that my information is as accurate as possible, and since Android is a community thang, I figure why not ask some other devs if they want to have a look and chime in.
The one topic I havent really yet covered is rooting, so I know at least that much is missing.
Thanks in advance and please feel free to post all feedback -- positive/negative/or your favorite cheesecake recipe.
=================================
Background about Android
The first thing when understanding the security of your phone is to know a little bit about what makes it tick. Android is a 'lite' version of Linux with most applications that you download from the market written in Java.
The reason that this is important to know is that it means Android is very unlikely to ever get a 'virus' in the traditional sense. Part of the reason why is because Linux is a fairly secure operating system that protects various parts of itself from other parts. This is similar to how Windows has admin accounts and limited user accounts. Because of this protection, applications downloaded from the market do not have access to anything by default. You must grant them permission for each activity they want to perform when they are installed. This is a very important point which we will address a bit later. Also due to some bad choices by Google, there are a few exceptions to this rule that we'll talk about in the permissions section.
Nevertheless, while Android is very unlikely to get a 'virus', that does not mean you are completely safe from 'malware', 'spyware', or other harmful types of programs.
Types of Dangerous Programs
Probably the biggest/most common threats from applications on Android are:
1) When the developer/app tricks the user into giving the app permissions it does not need to do its job
2) When the app hides malicious code behind legitimate permissions.
3) When the app tricks the user into entering in personal information or sensitive data (such as a credit card number)
There are various ways malicious developers (also knowns as hackers or crackers) accomplish this. We'll briefly define each kind just to have a common understanding of the terms.
Malware
Malware generally is an all-encompassing term used to describe any harmful program. This includes spyware, viruses, and phishing scams (sometimes).
Spyware
Spyware is used to describe software or applications that read your information and data without you actually knowing it and reporting it back to some unknown third party for nefarious purposes. Often times this includes keystroke loggers to steal passwords or credit card information. Some people include certain types of Advertising tracking in this category (sometimes called Adware, see below). However that's a much larger debate we wont cover here.
Phishing
Phishing and spyware are closely related. They work on a similar principle: tricking the user and sending user information to a 3rd party to steal it. The difference with phishing however, is that the application (or website) will pretend to be from a trusted source to try and 'trick' you into entering in your details. Contrastly spyware would try to hide itself from being known to the user. One way to think about the difference is that phishing is masquerading while spyware is hiding, but the end goal of stealing your data is the same.
An example of this would be a app or website pretending to be affiliated with your bank or Paypal or your email provider (Gmail, Hotmail, Yahoo). However it can, and does, include any service where someone might want to steal your identity or password.
There have been known successfull phising attacks releated to at least one bank on Android.
Virus
The definition of virus used to be more all-encompassing. These days that term has been replaced by malware. Virus is more typically used to describe a specific type of software that takes control of your operating system and either damages it, or uses it for its own purposes. An example might be when a virus send emails to everyone in your email address book. Again this is the type of program least likely to be a problem for Android.
Trojan Horse
A trojan horse is really just a specific type of virus. It merely refers to the idea that the app pretends to be something useful or helpful or fun for the user while actually causing harm or stealing data. This term is often used to describe spyware and phishing attacks as well.
Adware
Adware is typically a bit of a grey area. Sometimes this is also called nuisance-ware. This type of application will often show the users an excessive amount of advertising in return for providing a service to the user of dubious quality. However, this type of program can often be confused with legitimate ad-supported software, which shows a mild to moderate amount of advertising while providing a useful service that the user wants. Because it can be hard to tell the difference, there exists a grey area from most anti-virus companies as to how to handle adware.
Warez
This is a term you'll sometimes hear referring to 'pirated' or unlicensed software. Often times warez forums and websites will offer "free apps" or "apks" (Android Package).
Don't be fooled by these sites, and do NOT download these files and load them to your phone. These files are stolen from the real developers by unscrupulous people who have no regard for the work put into apps by the developers, or the law. Often times they will even try making money off of the advertising on their "warez" forums. They are profiteers that do the entire Android community a great disservice, and hurt the developers. Furthermore this is very often the most popular 'vector' (method) of attack that malware writers use. Some go as far as stealing apps and putting them on the Android Market itself under different names.
If you are a user that cannot access the paid Android Market, there are alternatives these days. The most trustworthy markets (in my opinion) are the following:
- Android (Google) Market
- Amazon Appstore
- SlideMe
- Archos AppsLib
- AndAppStore (possibly)
- AndroidTapp (possibly)
- Verizon's Market (not sure if this is live yet)
- Motorola's Market (not sure if live or where, might be focused on Latin America?)
Other than these markets, I would not advise anyone to download and install an app from anywhere else.
However there are a few exceptions related to open source. These are places that independent developers can upload free and/open source apps. They don't guarantee your safety (nothing does) but they are not warez sites and are much more likely to be safe.
Open source or free apps: (very likely safe, not warez)
- XDA Developers
- Googlecode
- GitHub
How to Protect Yourself
There are no full-proof ways to avoid all bad situations in the world, but any sane person with a reasonable head on their shoulders knows that a few good habits can keep you safe for a long, long time in whatever you do. Here are a few tips I have learned from many years as a professional software developer and from reading these forums that have many people smarter and more knowledgeable than I about Android
Read the comments in the Market
This should go without saying. Before you download any applications, be sure to read the comments. Don't just read the first three either, click through and see what people are saying. This can also help you understand how well an app work on your particular phone or your particular version of Android. Comments should also be read EVERY time you update an app.
Check the Rating
Any app that fails to maintain abpve 2.5 stars is likely not worth your time. If you are brave enough to be one of the first few to download an app, this does not apply to you. Nevertheless almost all good apps have between 3 and 5 stars. To me, this is just a general rule to help find quality apps.
Check the permissions
There are many things an app can do to, and for, your phone. But anything an app can do is told to you when you download and install it. Before you download and install an app, you will be shown a list of permissions the application is requesting. Read them. Try your best to understand them in terms of what the application is supposed to do for you. For example, if you download a game of checkers, and the Market warns you that it wants to be able to read your contacts, you should think twice and probably not download it. There is no sane reason a game of checkers needs to know your friend's phone numbers.
To see the permissions given to an application after installation, go to the Market, press [menu], then [downloads] or [my apps], then select the app, press [menu] again, then press [security].
Below I have a list of some of the most commonly used permissions. The list has explanations of how important they are, what they do, and what types of apps might legitimately need them. This should help you get a basic understanding of what to allow and when to skip an app. Please feel free to ask about a permission or let me know if I have missed any.
Check the developer's website
Make sure the developer has a website and not just some Wordpress blog. This is often again a good indication of quality as well as safety. If the developer cares about their app they will likely have a relatively nice looking website or, if they are open source, a site on Google Code. Note: sites on Google code are NOT verified or approved by Google. However, open source is usually (but not always) more likely to indicate a safe application.
NOTE: This is not definitive indicator if a developer is good or bad, just one more peice of information you can use. Their are a lot of exceptions to this particular rule, as a lot of Good devs might not have anything more than a Blogger blog, and a lot of bad devs could just point to a nice looking site they have no affiliation with. However, the developer's website can be helpful just as an extra peice of information you can use in making your decision about the developer or app.
Updating applications is the same as installing them fresh
Each time you update an application on your phone, you should use the same diligence as if you were installing it for the first time. Reread the permissions to see that it is only asking for what it needs and no more. Reread the comments to see if anything has changed in the opinions of the users and to see if it still works for your phone. If you see that an application says Update (manual) next to it, that means the developer has CHANGED the permissions they are requesting from the version you have on your phone. This is not necessarily a bad thing -- but it should indicate that you should pay a bit closer attention to the permissions and re-evaluate them as needed.
If you are still unsure, ask around -- the community is your anti-virus
If you see an app you want, but it seems to be asking for more permissions that it should, or it's comments and ratings are mediocre, go ahead and ask about the app in these (and other) forums. You will often find dozens if not more people who know the answers and another whole bunch wishing to know the answers to the same questions you have.
I can't stress this point enough. This is the best part about Android. The community are usually the first to identify any Malware or dangerous programs, and are the best resource for finding quality apps.
Beware the Sockpuppets, Shills, and Spammers
However, like anything, don't believe everything you read. Someone who comes into a forum telling you an app is the "best" may be what's referred to as a sockpuppet or shill. I tend to be wary of people with low post counts, or who have unreasonably high praise for what seems a simple app, or anyone using the word "best" in a forced context.
Now these people are not all bad, some may just be excited, or not speak english as their first language. But it's common for sockpuppets to use the term "best" to try and get better search rankings on Google. Saying things like "Best Android App" "Best GPS." Other tell-tale signs include when they mention software for iPhone or other platforms without actually answering questions. Or just generally seem like their post is out of context or overly general (think about how horoscopes are made for everyone to relate to them). I often get spam on my blog that says things like "best blog post! love your writing style, you put things in perspective for me" which makes no sense when my blog was about my new app.
This is a fine line a very much a grey area though. Sometimes it can be very hard to tell if someone is a spammer. If you see a post or comment in the market you suspect is spam on a forum, report it to the mods, don't reply and start an argument.
Posting your own comments
After you have downloaded an app you can post you own comments. The comment will be visible to all other android users but it will only show your first name. To do this go into the Market and press [menu] > [downloads]. You should see five empty stars at the top which you can tap to rate the app. Once you have rated the app you should see an option to add a comment under the stars.
Being a good user
While this guide is about security, I think it's important to point out how to be a good user too. Android is a community and stems from open source and will only ever be as good as both it's developers and it's users.
So, if an app is crashing on you, try emailing the developer before uninstalling and posting an angry comment. Anything you post in the market will stay even if you have uninstalled the app, and you could do serious harm to a developer's reputation if you post very negative comments.
If you think the developer just made a mistake, or didnt support your phone, work with them. If they are unhelpful, then you can consider giving them a bad rating. This is especially true for free apps in the market. Remember that you, as a user are not "entitled" to perfect free apps. Most developers do not have Google's enginnering and QA team backing them up and even Google makes mistakes.
And while it's frustrating when things don't work, imagine how frustrating it is when you put long hours into something but make a mistake -- and then because of that mistake you can never fix the damage done by a rude commenter.
What does Google do to protect us?
Unfortunately at the moment, not a lot. They do police the market to a small extent and investigate any reports of malware. They several instances of Malware and actually remotely uninstalled the applications from users phones.
However, the Market is not like the Apple App Store or Amazon Appstore, there is no screening of applications before they are posted to the market. There are no draconian procedures or lengthy approval processes that developers have to go through to post applications. All that a developer needs to do is to 'digitally self sign' his or her application before posting it. This helps Google track any developers with ill intent, but it's just a way to manage malware after it is discovered.
What about Wi-Fi?
One of the things to remember when trying to keep yourself safe is to be very careful with public Wi-Fi. Whenever you connect to the internet through a public Wi-Fi you should never use any website that requires a password to sign into. The danger here is because you have no idea who is connecting you to the website your are trying to connect to. A good analogy would be like trying to mail a letter to your friend by giving it to a stranger in the street.
[guide continues below]
Permissions
When you install an application the Market will tell you all of the permissions it needs to function. These are important to read as it can give you an idea if the application is asking for permission to do more than it needs. While some legitimate apps often ask for more permission than they need, it should at least raise an eyebrow when deciding if an application is safe and of good quality.
NOTE: there are also some backwards compatibility decisions Google has made that will grant apps targeting 1.5 or earlier two permissions you may never see requested. It is my belief this is a security hole, but not a large one. The permissions are Read Phone State and Identity and Write/Delete files from the SD. I will elaborate on those below.
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Services that cost you money
make phone calls
This permission is of moderate to high importance. This could let an application call a 1-900 number and charge you money. However this is not a common to cheat people in today's world. Legitimate applications that use this include: Google voice and Google Maps
Services that cost you money
send SMS or MMS
This permission is of moderate to high importance. This could let an application send an SMS on your behalf, and much like the phone call feature above, it could cost you money. Certain SMS numbers work much like 1-900 numbers and automatically charge your phone company money when you send them an SMS.
Storage
modify/delete SD card contents
This permission is of high importance. This will allow the applications to read, write, and delete anything stored on your phone's SD card. This includes, pictures, videos, mp3s, and even data written to your SD card by other applications. However there are many legitimate uses for this permission. Many people want their applications to store data on the SD card, and any application that stores information on the SD card will need this permission. You will have to use your own judgment and be cautious with this permission knowing it is very powerful but very very commonly used by legitimate applications. Applications that typically need this permission include (but are not limited to): camera applications, video applications, note taking apps, backup applications.
WARNING: Any app targeting Android 1.5 or below (possibly 1.6 as well) will be granted this permission BY DEFAULT. And you may not ever be warned about it. It is important to pay attention to what version of Android an app is targeting to know if this permission is being granted. You can see this on the Market website in the right hand column.
Your personal information
read contact data, write contact data
This permission is of high importance. Unless an app explicitly states a specific feature that it would use your contact list for, there isn't much of a reason to give an application this permission. The one exception to that rule includes typing or note taking applications and/or quick-dial type applications. Those might require your contact information to help make suggestions to you as you type. Typical application that require this permission include: social networking apps, typing/note taking apps, SMS replacement apps, contact management apps.
Your personal information
read calendar data, write calendar data
This permission is of moderate to high importance. While most people would consider their calendar information slightly less important than their list of contacts and friends, this permission should still be treated with care when allowing applications access.
Phone calls
read phone state and identity
This permission is of moderate to high importance. Unfortunately this permission seems to be a bit of a mixed bag. While it's perfectly normal for an application to want to know if you are on the phone or getting a call, this permission also gives an application access to 2 unique numbers that can identify your phone. The numbers are the IMEI, and IMSI. Many software developers legitamately use these numbers as a means of tracking piracy though.
WARNING: Any app targeting Android 1.5 or below (possibly 1.6 as well) will be granted this permission BY DEFAULT. And you may not ever be warned about it. It is important to pay attention to what version of Android an app is targeting to know if this permission is being granted. You can see this on the Market website in the right hand column.
Your location
fine (GPS) location
While not a danger for stealing any of your personal information, this will allow an application to track where you are. Typical applications that might need this include (but are not limited to) restaurant directories, movie theater finders, and mapping applications. This can sometimes be used for location based services and advertising.
Your location
coarse (network-based) location
This setting is almost identical to the above GPS location permission, except that it is less precise when tracking your location. This can sometimes be used for location based services and advertising.
Network Communication
create Bluetooth connection
Bluetooth (Wikipedia: Bluetooth - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia) is a technology that lets your phone communicate wirelessly over short distances. It is similar to Wi-fi in many ways. It itself is not a danger to your phone, but it does enable a way for an application to send and receive data from other devices. Typical applications that would need bluetooth access include: Sharing applications, file transfer apps, apps that connect to headset out wireless speakers.
Network Communication
full internet access
This is probably the most important permission you will want to pay attention to. Many apps will request this but not all need it. For any malware to truly be effective it needs a means by which to transfer data off of your phone, this is one of the setting it would definitely have to ask for.
However, in this day and age of cloud computing and always-on internet connectivity, many, many legitimate applications also request this.
You will have to be very careful with this setting and use your judgment. It should always pique your interest to think about whether your application needs this permission. Typical applications that would use this include but are not limited to: web browsers, social networking applications, internet radio, cloud computing applications, weather widgets, and many, many more. This permission can also be used to serve Advertising, and to validate that you app is licensed. (See DRM for more info).
Network communication
view network state, view Wi-Fi state
This permission is of low importance as it will only allow an application to tell if you are connected to the internet via 3G or Wi-Fi.
System tools
Prevent phone from sleeping
This is almost always harmless. An application sometimes expects the user to not interact with the phone directly sometimes, and as such would need to keep the phone from going to sleep so that the user can still use the application. Many applications will often request this permission. Typical applications that use this are: Video players, e-readers, alarm clock 'dock' views and many more.
System tools
Modify global system settings
This permission is pretty important but only has the possibility of moderate impact. Global settings are pretty much anything you would find under Android's main 'settings' window. However there are a lot of these setting that are perfectly reasonable for an application to want to change. Typical applications that would use this include: Volume control widget, notifications, widgets, settings widgets.
System tools
read sync settings
This permission is of low impact. It merely allows the application to know if you have background data sync (such as for Facebook or Gmail) turned on or off.
System tools
Write Access Point name settings
I need a bit of clarification on this setting myself. I believe this relates to turning on and off wifi and your 3G data network. (if someone can comment and clarify I would greatly appreciate it and update this guide to reflect). Essentially however I believe this to be similar to the 'modify global settings' permission above.
System tools
automatically start at boot
This permission is of low to moderate impact. It will allow an application to tell Android to run the application every time you start your phone. While not a danger in an of itself, it can point to an applications intent.
System tools
restart other applications
This permission is of low to moderate impact. It will allow an application to tell Android to 'kill' the process of another application. However that application should have the option of immediately restarting itself.
System tools
retrieve running applications
This permission is of moderate impact. It will allow an application to find out what other applications are running on your phone. While not a danger in an of itself, it would be a useful tool for someone trying to steal your data. Typical legitimate applications that require this permission include: task killers and battery history widgets.
System tools
set preferred applications
This permission is of moderate impact. It will allow an application to set the default application for any task in Android. For instance clicking on a hyperlink in your email will bring up a browser. However if you have more than one browser on your phone, you may want to have one set as your 'preferred' browser. Typical legitimate applications that require this permission include any applications that replace, compliment, or augment default Android functionality. Examples of this include web browsers, enhanced keyboards, email applications, Facebook applications and many more.
Hardware controls
control vibrator
This permission is of low importance (but could be lots of fun). As it states, it lets an app control the vibrate function on your phone. This includes for incoming calls and other events.
Hardware controls
take pictures
This permission is of low importance. As it states, it lets an app control the camera function on your phone.
Your accounts discover known accounts
This permission is of moderate importance. This allows the application to read what accounts you have and the usernames associated with them. It allows the app to interact with permission related to that account. An example would be an app that was restoring your contact, would discover your google account then sned you to Google's login screen. It doesnt actually get to see your password, but it gets to work with the account.
Development Tools read logs
This permission is of very high importance. This allows the application to read what any other applications have written as debugging/logging code. This can reveal some very sensistive information. There are almost no reasons an applications needs this permission. The only apps I might grant this permission to would be Google apps.
What Does it All Mean? This Sounds so Scary!
It might sound that way but it is not, by any means, scary. The power of the market is actually due to the fact that developers are free to post updates and applications much more quickly and easily. But despite the security risks that this model creates, there is an incredibly powerful deterrent to malware in the community itself. Lots of people on these boards and in the market eagerly try out new apps and report back the safety and quality.
Again, the community is your best anti-virus app.
last updated: March 23, 2011
This guide by Lost Packet Software is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.
Good post.
Yes, well written and informative. As a developer, it's good to get this information into user's hands who may not know how permissions work. And the author makes some good points on how to be safe without massive fear of EVER downloading an app
Thanks to OP for a nice article. Do you mind if I copy it and post it on my website? You can send me a PM. Of course, I will cite you as the original source
Thanks much guys,
@Rootstonian
Yes you can copy it, but copy the one from my site http://alostpacket.com/2010/02/20/how-to-be-safe-find-trusted-apps-avoid-viruses/ as it has a few less typos.
It is licensed under the creative commons license (no derivative works, must attribute to me). This means you are free to copy/republish but you have to copy the whole thing and not change it.
Well written and informative! Thanks.
Ok, thanks. I'll either copy it in its entirety or just use the link you provided if that's ok.
Regardless, you work will be properly cited
Again, well done.
thanks much guys.
Also curious if anyone has found any errors or inaccuracies or misrepresentations etc.
Brilliant post.
Will omniroms system apps have the same unnecessary and abusive permissions as stock roms and cyanogen mode roms have?
I'm quite concerned about privacy and whatever rom I use, be it stock, cyanogen mode or aosp, I have to restrict dozens of privacy related permissions.
And of course the device still works, which means that those perms weren't needed.
For example, I don't see why some system apps (I mean, not Google apps cuz I get rid of them but apps like systemui, settings, android system etc.) want to access my location, my contacts, my logs, my imei, my id, my serial number, my phone number, my provider, the list of accounts on the phone etc. eventhough they don't need it to work properly.
I guess that cyanogen mode doesn't have any other choice but to include what is to my opinion little more than spyware in the source, cuz if they didn't Google wouldn't allow them to use its material.
So what about omni roms? Will they be free from Google spyware or will they be enfeoffed to it?
unclefab said:
Will omniroms system apps have the same unnecessary and abusive permissions as stock roms and cyanogen mode roms have?
I'm quite concerned about privacy and whatever rom I use, be it stock, cyanogen mode or aosp, I have to restrict dozens of privacy related permissions.
And of course the device still works, which means that those perms weren't needed.
For example, I don't see why some system apps (I mean, not Google apps cuz I get rid of them but apps like systemui, settings, android system etc.) want to access my location, my contacts, my logs, my imei, my id, my serial number, my phone number, my provider, the list of accounts on the phone etc. eventhough they don't need it to work properly.
I guess that cyanogen mode doesn't have any other choice but to include what is to my opinion little more than spyware in the source, cuz if they didn't Google wouldn't allow them to use its material.
So what about omni roms? Will they be free from Google spyware or will they be enfeoffed to it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Those permissions are there so they can interact with other things in the system.
unclefab said:
Will omniroms system apps have the same unnecessary and abusive permissions as stock roms and cyanogen mode roms have?
I'm quite concerned about privacy and whatever rom I use, be it stock, cyanogen mode or aosp, I have to restrict dozens of privacy related permissions.
And of course the device still works, which means that those perms weren't needed.
For example, I don't see why some system apps (I mean, not Google apps cuz I get rid of them but apps like systemui, settings, android system etc.) want to access my location, my contacts, my logs, my imei, my id, my serial number, my phone number, my provider, the list of accounts on the phone etc. eventhough they don't need it to work properly.
I guess that cyanogen mode doesn't have any other choice but to include what is to my opinion little more than spyware in the source, cuz if they didn't Google wouldn't allow them to use its material.
So what about omni roms? Will they be free from Google spyware or will they be enfeoffed to it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Out of the box, there's no "spyware" that anyone is aware of in Android. If you install Google Apps, you are giving those apps these permissions obviously.
If you don't use Gapps (like me), then you should be fine - you can check what each app does in its own source code.
I am also looking into ways to help protect against spying third party software you install (ie. apps a user installs), for those who want added protection.
I work as a security researcher, so yes, I do care quite a bit about security, and excessive permissions is a life-long hate of mine There are no gapps when you install Omni, so you'll be safe. For those who want them, they can flash them.
What I meant with spyware is not what one usually calls spyware, but I didn't have any other term to refer to it.
What I wanted to say it's that system apps (not Google apps like gmail or gtalk but system apps like phone, android system, systemui etc.) have intrusive, and unnecessary, permissions. When I say unnecessary I mean it, cuz I block or spoof them without my phone to have any problem. I know it's not the devs' fault but Google's, who likes to know what we do, who and where we are, and thus releases android updates full of spying system apps.
So then I wanted to know if Omni's system apps will be free from such perms, since the source comes from Google.
Until cm7 it was possible to block perms directly from the app manager, but I guess Google got annoyed at it and obliged the cm team to remove that function.
Whatever rom we use now, we are left with system apps spying on us, and that's why I call them spyware.
Cuz for me apps that want to know where I am, what contacts I have, what numbers I have called, my phone number, my imei etc, eventhough they don't need it, are in a way spywares. For instance look at the framework-res.apk (android system), every time we connect to the internet it calls home (I've checked, the address is Google inc, mountain view, CA). Look at the perms the systemui or the phone apk have, it's insane! Not to mention all the other system apps that want to access the /proc folder, our serial number and the like. Oh yeah, I nearly forgot fusedlocation.apk, Google's latest spyware since 4.2.2, that one can't uninstall or freeze or block.
I do not use Google apps, and I do use apps like Xprivacy or af+wall, but still, it annoys me to always have to play cat and mouse, and it annoys me that the android system always calls Google when I connect to the internet. Not that I'm an internationally wanted terrorist, but hey, privacy is privacy!
The thing is that future android updates will be more and more filled with such spyware (above mentioned fusedlocation.apk being the perfect example), and I hope that devs will find a way to bypass it.
That's why when I saw an announcement about Omnia I came to see if it will be better than cm privacy wise, and to give some suggestions about privacy and permissions...
unclefab said:
What I meant with spyware is not what one usually calls spyware, but I didn't have any other term to refer to it.
What I wanted to say it's that system apps (not Google apps like gmail or gtalk but system apps like phone, android system, systemui etc.) have intrusive, and unnecessary, permissions. When I say unnecessary I mean it, cuz I block or spoof them without my phone to have any problem. I know it's not the devs' fault but Google's, who likes to know what we do, who and where we are, and thus releases android updates full of spying system apps.
So then I wanted to know if Omni's system apps will be free from such perms, since the source comes from Google.
Until cm7 it was possible to block perms directly from the app manager, but I guess Google got annoyed at it and obliged the cm team to remove that function.
Whatever rom we use now, we are left with system apps spying on us, and that's why I call them spyware.
Cuz for me apps that want to know where I am, what contacts I have, what numbers I have called, my phone number, my imei etc, eventhough they don't need it, are in a way spywares. For instance look at the framework-res.apk (android system), every time we connect to the internet it calls home (I've checked, the address is Google inc, mountain view, CA). Look at the perms the systemui or the phone apk have, it's insane! Not to mention all the other system apps that want to access the /proc folder, our serial number and the like. Oh yeah, I nearly forgot fusedlocation.apk, Google's latest spyware since 4.2.2, that one can't uninstall or freeze or block.
I do not use Google apps, and I do use apps like Xprivacy or af+wall, but still, it annoys me to always have to play cat and mouse, and it annoys me that the android system always calls Google when I connect to the internet. Not that I'm an internationally wanted terrorist, but hey, privacy is privacy!
The thing is that future android updates will be more and more filled with such spyware (above mentioned fusedlocation.apk being the perfect example), and I hope that devs will find a way to bypass it.
That's why when I saw an announcement about Omnia I came to see if it will be better than cm privacy wise, and to give some suggestions about privacy and permissions...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If there's anything that you've found like "call home" routines, please let us know - they will be looked at and removed if necessary.
Totally agree with you on privacy though here. It's very important. I have some ideas to go further than CM, but it's all ideas for now.
pulser_g2 said:
Out of the box, there's no "spyware" that anyone is aware of in Android. If you install Google Apps, you are giving those apps these permissions obviously.
If you don't use Gapps (like me), then you should be fine - you can check what each app does in its own source code.
I am also looking into ways to help protect against spying third party software you install (ie. apps a user installs), for those who want added protection.
I work as a security researcher, so yes, I do care quite a bit about security, and excessive permissions is a life-long hate of mine There are no gapps when you install Omni, so you'll be safe. For those who want them, they can flash them.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Question here, if you do not use gapp what exactly do you use? I mean you need ways to download apps right? so you only install the playstore and call it a day or what?
mgbotoe said:
Question here, if you do not use gapp what exactly do you use? I mean you need ways to download apps right? so you only install the playstore and call it a day or what?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you want to keep only the play store you can, but you will have to keep the Google service framework as well, and maybe the Google log in.
@pulser_g2
my phone is very well protected, and skinned to the extreme (like only 20 or so remaining system apps), so for now the only app that performs a call home routine is the android system. But if I disable all the protections then the wlan test, the settings and the settings storage do call home as well. I guess other system apps would do it as well, but since I've uninstalled more than 150 of them I can't tell which ones.
One can check by oneself using this:
http://www.xda-developers.com/android/monitor-your-devices-network-connections/
and this:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/...dium=organic&utm_term=network+log+google+play
Regarding android system's home call routine, could you please point me at a tutorial explaining how to disable it (I searched the web but couldn't find anything)? I'm not a dev, but I'm not bad at modding
I'm happy to see that you are more privacy concerned than cm, and when Omnia gets released I think I will try to make a build for my galaxy grand i9082 (cuz there's not much development going on for that device)...
When it comes to my phone (GS4 SGH-M919) I am extremely serious about what's running or installed and why. There is nothing installed on my phone that I didn't personally install or allow to run. I like a nice clean phone with nothing wasting resources. I'm sure I'm not alone in this way of thinking, so I ask, what are you guys doing to minimize apps and wasted services running? How are you keeping your phone running at it's absolute best?
Uninstall anything that isn't important to the correct operation of the phone.
Freeze or greenify anything that you don't want constantly running in the background (like Google play or Facebook+Facebook messenger).
I'm the same in my mindset I don't like background processes running when I don't have a use for them right there and then. I freeze a few apps with titanium, I have everything that's not related to downloading, playing or streaming music greenified. I always have sync off and run AFwall+ controlling internet access. sometimes if a free app needs net access I'll try hunting for it's ads processes with this http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=cn.wq.disableservice
I really wish they'd start allowing users to have more control or total control over their devices without using 3rd party apps. Especially with high-end devices. When are they going to learn that we don't want unneeded apps and functionality ramed down our throats. I guess they still believe that even though we bought the device, it still belongs to them.
Tommy807 said:
I really wish they'd start allowing users to have more control or total control over their devices without using 3rd party apps. Especially with high-end devices. When are they going to learn that we don't want unneeded apps and functionality ramed down our throats. I guess they still believe that even though we bought the device, it still belongs to them.
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Click to collapse
we are not the majority. it's more likely that instant updates arriving from facebook are valued more highly than comprehensive control of our device by most. I read that android device ownership is at 1 billion devices but XDAmembers is just over 7 million.
It's true, most people just care about the phone being able to send a text, but there's no reason all apps and services have to be locked down and not removable. That doesn't atfect the casual user. They choose to lock things down. They choose to make it so uninstalling trivial apps breaks the OS. Short of deleting OS files or drivers, they don't need to make it so my hands are tied.
I'm going to do what I want to do one way or another. All they're doing is pissing people off.
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lol, to be fair the whole trend of a separate Gapps package is all about giving us that choice in the first place. hell I didn't even have gmail in the last version I used.
I use the browser to check my email, and facebook, and xda, and pretty much every other website.
I would even use the browser for YouTube if it weren't for the OGYouTube app which allows me to download the videos.
If anyone is interested in combining the sms, Facebook messenger and WhatsApp apps into one single app, try Disa. It can replace all 3. Unfortunately you have to give up the chatheads of messenger.