Hello there
I'm about to strip my system of any useless (for me) function and/or app and restrict every possible spying activity.
I messed around with the system and deactived alot of bulk and spam. I also restricted all the stupid triggers with autostarts.
Don't know If anyone saw all the things going on behind the surface, using all the following things to analyse:
I'm using several apps to do so. Xprivacy, Android Firewall, Autostarts, Root Cleaner, Android Tuner, Root Uninstaller, LBE-Security Master and Root Explorer.
So my question to someone with experience is:
What exactly does the google play and also the google framework needs to work properly ?
Would be nice to know that.
cya
seems to be a big secret... ? I think, there are several commands in this play store like, if this app or this function does not get X, return "no connection", even if it got its connection...
no one knows ?
I think it is important to know...
I hope that this is not the wrong place for my post.
I am trying to protect an apk from being copied/extracted/backed up off the phone and installed later, on another phone.
I have to mention that the app is not (and will not be) for sale on PlayStore or on any web store, being sold along with the phone. This is why I can not use apk protection offered by GooglePlay, which is anyway cracked at his time.
But I want to take advantages on this situation: every single phone will pass trough my hands (I will install myself the app) before hitting users. How can I use this advantage in order to protect my app?
At this time my app is not visible in Running Apps drawer, is having a default Android icon and the name is disguised in something pretty innocent. GUI access by dialing a code. No worries, is not malware but only a security app regarding GSM connection security.
Also, is running as a system app, which make it invisible for apps like Astro file manager, thus impossible to copy/back up by such file manager apps. Unfortunately there are a bunch of system app managers, that can convert a system app on user app, and then copying the apk file is easy.
I know that security sucks big time when it comes about Android OS, but I am determined to find a way to protect my app.
I know also that even a licensing scheme based on IMEI, WiFi MAC or Bluetooth MAC addresses can be bypassed by some skilled crackers. This values can be spoofed or even null.
I have tried apk encryption. Doesn't work: some apps supposed to encrypt other Android apps are actually encrypting only app libraries, not the apk file itself. By encrypting apk file, the app obviously will not work.
Code obfuscation is not an option as long the app can be duplicated off the phone and installed later on another phone.
The last idea that I had: pulling some app resources (like drawables) from a server. What do you think?
At this time I'm in a dead end. I have no more ideas how to protect my app. That's why I need your help. Can you give me please some feasible ideas, based on your huge experience?
Thank you very much for your time.
theres a thread
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2279813
where we're discussing about methods to protect apps from piracy u can post it there
Sent from my GT-S5302 using Tapatalk 2
Thanks
Thx a lot sak-venom1997.
I was rooting all my phones very soon after unboxing. I rooted S5 after 1 hour, S6 after 12 days (I was waiting until root is released). But now I'm going to not root my S7. Why?
Here are my reasons for root and answers why it isn't required root more:
Annoying sound when the phone starts.
With root you can delete the file.
Now is there no sound.
Annoying sounds when you start charging.
With root you can delete the file.
Now you can disable the sounds in settings.
Shutter sound in camera.
With root you cound modify custom.xml and new checkbox appeared in the application.
You can mute system sounds and the camera is quiet. Or you can do it by Tasker.
Adaway etc.
With root you can modify hosts file.
Now you can use Adblock for Internet application. If you need block ads also in applications, you can use this tool (paied): Adguard
Changing appearance
With root you can use e.g. circle battery icon etc.
I don't know full working solution without root. But it is very weak reason for losing warranty for me.
Network speed in notification bar
With root you cound use xposed module.
Without root you can use an application. But yes, the appearance is not soo impressive. Again, it isn't reason for loss of warranty
Blocking bloatware
With root you can use e.g. Titanium backup and freeze or uninstall any application.
Without root you can use Package Disabler Pro
Backup and restore applications and their settings
With root you can use TB
Without root seems Helium like very good solution.
High volume warning
With root you can disable it in xposed or flash custom ROM
I've found this application which brings a workaround: Hearing Saver It is not perfect but it works. You can also do it in Tasker. Check when an earphone is connected and then change media volume to maximum and immediately after that change it back. It works for me.
I agree that without root is the initial setting more laborious but KNOX 0 is good bonus for me.
Do you have any other reasons for root? With or without solution?
libb said:
Adaway etc.
With root you can modify hosts file.
Now you can use Adblock for Internet application. If you need block ads also in applications, you can use this tool (paied): Adguard
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Tried this, it didn't block ads in apps, only in the browser.
Blocking bloatware
With root you can use e.g. Titanium backup and freeze or uninstall any application.
Without root you can use Package Disabler Pro
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its a nice alternative, but deleting those applications is more satisfying
Backup and restore applications and their settings
With root you can use TB
Without root seems Helium like very good solution.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I haven't used the app before, but are you sure you can save data with the app or just the app?
Just tried it, it does restore data but it can't restore mms, only sms.
You can also use mybackup to backup and restore sms/mms without root https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.rerware.android.MyBackup&hl=en
But lets not forget about xposed + gravity box + any other useful modules, this is the biggest reason to root the phone. But the reasons you gave are definitely good alternatives for some people.
Multi window....
I had an awesome setup on my note 3. I can have my google maps navigation running and a split window with pocketcast or spotify on the bottom. That's how I would drive everywhere and it worked amazing for me.I coudl even pop over my text messages to the bottom if I was at a stop light.
Now, however, since pocketcast is not a multi-window supported app, I can no longer do this. Lame.
I want root so I can put xposed framework which lets me add any app I want into multiwindow mode.. Sigh
Greenify and xposed are consecutively a reason for me to root. Lucky patcher my top priority.
TehPirate_ said:
Greenify and xposed are consecutively a reason for me to root. Lucky patcher my top priority.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Xposed is gonna take time, they only recently fixed the samsung issue in 5.0 I believe, I do not use neither Greenify nor Lucky Patcher so I cant comment on them. [Tried lucky patcher, couldn't get through with it and greenify doesn't feel anything changed so i stopped using it]
I used stock roms with root, just to record my screen/audio. Do you know of a great free or paid, non-root screen recording app? Then I'll have no need to root as well
I kinda hope I will be able to use this phone without root at least for 6 months .... I held on with the GS1 over 2 months ... since then.... root was the first thing I did .... so hope I will find ways or workarounds not to root s7 immediatelly
peachpuff said:
Tried this, it didn't block ads in apps, only in the browser.
Its a nice alternative, but deleting those applications is more satisfying
I haven't used the app before, but are you sure you can save data with the app or just the app?
Just tried it, it does restore data but it can't restore mms, only sms.
You can also use mybackup to backup and restore sms/mms without root https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.rerware.android.MyBackup&hl=en
But lets not forget about xposed + gravity box + any other useful modules, this is the biggest reason to root the phone. But the reasons you gave are definitely good alternatives for some people.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
About ads, you have to wait a while until cache clears probably. I can confirm that it is working on wi-fi and also on 4G
Helium really restores also data.
About xposed etc (Gravity box isn't working on Samsung, or does?) the changes are too little for me.
HTCMDA said:
I used stock roms with root, just to record my screen/audio. Do you know of a great free or paid, non-root screen recording app? Then I'll have no need to root as well
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In games it should be albe to do in Game Tools. And I'm sure some applications are but I've never needed it.
battler624 said:
Xposed is gonna take time, they only recently fixed the samsung issue in 5.0 I believe, I do not use neither Greenify nor Lucky Patcher so I cant comment on them. [Tried lucky patcher, couldn't get through with it and greenify doesn't feel anything changed so i stopped using it]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know Lucky Patcher.
But I believe that there isn't any reason for using Greenify on MM.
I use root to delete unused system apps and free about 500-800mb of storage. I used xposed but can wait for it to be updated. I can not live without Adaway on my phone. If i have to i will just buy a rasberri pi and create a dns adblocker
The top reason for me is AFWall+ (firewall). I don't want apps gathering my data and sending it to HQ. Is there a non root alternative for this?
Vorsprung said:
The top reason for me is AFWall+ (firewall). I don't want apps gathering my data and sending it to HQ. Is there a non root alternative for this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Adguard has some firewall but I didn't investigated yet deeply. There is 7 days trial so you can try it.
Leeum said:
I use root to delete unused system apps and free about 500-800mb of storage.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For what? The system partition is a fixed size, and that space cannot be re-allocated to any other partition or accessed by the user. Deleting unused system apps frees up space you can't do anything with, so there literally is no more benefit than just disabling the apps.
Root dont make ya lose the hardware Warranty but the software....
BUT if ya know how to root your sphone, ya know how to fix software problems...
I always root all my devices and never lost my warranty when I needed to repair screen, usb charger, and any other hardware problems...
We can fix the other ones
root is available now as TWRP was released recently
http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-s7/development/recovery-official-twrp-herolte-t3333770
you just need to flash the latest SuperSU file
CafeKampuchia said:
For what? The system partition is a fixed size, and that space cannot be re-allocated to any other partition or accessed by the user. Deleting unused system apps frees up space you can't do anything with, so there literally is no more benefit than just disabling the apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ahh i see but then it still removes the possibility of any of the uninstalled apps of running to hopefully improve battery life and more free ram
Leeum said:
Ahh i see but then it still removes the possibility of any of the uninstalled apps of running to hopefully improve battery life and more free ram
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Disabled apps don't run, don't use any battery, and don't consume any RAM. Seriously, there is absolutely zero benefit to deleting them, but do whatever you want.
I need root for
Adaway
Lower the dpi (its way too high)
Anything else is just a nice bonus
kenjiwing said:
I need root for
Adaway
Lower the dpi (its way too high)
Anything else is just a nice bonus
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Both is possible without root
Noticed on my samsung device that is slowing down that this is running/trying to keep open network communications.
Sounds like one of those things I dont use. How to stop it?
Is it a system app or thrid party app.
you do not give enough information so we can tell you how to remove or disable it.
there is no more info, it isnt an "app" i can find persay, but a process running with a suspicious name, and its probably system as many other threads seem to think it is.
you can stop it but you may have to root your phone. As you know rooting will void the warranty.
you will need access to the system files to disable.
I do not know if you can access it without rooting.
cant root samsung devices that are locked down or i wouldn't be wasting my time on here.
so what is this garbage and how did it get turned on in the first place?
might be the face recognition for the camera take?
I know this thread is a few months old, but did you ever find more info on FaceProvider? From what I've read, it's definitely a system thing (not sure if it's a legit app) and it isn't anything suspicious. I guess it's something exclusive to Samsung devices, because Sammy owners seem to be the only ones that talk about it. I read in another thread that it may control certain stock gallery functions, and disabling it may make your gallery app act funny. You should be good if you use a 3rd party gallery app, though. The reason I'm interested in FaceProvider is it supposedly allows certain apps to block screenshots. Apparently if you disable or enable FaceProvider (the thread wasn't clear which) you can bypass screenshot blocks. However, I'm running a custom rom on my rooted Note 5, and I don't see that I have FaceProvider anywhere on my device. So I'm trying to find a way to download and install it. Just thought I'd share what I know about it with you, and ask if you've learned anything about it.
Hi All,
While installing Modded apps from Mobilism or any other forums first I used to scan at VirusTotal. If it shows below 3 or 4 detection then I would install app in my phone.
But I have doubt from many days, Is it enough to detect the both virus, malware and Data leakages like IMEI.
How to scan and analyze the APK file before installing and make sure it is safe to use on our device.
Is there any chance that modded apps uploading in forums can transmit our data like photos and videos to private servers? Can we know that by scan and analyzing the APK?
Please help me to know these details.
How to check these details of app behaviour?
I think look at permission of these apks with original apk, to more look at deep, isnt it?