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Hi everyone,
I see there are plenty of antiviruses for the android. Is viruses for the android very common? (Ie. Like windows virus is much more rampant vs macintosh?) What kind of precaution should we take to prevent our gadgets from being affected? (Ie. Downloading apps from untrusted sources? Via sms/email?) Is it really necessary to install an antivirus? If so, what is recommended?
Thank you!
Sent from my HTC Liberty using XDA App
manojsuper said:
I wouldn't get a virus scanner if I were you...they are pointless because the android system is possibly the most secure system in completion with the RIM Blackberry! Just make sure that every time you download an application that you are aware of the "permissions" that you are giving it and you should not get a virus anytime soon
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How is it the most secure system? There are apps out there that access things that they don't need to access, i'll give you a few examples:
Applications that I have installed that can track my location:
Alchemy
IMDb
Why would a GAME such as Alchemy NEED to track my location? Why would IMDb need to track my location?
Apps that can read my mobile number, serial number or other data:
Alchemy
Unblock Me Free
These apps listed are only apps that I don't see them needing to access what they have the ability to access. How many people do you think have alchemy and IMDb installed? It would be so so SO easy for someone to write a malicious app that looks legit..that's just my 2 cents...not saying it doesn't exist not saying it does...
Also, only reason I have an antivirus app is because I have lookout installed and the only reason I installed that is so if I lose my phone i can lock it remotely and wipe it if needed.
My Galaxy 1 was stolen from me in Feb, after that i went through a lent s3 and now proud owner of an s4 (i9500).
So i have two questions on this:
1) is there an equivalent for what a bios password is in a PC?
(have to go short something in hardware to bypass, only is asked upon powerup/hard reboot).
2) Is is technically possible for an app to lock on custom sim? (possibly modifying efs folder)
Thanks!
Abrojo said:
My Galaxy 1 was stolen from me in Feb, after that i went through a lent s3 and now proud owner of an s4 (i9500).
So i have two questions on this:
1) is there an equivalent for what a bios password is in a PC?
(have to go short something in hardware to bypass, only is asked upon powerup/hard reboot).
2) Is is technically possible for an app to lock on custom sim? (possibly modifying efs folder)
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://bit.ly/174zPh6
LeJolly said:
http://bit.ly/174zPh6
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Click to collapse
Thank you for patronizing me but that didnt answer my question, already been through pages of results when i previous galaxy was stolen (even tried locking from google play). None of the apps listed on a google search for locking and tracking do what i ask.
Centralized cloud based locking doesnt work (a blacklisted imei can get reinstated fairly easy), neither does the standard password Operating System level password.
Thats why i am asking for specific alternative ways of locking the phone that should be (if possible) more tampering resistant.
1) bios equivalent password.(requiering hardware shorting to bypass)
2) custom simlock
I use avast! free mobile security (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.avast.android.mobilesecurity&hl=en),
the anti-theft module has option to block the phone if the sim card is changed
LeJolly said:
http://bit.ly/174zPh6
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What a woeful answer. Try reading before you be a ****.
In answer, no there is nothing similar to a BIOS lock on Android phones, however like mist813 said, Avast is quite good. If you have root access you can install it as a system apk then even if the thief wipes your phone, it's still there.
You could also try lookout its free. Can do tracking, remote wipe and also takes a photo of anyone trying to unlock your phone.
I don't think there is anything that can prevent someone from just flashing a new firmware and wiping the phone completely.
Sent from my Nexus 10 using Tapatalk 2
I don't think there is an equivalent to BIOS lock in Android. I'm not sure if you tried Lookout or the native Samsung remote control under security settings. Both gives you the options to locate, lock, scream or wipe your data. I tried the locate and scream options and they work. Never tried lock or wipe, but they should also work! Now going to the fact of wether someone can bypass or overcome these security measures, then I personally think it's possible and whatever we do he can find a way to go around it depending on how smart and resourceful he is! If my phone is stolen, frankly speaking I won't waste my time trying to find it or just lock it. All what I'll care about is to wipe the data off, and hopefully these softwares will work if needed!
Sent from my SGS IV using Tapatalk 2
Abrojo said:
Thank you for patronizing me but that didnt answer my question, already been through pages of results when i previous galaxy was stolen (even tried locking from google play). None of the apps listed on a google search for locking and tracking do what i ask.
Centralized cloud based locking doesnt work (a blacklisted imei can get reinstated fairly easy), neither does the standard password Operating System level password.
Thats why i am asking for specific alternative ways of locking the phone that should be (if possible) more tampering resistant.
1) bios equivalent password.(requiering hardware shorting to bypass)
2) custom simlock
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay lets not be a **** this time.
1) There's nothing equivalent to that bios thing
2) http://stackoverflow.com/questions/...-the-device-on-removal-of-sim-card-or-sd-card
There are also apps that just notify you if sim card is changed for example this https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=instigate.simCardChangeNotifier&hl=fi
And of course there are some apps that let you remotely control your phone for example http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=7567932
Abrojo,
You don't really need a third-party app for this.
Please check out the Samsung Dive service. (www.samsungdive.com)
You can track your phone, lock it with a custom password, sound an alarm, etc...
The problem is, the phone needs to have Internet access.
I am using the Cerberus app (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.lsdroid.cerberus&hl=en)
This is the best rated Anti-theft app you can find for your Android.
a license costs 3USD if I remember correctly. With one license you can secure up to five Android phones.
Featuers:
Track your phone
Remote lock
Remote wipe
And a lot more options...
A couple of things that I think are extremely useful:
When a wrong password or pattern is drawn to unlock your phone, a picture is taken with the front camera and emailed to you together with the location of the phone.
When the SIM is swapped, you can configure up to three phone numbers that will receive an SMS with the new SIM card number and the location of the phone.
You can hide the app from the App Drawer.
Check it out... very useful
i use also cerberusapp 4 years now. everything is perfect. when u install as system app u can do everything.
Sent from my ThL W8 using xda premium
Apparently there is also rumors of LoJack already being built into these phones, with the possibility to activate it some time in the near future. Don't remember all the details, but I just read an article about that. Not being patronizing when I say it, but Google Galaxy S4 LoJack and look into it.
Also, I am on Verizon, and am testing out their mobile security app that is preinstalled. It's $1 a month, but they allow you to remotely lock your phone, wipe it, and track it should you lose it. I don't believe it embedded at the hardware level, but it is something that gives me a little piece of mind.
Edit: I went to switch to the Norton Mobile Security app, since I use it for all of my other devices, and discovered that the Verizon Mobile Security App - once activated - cannot be uninstalled, force stopped, you cannot clear the data, and you cannot disable it. In order to do so, I first have to go into my Verizon account online, sign in, and unsubscribe from the service. After realizing that, I have chosen to keep the Verizon security app, because it has that extra layer of security. Are there ways of bypassing that, I'm sure there are. But assuming that my phone is stolen by some low level thief and not some crazy high level criminal circuit, I should have no problem retrieving it.
Samsung Dive down?
I cant seem to have this page load up www.samsungdive.com
Is it down for you too?
Sm007hCriminal said:
I cant seem to have this page load up www.samsungdive.com
Is it down for you too?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's working with me.
Sent from my SGS IV using Tapatalk 2
(sorry about my chinglish )
So here's how:I locked my nexus10 and forgot the password, and I do not see the "Forgotten" button on the screen and also I didn't turn USB debugging mode on, so is there any possibility I can save my data instead of cleaning them up? Thank you (btw, I deleted the original recover files(because I once booted Ubuntu Touch on it) how can I reset it anyway?) Tanks a lot
EX_RIVER said:
(sorry about my chinglish )
So here's how:I locked my nexus10 and forgot the password, and I do not see the "Forgotten" button on the screen and also I didn't turn USB debugging mode on, so is there any possibility I can save my data instead of cleaning them up? Thank you (btw, I deleted the original recover files(because I once booted Ubuntu Touch on it) how can I reset it anyway?) Tanks a lot
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you have TWRP (not sure about Clockworkmod), "Factory Reset" will leave personal files on while clearing settings, custom apps, etc. FORTUNATELY, there is no way to bypass, other than resetting the device, the password for security reasons
dibblebill said:
If you have TWRP (not sure about Clockworkmod), "Factory Reset" will leave personal files on while clearing settings, custom apps, etc. FORTUNATELY, there is no way to bypass, other than resetting the device, the password for security reasons
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Pretty sure that's not true, strictly speaking. Unless OP is talking about encryption, flashing a new ROM over top will preserve most user data saved on /sdcard (much to my annoyance).
Rirere said:
Pretty sure that's not true, strictly speaking. Unless OP is talking about encryption, flashing a new ROM over top will preserve most user data saved on /sdcard (much to my annoyance).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are correct. I forgot that circumstance. TWRP specifically excludes the data/media area
Sent from my Samsung Galaxy Victory via XDA Developers App
dibblebill said:
You are correct. I forgot that circumstance. TWRP specifically excludes the data/media area
Sent from my Samsung Galaxy Victory via XDA Developers App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I mean, it's useful because if you flub a flash you can use a backup, but these recoveries are not secure and aren't designed to be.
EX_RIVER said:
(sorry about my chinglish )
So here's how:I locked my nexus10 and forgot the password, and I do not see the "Forgotten" button on the screen and also I didn't turn USB debugging mode on, so is there any possibility I can save my data instead of cleaning them up? Thank you (btw, I deleted the original recover files(because I once booted Ubuntu Touch on it) how can I reset it anyway?) Tanks a lot
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
USB debugging isn't required for ~all~ USB stuff, so you should try it anyways.
Then, as long as you still know your Google password you can install this to your Nexus, via the web (no log on to device actually needed):
http://www.androidlost.com/
I haven't actually tried or used that program, so cant say 100% it will work on N10 - but "in general" it seems like it should!
:good:
bigmatty said:
USB debugging isn't required for ~all~ USB stuff, so you should try it anyways.
Then, as long as you still know your Google password you can install this to your Nexus, via the web (no log on to device actually needed):
http://www.androidlost.com/
I haven't actually tried or used that program, so cant say 100% it will work on N10 - but "in general" it seems like it should!
:good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know if AndroidLost can unlock a device, and he doesn't seem to have lost it either. Unless an app had root/device admin access, I can't imagine that it would have the privileges necessary to remove authentication from a device (since that seems to be the pinnacle of bad security). Secure Settings + Tasker can do it, but you need to set that up beforehand.
Rirere said:
I don't know if AndroidLost can unlock a device, and he doesn't seem to have lost it either. Unless an app had root/device admin access, I can't imagine that it would have the privileges necessary to remove authentication from a device (since that seems to be the pinnacle of bad security). Secure Settings + Tasker can do it, but you need to set that up beforehand.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It says it can:
Lock the phone
You can lock and unlock the phone from the web. If you forget your pincode you can simply overwrite it or remove it from the web
bigmatty said:
It says it can:
Lock the phone
You can lock and unlock the phone from the web. If you forget your pincode you can simply overwrite it or remove it from the web
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think this means what you think it means (and I could be wrong). Many security apps like avast! offer a similar "locking" functionality, where the normal lockscreen (whatever security it is) is covered by a second lockscreen, superimposed over all system UI elements to prevent access. This lockscreen is controlled by the app, but it will not affect any underlying security (basically, think of it as a replacement lockscreen for security reasons, not much unlike HoloLocker or Go Launcher's lockscreen).
Rirere said:
I don't think this means what you think it means (and I could be wrong). Many security apps like avast! offer a similar "locking" functionality, where the normal lockscreen (whatever security it is) is covered by a second lockscreen, superimposed over all system UI elements to prevent access. This lockscreen is controlled by the app, but it will not affect any underlying security (basically, think of it as a replacement lockscreen for security reasons, not much unlike HoloLocker or Go Launcher's lockscreen).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know man, and like I said I've never tried it. But its a super popular app, and has been featured in write ups. On their main page it states that text, as the fifth "main feature" which seems pretty straight forward to mean "the main lock screen"...
bigmatty said:
I don't know man, and like I said I've never tried it. But its a super popular app, and has been featured in write ups. On their main page it states that text, as the fifth "main feature" which seems pretty straight forward to mean "the main lock screen"...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No good, sorry. You're right on one count-- I just tested it, and it does interact with the stock lockscreen. Unfortunately, as I said earlier, unless the app is granted root/device admin privileges, no Android app can change the stock lockscreen...and since OP can't get into his device, he can't grant it device admin.
Rirere said:
No good, sorry. You're right on one count-- I just tested it, and it does interact with the stock lockscreen. Unfortunately, as I said earlier, unless the app is granted root/device admin privileges, no Android app can change the stock lockscreen...and since OP can't get into his device, he can't grant it device admin.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nice on the testing! Too bad about the unlock. Perhaps he can still use it to offload his content though.
Did you try to "push" it to your device w/out installing it direct? I have wondered if I should pre-load this app on my devices, but "they" tout its remote-install-ablity, so I somewhat feel like I would not have to pre-install. (But then again, Im always apprehensive of claims that make things seem super easy.)
EDIT: Hmmm.... I see it requires "SMS" to install this on a device via Push - so I guess it NEEDS to be pre-loaded on a N10 if one wishes to use it to retrieve a lost N10, or even use it in this context! Now to decide if I install this or not...
bigmatty said:
Nice on the testing! Too bad about the unlock. Perhaps he can still use it to offload his content though.
Did you try to "push" it to your device w/out installing it direct? I have wondered if I should pre-load this app on my devices, but "they" tout its remote-install-ablity, so I somewhat feel like I would not have to pre-install. (But then again, Im always apprehensive of claims that make things seem super easy.)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I installed direct. I use Cerberus (and before that, avast! Anti-Theft) to help secure my devices, but these things are all a game of chance. My advice: completely disregard remote-install abilities. If you're going to use this kind of service, it really doesn't make any sense not to install it yourself, where you can change your preferences (such as install to /system or rename the application) to work for you.
The bigger problem is that, obviously, six hundred million things could go wrong. I noticed that AndroidLost noted that they were using Google to push messages, which indicates that they're using C2DM (unlikely, it's deprecated) or GCM push services, which require your phone being connected to a network (itself a big assumption) that will allow Google's ports to send traffic. This excludes no small number of places, particularly corporate networks (and many schools as well). It also looks like one of the wakeup methods if SMS, which is not only noticeable (to a thief), but potentially may be intercepted by other apps on the phone (such as an alternative SMS app).
The idea is that these apps intercept and delete any command SMS before any other app, but in practice this doesn't always happen. So test your setup before something happens!
Rirere said:
I installed direct. I use Cerberus (and before that, avast! Anti-Theft) to help secure my devices, but these things are all a game of chance. My advice: completely disregard remote-install abilities. If you're going to use this kind of service, it really doesn't make any sense not to install it yourself, where you can change your preferences (such as install to /system or rename the application) to work for you.
The bigger problem is that, obviously, six hundred million things could go wrong. I noticed that AndroidLost noted that they were using Google to push messages, which indicates that they're using C2DM (unlikely, it's deprecated) or GCM push services, which require your phone being connected to a network (itself a big assumption) that will allow Google's ports to send traffic. This excludes no small number of places, particularly corporate networks (and many schools as well). It also looks like one of the wakeup methods if SMS, which is not only noticeable (to a thief), but potentially may be intercepted by other apps on the phone (such as an alternative SMS app).
The idea is that these apps intercept and delete any command SMS before any other app, but in practice this doesn't always happen. So test your setup before something happens!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the info, I will look into Cerberus. I am assuming you would recommend that as you are currently using it? Do you think its better than AndroidLost, even though you haven't spent as much time w/ AndroidLost?
bigmatty said:
Thanks for the info, I will look into Cerberus. I am assuming you would recommend that as you are currently using it? Do you think its better than AndroidLost, even though you haven't spent as much time w/ AndroidLost?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I like it a lot more, but I will admit I personally liked avast! better. Its uncertain future (plus a nice promotion) led me to jump ship to Cerberus. I'd have to play around with it a bit more to be sure though.
Rirere said:
No good, sorry. You're right on one count-- I just tested it, and it does interact with the stock lockscreen. Unfortunately, as I said earlier, unless the app is granted root/device admin privileges, no Android app can change the stock lockscreen...and since OP can't get into his device, he can't grant it device admin.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep, you're right I can't get root under this situation, thanks a lot I'm trying to figure out how to save my data mow
EX_RIVER said:
Yep, you're right I can't get root under this situation, thanks a lot I'm trying to figure out how to save my data mow
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's not root you need per se, it's device admin. But root isn't an easy option for you either, because unlocking your bootloader will hose your data. I also think most of the locked-bootloader exploits require the device to be on and unlocked. If you're signed into your Google account, you should have a fair degree of stuff backed up already-- what sorts of data are you trying to save?
Rirere said:
It's not root you need per se, it's device admin. But root isn't an easy option for you either, because unlocking your bootloader will hose your data. I also think most of the locked-bootloader exploits require the device to be on and unlocked. If you're signed into your Google account, you should have a fair degree of stuff backed up already-- what sorts of data are you trying to save?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mostly..........Photos and videos
EX_RIVER said:
Mostly..........Photos and videos
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
...do you have a Google+ account? Slash have you ever opened the app? If so, you might actually be in luck and your data should have been backed up to your Google+ (or PicasaWeb if you prefer).
Hopefully I'm posting in the correct section. Found this and wanted to share it. A simple tool to block bloatware of many phones, with and without root. Check out the following forum :
http://forum.xda-developers.com/and...er-remove-carrier-bloat-t2998294#post58069093
Just a note for anyone who doesn't want to use a tool for this (or is on a non-Windows platform). Everything that tool does can be accomplished without root via the ADB command interface described in this topic in our own forum
Nice cross link nonetheless, have a thanks
Ironically, I used the method that you're talking about on my z3c.
I thought this tool makes the process simpler as a frontend with some descriptions too.
It works works on my z3c without root because of kitkat. Other roms do require root.
And you're right, windows only application, good call
Essentially it just freezes the app, which without root is a very good thing, should you need to enable it again.
Thanks, though does anyone know how to block the Enterprise Service? It unblocks itself as soon as I try to block it.
Edit: never mind I got it, had to revoke its device admin rights before blocking it. Annoyingly a bunch of previously disabled apps got enabled again. smh.
degraaff said:
Annoyingly a bunch of previously disabled apps got enabled again. smh.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I had the same thing here, I froze some with Titanium Backup (root) and they unfroze themselves....
I have access to an unlocked and a locked device, the same thing happened when I tried to disable apps @ the one with the locked BL. The thing that helped me was clearing the data/cache for the apps that I were about to disable. (aka before disabling them.)
Try that.
Sent from my D5803
degraaff said:
Thanks, though does anyone know how to block the Enterprise Service? It unblocks itself as soon as I try to block it.
Edit: never mind I got it, had to revoke its device admin rights before blocking it. Annoyingly a bunch of previously disabled apps got enabled again. smh.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Correct, we had that (a longer time) before: you have to disable it in settings -> security -> administrators before you block it. Don't confuse disabling with blocking. Disabled Apps may get enabled again after disabling device admins, blocked ones shouldn't.
Just for the sake of completion, here is the complete adb tutorial+ a nice list of processes which can be disabled so you dont have to look them all up
https://www.reddit.com/r/SonyXperia...battery_life_is_out_of_this_world_bye/cnmj0vn
2mal16 said:
Just for the sake of completion, here is the complete adb tutorial+ a nice list of processes which can be disabled so you dont have to look them all up
https://www.reddit.com/r/SonyXperia...battery_life_is_out_of_this_world_bye/cnmj0vn
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why does he list Small Apps as one of the main bloatwares to block? I'd think small apps is actually quite a useful addition to many.
degraaff said:
Why does he list Small Apps as one of the main bloatwares to block? I'd think small apps is actually quite a useful addition to many.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree but he states "You could leave the small app launcher/widget if you like it." . Apparently some ppl just dont like it .
Sorry to bother you guys, I would really like to kill/freeze some apps from this great device, in the easiest way possible and WITHOUT connecting the device to the computer. Is it possible to enter all those commands in a Terminal Emulator on the phone itself? Would it be great if we can do like a script or a batch that disable all the apps we dont need/want so, as soon as we reset the phone, it will disable/kill them in an easy way, not 1 by 1 going into the applications list.
Sorry again if this was a stupid question, but this is chinese for me.
Thanks in advance.
Alx
Wow... Great info i really like it...
Nice App!! Would be nice making a list of secure app to be block, without making any damage to the phone Like com.sony.touchscreen, Device Usage, User Data Logging and Crash Monitor what does each one?
I tried to use a Terminal Emulator and kill the What's New using PM BLOCK blah blah blah......it says "killed" but the app is still working.......what is wrong? *in english, please
Thanks in advance.
Hi
I would like to disable my finger print lock and enable pattern lock from midnight till morning. I want this to happen automatically. I use s7 edge. Can someone help me do this.
Divorce?
I don't know if that is possible. The easiest way I know to accomplish what you are asking would be for you to restart your phone as you are going to bed and not unlocking it until you get up in the morning. The first time you unlock the phone it won't allow you to use your fingerprint, only your alternate method.
Outbreak444 said:
I don't know if that is possible. The easiest way I know to accomplish what you are asking would be for you to restart your phone as you are going to bed and not unlocking it until you get up in the morning. The first time you unlock the phone it won't allow you to use your fingerprint, only your alternate method.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah. U r right. But its easy to forget. So need an automated thing.
Try Tasker from the app store. There's so much you can customize from using that app. I don't use it nor do I know how to set it up but I have read a lot about it and know a lot of people would recommend that.
Where can I find help for tasker programming..
Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk
A phone is like a PC. And always been rebooting for optimized performance.
So what did Samsung do, They added in a feature for sceduled restarts.
This my friend sounds like your perfect option, set the phone to reboot every day before you go to sleep. And to unlock the device you are required to input the pin on first boot.
Settings -> Backup and Reset -> Auto Restart
Other than this, i would be suggesting something like Tasker that has alot of control in Automating tasks like MAYBE changing your Login method.
But i would imagine a change of this level requires a user input (Or it would be security concern)
If this is not a good enough option for you, PM me, Tell me what and why you are doing it. And i can come up with a few different solutions.
I have a guess to why you are doing what you are doing, but i aint explaining multiple possibility's on a hunch.
i.e. i have application hide from my App Drawer and require a password to open them.
as an additional safety method. am always passing my phone around and people cannot help but open up your apps like Snapchat. So yes HIDDEN from all.
Tasker will require the Secure Settings plug-in (paid version) and root access to be able to change pattern lock settings.