For questions related to enforcing you privacy on Android devices
7
votes
1answer
499 views
How is a Nexus device “provisioned” when you buy it from Google?
I noticed during checkout for the Nexus 4 that you are given the option to have it provisioned:
When purchasing a Nexus device from Google Play, you'll notice a 'Link this device to my Google ...
8
votes
4answers
668 views
What's the most complete way to erase all the data from my phone so it cannot be recovered?
I just got my replacement Droid and will be sending my current Droid back to Motorola. I'm sure they are going to refurbish it and resell it. I've backed up everything and I'm going to be keeping my ...
2
votes
3answers
30 views
Setting custom permissions per-application [duplicate]
I want more granular control over permissions. I’m fine with applications having some permissions, but I want to be in charge and have more granular control.
Can this be done on Android? I know iOS ...
21
votes
13answers
2k views
Are there any tools to sandbox a malware application even more than the granted permissions on Android?
Suppose I want to run some program which requests too many permissions. For example, record from the microphone or read IMEI of my phone. However, there are no practical explanation why recording from ...
-1
votes
0answers
28 views
How to minimize the risk of giving away too much permission? [duplicate]
I was frustrated when I found a dictionary app needs "READ PHONE STATUS AND IDENTITY" and "FULL NETWORK ACCESS" permissions.
Google is not helpful as Android shows an "all-or-nothing" dialog and does ...
2
votes
1answer
46 views
Why live wallpapers use phone call info
When I install any live wallpaper, I am shown a list of items that the app will access. Most of these live wallpapers also access the phone call details. I cannot understand why? Is there any ...
1
vote
1answer
56 views
Disable sharing of playlists in Spotify App
On Spotify for Windows, there is a setting "Automatically make new playlists public", which I disabled, since I don't want to do that.
In the settings on the Spotify Android App however, this option ...
1
vote
0answers
39 views
Installing Orbot as a remote SOCKS server for other computers?
I installed Orbot on my Android device and I want to make it a remote SOCKS server so that other computers can connect to it.
The TorFAQ – Tor Bug Tracker & Wiki suggests that for Tor on Windows, ...
5
votes
2answers
168 views
Is there a list that explains the risks involved with each granted application permission type?
Usually an installed android app will request permissions such as
Phone calls
read phone state and identity
or
System tools
prevent phone from sleeping
But the actual consequences from a ...
1
vote
1answer
99 views
How to prevent google aggressively associating my account to my searches?
i understand they can access my searches when i'm logged in, and of course know the search terms i use, but how can i prevent them to logging searches to my account when:
i'm not logged in
and in ...
17
votes
4answers
665 views
I have sold my phone on eBay. What should I do before I send it off?
I have an Android phone which I just sold on eBay. What measures should I take before posting it off to its new home? Please answer thoroughly!
4
votes
0answers
59 views
Recent Apps shows app contents even though when its locked
I am trying to figure out how to hide an app from being seen when you hit the recent apps button.
I use ZDBox's app lock to hide my apps and files when needed but noticed that when I hit the recent ...
9
votes
2answers
627 views
What information does stock Android send to Google by default, and how do I opt-out?
I'm about to buy my first Android phone. My understanding is that, in order to download apps and get updates from Google Play, I need to be permanently signed into a Google account that's linked to my ...
4
votes
2answers
2k views
Why do I need a Gmail account to use Android?
I am a new user of Android phone. I used to own an iPhone. I don't remember needing an Apple account besides using it to download applications from app store. Now I need a Gmail account to do even ...
1
vote
2answers
608 views
How to do Factory Reset
I know the topic has been covered here. But this is something different. I got a Tablet in my workplace to work with. It has a primary email Id for which I don't know the password. So to remove this, ...
1
vote
1answer
91 views
Need to give away Milestone that's rooted, what happens if I do Factory Data Reset?
In Settings -> Privacy -> Factory data reset?
I don't mind giving it away rooted, but if it wipes out the Superuser application (hence allowing any app to enter root mode unchecked) would be very ...
15
votes
1answer
1k views
Why does the new Chrome update want the permission to use my camera and audio recording?
Seriously, it specifically states that it can use the camera and audio recording any time it wants, whether or not I wish it to. Why is Chrome on Android requesting those permissions?
Should I be ...
1
vote
2answers
477 views
Locking individual files on micro sd card
I have Galaxy S2 running on android 4.0.3. I have a number of photos, videos, pdf and word files stored on the micro sd card.
I am just wondering if there is a way to password protect individual ...
15
votes
4answers
3k views
What Android sync'd data is encrypted?
With the release of the firesheep plug-in for firefox it has become trivial for website browsing on open Wi-Fi networks to be hijacked by 3rd party listeners.
Android offers the convenient auto-sync ...
3
votes
1answer
214 views
Disable calendar to sync events to exchange server
I've added an event to my calendar locally on a phone. It was a meeting in the evening after my working hours. How am I surprised to realize that my stupid phone sync this event to exchange server and ...
1
vote
4answers
259 views
Looking for option for 3-way file sync
I want to be able to have a 3-way sync for some files between home and work PCs and my Android (HTC Sensation, 2.3). I want to sync a few documents and Keepass password database.
What options are ...
1
vote
2answers
730 views
Sync without gmail playing big brother?
My happiness turned to despire when I realised that to have Android0based cell means to have a mandatory GMail account and an mandatory sync of all data to Google even if one just wants to sync just ...
3
votes
0answers
313 views
Privacy level with an anonymous account?
I am interested in the currently achievable levels of privacy on an Android device. As far as I understand it, the best one can do is not to activate a Google account. However, even then significant ...
0
votes
1answer
97 views
Can I use LINE without giving out my phone number?
LINE is an app like Skype+Facebook.
Is there a way to prevent LINE from reading my phone number and using it for any purpose? (search/identification/...)
0
votes
2answers
1k views
Is there any way to block permissions on apps?
I read about being able to revoke permissions on CyanogenMod, but it seems the devs took that ability out.
I found some app out on the market for 6$ or so, but it doesn't look like it would be worth ...
4
votes
4answers
367 views
Can apps know where you are even without GPS?
I've noticed that Google Maps, for instance, can guess where you are using phone towers or something even when GPS is turned off.
Does this apply to 3rd party apps? Can any app figure out where you ...
2
votes
3answers
555 views
Application for remote-wiping a lost phone without handing access to my data to a third-party?
Or having to pay a subscription?
I have an idea for a hypothetical Android app. Tell me if such a thing already exists.
You install a server in a machine you have total control of, and is ...
2
votes
2answers
388 views
How to block all phone calls, but only allow SMS and networking?
It's kinda disturbing when people keep calling me during work or meetings, but to me it's okay if I receive short messages or Whatsapp message because I can reply them few minutes later in a short ...
3
votes
2answers
189 views
Is there an application / ROM that allows me to set the phone to “Guest” mode which I can configure?
I would like to be able to set my phone into Guest mode so people using it will not be able to "abuse" it while I give it to them.
Example of usage:
Child mode - prevent editing settings, making ...
14
votes
2answers
5k views
How do I set up OpenVPN on CyanogenMod 7?
I want to route all my network traffic through my home's ISP connection when I'm out in Internet cafes so I can't be eavesdropped/firesheeped.
I have an HTC G2 with CyanogenMod 7, which has OpenVPN ...
0
votes
0answers
226 views
What permissions can Backes SRT AppGuard not override?
1.) Backes SRT AppGuard can supposedly disable/override many permissions an app might have... but what can/does it NOT override?
I seem to remember reading on the website that SRT AppGuard might not ...
12
votes
3answers
8k views
What does the voice privacy setting do?
In perusing the settings on my EVO today, I noticed that there is an option under call settings named "Voice Privacy". The description beneath the checkbox merely states "Enable enhanced privacy ...
2
votes
0answers
229 views
Using the GPS instead of Google Location Services in Chrome
I do not consent to Google collecting constant background information about my position at all times through their Google Location Service program. So I have got that option disabled.
I can get just ...
31
votes
6answers
6k views
Support for Multiple Users on same device
Is there such a thing as a "current user" on Android and a way to switch it?
I'm interested in getting a Motorola Xoom and would like to share it with my wife when at home. For my Windows laptop we ...
11
votes
2answers
346 views
How do I prep my rooted and moded phone for resale?
I have a rooted MyTouch 3G (HTC Magic) that I want to sell to help defray the cost of my new phone. I have been running CyanogenMod on the phone. My problem lies in the fact that I don't really want ...
1
vote
1answer
137 views
Google Maps constantly requesting location
I'm running LBP Privacy Guard, and every 30 minutes or so I get a warning that Google Maps is trying to request my location.
Why is this, and how can I prevent this?
5
votes
2answers
83 views
Is there a way to wipe a device based on a certain password? A like a “Wipe-me” password?
Is there a way (an app perhaps) that will wipe a phone if a certain password is entered at the lock screen? For example "letmein" unlocks the phone, but if you enter "wipeme" it will start the factory ...
2
votes
2answers
347 views
Android applications privacy and security concerns
If a user wants to install some applications from play store, is it sole responsibility of the user to decide whether the apps may harm or not? Should the user be worries regarding permissions? For ...
3
votes
2answers
5k views
Is there a way to block permissions for other applications on Jelly Bean?
I use LBE Privacy Guard with great pleasure to grant and withdraw permissions to access my contacts, the internet, etc. for each individual application installed in Ice-Cream Sandwich on my Galaxy ...
40
votes
6answers
21k views
Why do so many applications require permission to read the phone state and identity?
Why do so many applications require permission to read the phone state and identity?. Specifically:
Phone calls
read phone state and identity
For example Quickpedia is a Wikipedia portal, but ...
3
votes
0answers
105 views
Disable loudspeaker usage for audio playback?
I get my voicemail messages by e-mail (using K-9 mail), however, when I play the attached wavefile, the loudspeaker is used for the playback, so everyone around me can listen to the message, that's ...
8
votes
2answers
440 views
Where to modify the pseudonym used to rate Android apps?
I am currently rating android applications that I downloaded with the username firstname.lastname where firstname and lastname are mine.
However, I would like to put a pseudonym on it because my real ...
6
votes
3answers
170 views
Is there a service that rates app security/permissions?
Is there a service/company/app that vets Android apps and reports on their "trustworthiness"?
I recently moved from Blackberry to a Galaxy S2 which does not have an LED indicator light. I searched ...
8
votes
1answer
4k views
Can I block specific apps from using GPS?
I like to leave GPS enabled so that it's ready to go when I open Maps or certain other location based apps.
However, one app that I don't want to access GPS is Facebook. There is, as far as I can ...
3
votes
2answers
1k views
Encrypting SMS and calls
Is it possible to encrypt calls and SMS messages between two Android phones (or even from android to iPhone)?
This firm delivered a beta on Android Market before: http://www.whispersys.com/
18
votes
3answers
23k views
New Facebook app activates GPS when launched — how to disable?
This started happening with the latest Facebook app update.
I don't want to disable my GPS outright -- I like that it comes up automatically when I call Google Maps. (Which usually is in a "where the ...
6
votes
2answers
1k views
is it possible to disable Google remote kill switch?
our company is considering using the Android platform for future developments.
Some folks raised concerns over Google ability to remotely delete applications on the device. they are arguing that if ...
1
vote
1answer
362 views
Is there a way to use Google location service without tracking my positions constantly in background?
I want to use Google location service based on wifi or cell tower data without gathering and sending my (later anonymized) positions to Google in background when I do not explicitly make the requests. ...
1
vote
1answer
146 views
What's a secure way to message/talk to someone in CM9?
I'm using CM9 nightly (20120712 i.e. today).
I need to talk securely, without the chance of eavesdropping, to someone who also has CM9 nightly (not sure how up-to-date but not more than 1 month old).
...
4
votes
3answers
747 views
Is there an Android calendar with limited security permissions?
I've just bought an entry-level Samsung Europa, running version 2.2. I'm technically-minded but new to this OS. I'd like to find a calendar that runs in limited security permissions, so that my ...
