For more generic questions relating security issues. For specific issues having their own tags, please use those -- e.g. 'malware', 'antivirus', 'privacy', 'lost-phone'. Please see the full tag wiki for more. For more in-depth Android security issues, you might rather want to visit our sister-site ...
1
vote
2answers
467 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 ...
2
votes
0answers
324 views
ICS: external microsd storage card: can i use it with camera and not encrypt?
So, I just bought a microSD card for my Ice Cream Sandwich phone. I put it in, it's recognized. But it appears I must encrypt it before I can use it for the camera's storage, otherwise if it is not ...
0
votes
0answers
43 views
How to change save path of apps?
I would like to store files of some apps (Camera, Email, Facebook, ...) to an EncFS volume created with Cryptonite (my phone is rooted).
Is there a way to redirect file access to the volume or change ...
0
votes
0answers
44 views
How to unlock toshiba thrive tablet [duplicate]
Is there any way to unlock my thrive tablet? I have used a few unlock codes, and now I cannot get into the tablet. All it shows is the clock device user name, and it wants a password. I've tried every ...
18
votes
5answers
5k views
Securing a young child's tablet
My wife has decided to get the kids a set of android tablets for christmas. These are Coby Kyros 4GB wi-fi only models. The kids are ages 6-10 so I don’t particularly want to let them have free ...
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 ...
5
votes
4answers
2k views
Forgot security lock pattern on Jelly Bean device with Wifi and 3G data turned off
I forgot my security lock pattern and my Wifi and 3G connections are switched off. I can hard reset the phone (Galaxy Nexus) from recovery mode, but that would wipe all my data.
ADB is also turned off ...
3
votes
1answer
524 views
What is this Google Settings app that installed itself on my phone?
Today, all of a sudden I saw this app in my Samsung Galaxy Y mobile phone:
I am talking about the app named "Google Settings"
I uninstalled it immediately only to find it installed again a few ...
3
votes
5answers
561 views
How do I lock my HTC whenever I want?
I have a HTC Wildfire S and set up the screen lock pattern for it. This triggers after some time but sometimes I want to lock it myself, for example if I leave the office and let my phone on the desk.
...
1
vote
3answers
147 views
Why each android application runs on a different Dalvik VM process?
I have read that each android applications runs on a different Dalvik VM process (all forked from zygote).
I also read that these VMs are really lightweight and use copy on write buffers and all ...
1
vote
1answer
63 views
How can I protect my photos from Apps?
Camera saves them on SD, so everything can just upload them wherever it wants.
I heard of apps that claim to protect photos within them but the only thing they did is making them hidden from the user ...
9
votes
1answer
844 views
Encrypt Tablet in Android 3.1 hangs indefinitely
I've recently gotten an Asus EEE Pad Transformer (my first Android device) and I love it. I've updated it to 3.1 right away.
I tried to enable the "Encrypt tablet" option. After following the ...
5
votes
2answers
895 views
Google two-step authentication and Android lock screen
After many failed screen unlock attempts, the user is required to enter the Google account password. That's a good idea.
But what if I enabled Google's two-factor authentication, and then entered the ...
0
votes
2answers
497 views
How to protect my Google account credentials on my Android phone?
Currently I use Gmail on my desktop with 2-step verification (by SMS) enabled and I consider it secure. Now I'm buying an Android phone and I'd like to check Gmail on it sometimes, but I don't want to ...
4
votes
2answers
499 views
My HTC Desire HD has been stolen. What data can still be accessed by the thief?
I have contacted the network and had the phone barred, I had applied a screen lock. I am concerned however if the thief can still access all my numbers, texts, saved passwords and most importantly ...
10
votes
1answer
2k views
How does android transfer with bump apps work?
I've come across several apps which allows the user to transfer data (like files, photos, contacts) when they "bump" their phones.
An example is Bump, which use the the bump to transfer files and add ...
5
votes
3answers
413 views
Is a PIN lock screen inherently more or less secure than an app lock program?
The two ways I see to secure an Android phone is through a PIN lock screen or through an app lock program (Password is too inconvenient and pattern is insecure for various reasons). The lock screen ...
0
votes
2answers
568 views
How to disable pin security from Samsing Tab 2
I have a Samsung tab2, and have added screen pin lock on my Tab few days back as I was going out. Now I don't want to use pin lock as security, but I am not able to disable it. I am going to
setting ...
0
votes
0answers
18 views
Manifest exported flag for activites and services? Is it relevant to security?
So, I was going through google documentation.
Activities and services, in the description of the exported attribute, mention this:
The default value depends on whether the service contains intent
...
0
votes
2answers
52 views
Is my data secure?
My Android phone was recently stolen, so will the thief have access to all my pictures in the thumbnail folder? I have hidden the pictures in an app called Vaulty so will they still be visible in ...
5
votes
3answers
250 views
Is there an Android app that scans a device for vulnerability issues?
Is there an application that scan the phone or the phone image searching for vulnerability issues?
In the internet there are several tools that make Network scanning, but I found nothing specific for ...
5
votes
1answer
149 views
USSD attack official notification
I have an HTC that is vulnerable to USSD attack. I am trying to tell the HTC helpdesk about this issue, but they tell me that unless there is an official news from android team about this, they will ...
4
votes
2answers
303 views
Android 1.5 Dialer App - Exploit Block
I just read about the remote USSD attack. My hoary old Samsung i7500g phone is vulnerable (confirmed via this site).
The solution is to install a (free) secondary dialer, like Dialer One. ...
6
votes
1answer
240 views
Buying apps and entering credit card number via 3G/GPRS. Is it secure enough?
As title. Of course using Android market and the Google Checkout payment. By the way, how about other market-like apps?
0
votes
0answers
66 views
Have notification about missed calls on status bar but dont want to see caller id on lock screen
I have an HTC Sensation, running Android 4.
I want to have notifications on the status bar when I have missed calls, but I don't want to have caller ID on lock screen. I don't want anyone to see the ...
9
votes
4answers
5k views
Security options grayed out
I have my mobile phone (Samsung Galaxy S2) running on ICS. Recently I activated Microsoft Exchnage ActiveSync to connect to my corporate email. It disabled all the security options like 'Pattern ...
8
votes
5answers
598 views
How to improve the security on my Android phone?
When I use Android in business I have some secret data on my phone. So if I lose my phone this can easily be stolen.
Is there any way I can secure my phone? E.g. adding password for unlocking it. Any ...
2
votes
3answers
547 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 ...
6
votes
2answers
3k views
Can Android phones be set to automatically wipe all data after a certain amount of failed logins without an app?
A new policy at my work is being drafted regarding email access on phones. A requirement will be that the phone must automatically have all data erased after a certain amount of failed login attempts. ...
7
votes
1answer
370 views
What's the difference between the various lost phone apps?
I want to get a security app for my phone. I mostly need something in case my phone gets lost or stolen.
Researching this I have found several apps:
iTag
WaveSecure
LookOut
I am sure there are ...
8
votes
3answers
1k views
Remotely brick a stolen phone
If my phone is lost or stolen, can I remotely and permanently brick my phone. This way, not only is my data secure, but the resale value of the phone plummets to zero.
Tangential question: can apps ...
10
votes
2answers
3k views
How to protect my google account?
I am very concerned with security of my Google account in case I lost the phone (as in: lose it, have it stolen/robbed, etc.). Right now it seems that whoever grabs my phone will also have full access ...
15
votes
5answers
2k views
Open source app for remote wiping Android phone?
I recently lost my android phone, and regretted not having a remote wipe app installed. However, I do not trust 3rd party compiled apps with such power (too many weak links).
Does anyone know of an ...
16
votes
2answers
2k views
Stolen phone: is changing your GMail password enough?
My Galaxy phone got stolen today. Of course I blocked my SIM card and changed my password for GMail (and went to the police) but is this enough? Could the person that stole my phone still log in to ...
8
votes
1answer
5k views
My android phone was stolen. How worried should I be with all my google data inside the phone?
Ok, so my samsung galaxy 5 was stolen. I had gmail, calendar, twitter(tweetdeck), facebook, ... all my personal data in it.
I didn't have any app installed that could wipe this information from a ...
13
votes
2answers
1k views
Is there any way to erase personal information from my phone that has already been stolen?
My phone has been stolen. I do not want the thief to have access to any of my personal information such as calls, texts, and information saved in the phones contents. Is there any possible way I can ...
18
votes
3answers
5k views
My phone was just stolen an hour or so ago. Are there any options for tracking?
I realize this is a long shot, but my phone was lost or stolen a few hours ago.
At the time it was stolen, I didn't have any specific applications installed to track it or wipe the data. So... my ...
14
votes
6answers
1k views
How can I find a lost phone or help people return it?
I'm looking for an app like Where's My Droid to help locate a lost device.
Ideally I'm hoping there is one that might have two specific features:
The ability to display a message to the screen to ...
8
votes
1answer
2k views
Child-proofing an Android phone?
Is there a way (an app, or a special launcher, a set of apps with instructions) that allows turning an Android phone into a child-proof "only call parents" one?
Here are my main requirements (and ...
6
votes
3answers
2k views
Can a thief unlock or otherwise access the data on my stolen Android device?
If my Android device is stolen, will the person who ends up with it be able to get my data by plugging it into a PC and using some trick? Is there anything I can do to prevent this or make it harder?
3
votes
2answers
201 views
How to mod android rom so none can ever install an app in it?
I already know how to modify an android ROM by modifying files, remove and add it into ROM. But I don't have knowledge to building/compiling a ROM.
I want to lock the OS so none can ever install new ...
0
votes
1answer
257 views
Wipe data on wrong password inputs
I've found several obsolete answers, but this question about situation nowadays:
what's the most robust solution to have the device (android v4.2-based) protected?
Turn on device encryption (there ...
0
votes
0answers
17 views
Can anyone tell me how to access the kernel on Android and change the default (root) password? [duplicate]
I'd like to make my experience with Android (galaxy ace) safer and for that reason....I'd like to change the root password on my Android device. I understand that there is an application that can open ...
7
votes
2answers
341 views
What is the best pre-stealing practice? [duplicate]
Possible Duplicate:
Is there a way to block access to or wipe my Google data for a lost/stolen phone
I would like to know what is the best/recommended practice to prepare myself to the day ...
34
votes
8answers
4k views
Is there a way to block access to or wipe my Google data for a lost/stolen phone
If my phone was ever lost or stolen, my only real concern is data and apps associated with my Google account, such as my Gmail, the ability to purchase apps from the Market, and maybe Picasa albums.
...
9
votes
5answers
5k views
Disable ActiveSync Remote Wipe in Froyo
In short:
Is there a way to disable remote wipe for Android Phones (specifically in Froyo)?
Background:
I recently upgraded my G1 to a G2, and was about to set up my company e-mail account. But the ...
5
votes
1answer
110 views
How to prepare myself & smartphone/tablet in the event it goes missing or is stolen?
I would like to know what measures or steps etc that should be performed, in order to protect & safeguard whatever "data" is on my Android Smartphone or Tablet, and indeed the device itself, in ...
27
votes
4answers
2k views
Is an antivirus really needed for Android?
I use Linux for half a decade now, so I am not used to dealing with viruses anymore. To my surprise, I saw some discussion about antiviruses in Android. I haven't installed any yet, but this bugs me: ...
1
vote
2answers
825 views
What causes the error “No certificate found in USB storage.” when trying to import a certificate?
I have a Samsung S3 with Android 4.04 and to get on my WiFi at work I need to install a certificate .p12 file. So, I navigate to "Security and lock screen"-->"Install from device storage." BUT ...
0
votes
0answers
220 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 ...
