[Q] "Unroot" and "Reroot" at will? - Verizon Samsung Galaxy Note II

Good day all!
I have a bit of an odd question, my corporate IT department has switched over to a new moible phone deployment system called airwatch.
It is quite the big brother system, the list of permissions is astounding, with things like remote viewing of camera's, remote wipe, remote activation of GPS to determine location etc, etc, with the privacy issues set aside (I'm not doing anything wrong with my phone and I exceed performance goals so I'm not worried)
The one thing I cannot live with is the requirement that I cannot run any of my work apps on a rooted phone, as a matter of fact if I even try it will lock down my user account SYSTEM wide, meaning I will not be able to access my work laptop or web clients, without IT resetting my account (I learned the hard way)
My question is this, is there a way to retain root access but appear to not be rooted?
Assuming that "stealth"root is not possible, is there a process that I can root/unroot at will with any changes I have made while rooted remaining?
My needs are not too complicated, I would like to keep my custom debloated rom (jelly beans 10), further remove any unwanted apps, tweak a few settings and install my favorite mods and themes, then reroot my phone and install my work apps.
I'm very familiar with working with roms and mods, I have been doing so since the original moto droid, however if there is not a guide to follow I am lost in the woods.
Any suggestions or help is greatly appreciated.
Chip

I assume that the phone was given to you by your company. If thats the case. I would give it back and use my personal phone. I dont go for that invasion of my privacy. But they can do it because its not technically your phone. Now if you use your own phone they cant (legally) do that.
Sent from my SCH-I605 using xda premium

droidx2.3.3 said:
I assume that the phone was given to you by your company. If thats the case. I would give it back and use my personal phone. I dont go for that invasion of my privacy. But they can do it because its not technically your phone. Now if you use your own phone they cant (legally) do that.
Sent from my SCH-I605 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They actually can do this if he chooses to use his phone with the network applications. All they have to do is say is to protect their systems and I'm assuming he's in some kind of high security job with all those monitoring so he probably agreed to in a contract before starting.
OP have you tried simply temp unrooting? The supersu app had that option or you could get ota root keeper and use it to temp unroot.
Sent from my SCH-I605 using Tapatalk 2

Also try voodoo ota rootkeeper. It has a root backup, unroot and restore feature.

TonikJDK said:
Also try voodoo ota rootkeeper. It has a root backup, unroot and restore feature.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think I said that
Sent from my SCH-I605 using Tapatalk 2

kintwofan said:
I think I said that
Sent from my SCH-I605 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry, I won't intrude again.

TonikJDK said:
Sorry, I won't intrude again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Better not!
Since you obviously take everything serious I was messing with you. Have some fun that's what this forum is for.
Sent from my SCH-I605 using Tapatalk 2

kintwofan said:
Better not!
Since you obviously take everything serious I was messing with you. Have some fun that's what this forum is for.
Sent from my SCH-I605 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
isnt that the truth! everbody is so uptight around here its getting a bit old. teh internets is serious biz yo!

droidstyle said:
isnt that the truth! everbody is so uptight around here its getting a bit old. teh internets is serious biz yo![/QUOT]
What's old and stale is the 4 clown act that degrades XDA.
Sent from my SCH-I605
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

universexda said:
droidstyle said:
isnt that the truth! everbody is so uptight around here its getting a bit old. teh internets is serious biz yo![/QUOT]
What's old and stale is the 4 clown act that degrades XDA.
Sent from my SCH-I605
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
?
Sent from my SCH-I605 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Haven't used that particular suite but if it is like the others I have seen, it will alert to a changed state. I wouldn't risk it. Don't know where you work but I have seen plenty of companies hand out pink slips after a pen testing.
From an IT perspective, you are a niche when it comes to a responsible smart phone user. Most people just download every free app they find regardless of the full permissions. Throw in the ability to play cracked apps on a rooted device and it's a nightmare.
As far as byod on the network, a decent usage clause will still require you to consent to it before connecting usually.
Do you just use the device for email or do you vpn/etc?

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chipfrank said:
Good day all!
I have a bit of an odd question, my corporate IT department has switched over to a new moible phone deployment system called airwatch.
It is quite the big brother system, the list of permissions is astounding, with things like remote viewing of camera's, remote wipe, remote activation of GPS to determine location etc, etc, with the privacy issues set aside (I'm not doing anything wrong with my phone and I exceed performance goals so I'm not worried)
The one thing I cannot live with is the requirement that I cannot run any of my work apps on a rooted phone, as a matter of fact if I even try it will lock down my user account SYSTEM wide, meaning I will not be able to access my work laptop or web clients, without IT resetting my account (I learned the hard way)
My question is this, is there a way to retain root access but appear to not be rooted?
Assuming that "stealth"root is not possible, is there a process that I can root/unroot at will with any changes I have made while rooted remaining?
My needs are not too complicated, I would like to keep my custom debloated rom (jelly beans 10), further remove any unwanted apps, tweak a few settings and install my favorite mods and themes, then reroot my phone and install my work apps.
I'm very familiar with working with roms and mods, I have been doing so since the original moto droid, however if there is not a guide to follow I am lost in the woods.
Any suggestions or help is greatly appreciated.
Chip
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the advice all; here is what I found plus the info I left out
The phone is my phone, this is why I was a bit squirrely about the full set of permissions, theoretically someone could tun on the camera at any time and snap photos, since it sits on my nightstand that could be a bit akward....
The usage is primarily for exchange email, and several proprietary apps, ordering, account info, truck tracking etc etc
Temp unroot using the option in the SU does not work
Oddly enough the Vodoo OTA rootkeeper seems to accomplish the task:good:

chipfrank said:
Thanks for the advice all; here is what I found plus the info I left out
The phone is my phone, this is why I was a bit squirrely about the full set of permissions, theoretically someone could tun on the camera at any time and snap photos, since it sits on my nightstand that could be a bit akward....
The usage is primarily for exchange email, and several proprietary apps, ordering, account info, truck tracking etc etc
Temp unroot using the option in the SU does not work
Oddly enough the Vodoo OTA rootkeeper seems to accomplish the task:good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does the Voodoo OTA rootkeeper keep the periodic server check of the device from seeing it as rooted?

Related

my androids last chance

Hi. I've been struggeling with the s2 ever since I got it, almost all apps FC, Bluetooth randomly turns off as does my phone, GPS never knows where I am, I get adds in my notification bar, my Widgets don't work, time is almost always wrong and my speed test never gets above 1mb down. These problems occur out of the box on 2 different phones and with S8.
I see people enjoying their android phones but I'm confused how. Do I need to be a pro hacker to even make this device work the way it should? What can I do to fix this? I'm so frustrated I'm ready to not have a phone just so I can destroy this on with my hands. I paid 199 for this phone, don't even feel it's with $10, maybe it is but android sure isn't.
same problems on 2 different phones? I'm betting its user error... maybe you can install s8 but not restore any old data... start fresh... have you tried that? are you using titanium backup?
DKS1282 said:
Hi. I've been struggeling with the s2 ever since I got it, almost all apps FC, Bluetooth randomly turns off as does my phone, GPS never knows where I am, I get adds in my notification bar, my Widgets don't work, time is almost always wrong and my speed test never gets above 1mb down. These problems occur out of the box on 2 different phones and with S8.
I see people enjoying their android phones but I'm confused how. Do I need to be a pro hacker to even make this device work the way it should? What can I do to fix this? I'm so frustrated I'm ready to not have a phone just so I can destroy this on with my hands. I paid 199 for this phone, don't even feel it's with $10, maybe it is but android sure isn't.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Go somewhere with this bull......
Why do you trolls even come here? Honestly do you guys get paid for this or you have nothing else to do?
Seriously???
I would love to make money like this as well!
Sent from my SGH-I777 using xda premium
Airpush detector from the market will show you which app(s) are placing ads in your notification bar.
Sent from my HP Touchpad using xda premium
DKS1282 said:
Hi. I've been struggeling with the s2 ever since I got it, almost all apps FC, Bluetooth randomly turns off as does my phone, GPS never knows where I am, I get adds in my notification bar, my Widgets don't work, time is almost always wrong and my speed test never gets above 1mb down. These problems occur out of the box on 2 different phones and with S8.
I see people enjoying their android phones but I'm confused how. Do I need to be a pro hacker to even make this device work the way it should? What can I do to fix this? I'm so frustrated I'm ready to not have a phone just so I can destroy this on with my hands. I paid 199 for this phone, don't even feel it's with $10, maybe it is but android sure isn't.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe you should try not installing malware from the Market?
I've never had any of the problems you claim, but ad spam in the notification bar sounds like a classic example of malware to me.
DKS1282 said:
Hi. I've been struggeling with the s2 ever since I got it, almost all apps FC, Bluetooth randomly turns off as does my phone, GPS never knows where I am, I get adds in my notification bar, my Widgets don't work, time is almost always wrong and my speed test never gets above 1mb down. These problems occur out of the box on 2 different phones and with S8.
I see people enjoying their android phones but I'm confused how. Do I need to be a pro hacker to even make this device work the way it should? What can I do to fix this? I'm so frustrated I'm ready to not have a phone just so I can destroy this on with my hands. I paid 199 for this phone, don't even feel it's with $10, maybe it is but android sure isn't.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
go get an iphone or winmo if android isn't worth your time.
If you have Ads in your notification bar, you have something installed that's causing this. This is not the fault of android or your phone. You installed something which causes ads to appear and might even be causing all your other issues. Wipe it out, DONT install anything and test it out. Make sure it works the way it should without touching it.
Dont blame the phone or the Android OS for something that you did. As for the slow download speeds, after you wipe it out, run the speakeasy speedtest through your browser not the speedtest app. That app is not 100% accurate. If the speed is still slow, call AT&T because it might be an issue with the network in your area.
joewoo said:
same problems on 2 different phones? I'm betting its user error... maybe you can install s8 but not restore any old data... start fresh... have you tried that? are you using titanium backup?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If he's restoring sys data then that's why you're getting fc's. Restore app. Without data.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I777 using XDA App
Send me your phone and ill see what's up ;-)
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I777 using XDA App
craigbailey1986 said:
Go somewhere with this bull......
Why do you trolls even come here? Honestly do you guys get paid for this or you have nothing else to do?
Seriously???
I would love to make money like this as well!
Sent from my SGH-I777 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I didn't make any money I lost money. All I want is to enjoy my phone. You sir are a jerk andp i hope you die in a fire. People like you are unneeded in this world.
nyydynasty said:
go get an iphone or winmo if android isn't worth your time.
If you have Ads in your notification bar, you have something installed that's causing this. This is not the fault of android or your phone. You installed something which causes ads to appear and might even be causing all your other issues. Wipe it out, DONT install anything and test it out. Make sure it works the way it should without touching it.
Dont blame the phone or the Android OS for something that you did. As for the slow download speeds, after you wipe it out, run the speakeasy speedtest through your browser not the speedtest app. That app is not 100% accurate. If the speed is still slow, call AT&T because it might be an issue with the network in your area.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Out of the box means nothing installed (new). Adds didn't start till I downloaded a couple apps. Sad the app store allows maleware
So since the phones don't work out of the box for me who should I blame? Bluetooth obivously shuts off randomly because I clicked the button wrong when turning it on right?
DKS1282 said:
I didn't make any money I lost money. All I want is to enjoy my phone. You sir are a jerk andp i hope you die in a fire. People like you are unneeded in this world.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ROFL!! Although I agree with you, the post you are referring to was unnecessary.
I actually just switched from iOS to android myself, and considering I used to develop on iOS it was a pretty intense switch... I struggled mainly with the battery life of my phone. Notifications also caused a bit of a headache due to just how different they are.
Moral of the story, I stuck with it and actually like android more now. Given it's not as idiot proof as iOS was, but the things you can do in android (in terms of being able to do anything you want with your data and not having itunes) make it worth it.
Try flashing and rooting your phone, then remove all the apps you don't use. That fixed most of my battery problems for me, and the unnamed rom fixed the rest.
Artimus009 said:
Send me your phone and ill see what's up ;-)
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I777 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Send me your working one and ill send my broken one.
DKS1282 said:
I didn't make any money I lost money. All I want is to enjoy my phone. You sir are a jerk andp i hope you die in a fire. People like you are unneeded in this world.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
DK - Standard troubleshooting steps... Use the phone STOCK without ROOT and without any new apps for a few hours (at the very least)...
IF the phone still gives you these errors STOCK you can complain to AT&T about your issues because it is clearly the phone (HARDWARE) as ROOT cause of these issue.
HOWEVER...
If you're experiencing these issues either:
After restoring from previous backup
ROOTing the phone
Downloading apps from outside of Android Market
Then this is clearly a software issue.
I've been using my SGS2 for over 30 days STOCK non rooting and I've run into ZERO issues.
Please report BACK after you take the SGS2 to STOCK with no 3rd party apps installed...
DKS1282 said:
Hi. I've been struggeling with the s2 ever since I got it, almost all apps FC, Bluetooth randomly turns off as does my phone, GPS never knows where I am, I get adds in my notification bar, my Widgets don't work, time is almost always wrong and my speed test never gets above 1mb down. These problems occur out of the box on 2 different phones and with S8.
I see people enjoying their android phones but I'm confused how. Do I need to be a pro hacker to even make this device work the way it should? What can I do to fix this? I'm so frustrated I'm ready to not have a phone just so I can destroy this on with my hands. I paid 199 for this phone, don't even feel it's with $10, maybe it is but android sure isn't.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Factory reset and go back to stock, if you are still having issues then return it for a new device. I have not had a single force close, wifi issue, bluetooth droppage, nor widge malfuntion. If you are installing other roms it sounds like you are not following instructions. you could be also installing applications/widgets that have not been updated in awhile to support SGSII? Feel sorry for you having so many issues, but take it back for another and complain. Maybe they will upgrade you to a skyrocket or something else if that will make you happy?
No complaints on my SGS II other than it can't cook me dinner or replace my nagging spouse.
Why not list the apps you installed, or as other suggested bring it back to bone stock and do a factory reset.
Quick heads up here guys.. Everyone needs to straighten up and fly right.
OP - this post comes off trolling, but I believe you may have a problem, so I am leaving it for now. But you won't get much help without really explaining your problems...
others -if you think a post is a troll/spam, DO NOT REPLY. Flag it for review, and let me/others take care of it, that is why we are here. If something is surely spam, posting in the thread does not help..
This has gotta be a joke right? Do you actually think Samsung would release a phone that didn't work as you describe to the market? No...
Sorry i didnt burn yet......
DKS1282 said:
I didn't make any money I lost money. All I want is to enjoy my phone. You sir are a jerk andp i hope you die in a fire. People like you are unneeded in this world.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow i should die in a fire..... But hey i dont expect much from the likes of you.... And check my post, all I do is go from forum to forum helping people with legitimized problems...
ALL your post are nothing but complaints and telling devs how their instruction were dumb since you couldnt understand them,lol.... O and lets not forget the one post about how you are about to go back to your Iphone. Sorry but a troll is a troll!
So i will take what you said and do what I do best.... Pray for you
craigbailey1986 said:
Wow i should die in a fire..... But hey i dont expect much from the likes of you.... And check my post, all I do is go from forum to forum helping people with legitimized problems...
ALL your post are nothing but complaints and telling devs how their instruction were dumb since you couldnt understand them,lol.... O and lets not forget the one post about how you are about to go back to your Iphone. Sorry but a troll is a troll!
So i will take what you said and do what I do best.... Pray for you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Didn't Divine_Madcat just tell everyone this morning to NOT REPLY to him if you think he's trolling? Geez...
Allow me to explain things as straight forward as possible. Please note I am not going to attack nor will I insult you.. I am spelling out facts.
Android Market does not allow malware.. There are 3 types of applications. 1) Free Application offered for no cost, 2) Ad-enabled application free to the user but you have to deal with ads gets money to the developer, 3) Paid for application. You pay for it
Now with that said.. Lets look at what your installing, If you can list out all the applications on your phone this is done by
Go to Market
Click Menu
Click My Apps
Type in all the application names there in here.
That will better help us diagnose your problem. Without that we really can not help you as a novice user you may mistake "out of the box" with nothing done when you have downloaded 10 applications. That is not for me to say but for you to show us.
Next when your asking for help please make sure to be terse and to the point with your problems, adding in extra frustration for it only makes you seem "troll" like. I could see how the other user seen you as if you where promoting IPhone and bashing Android.. Make sure to keep your personal impressions to a minimum and that will help you out here.
And remember, 99% of all problems you will incur as a user with force close are usually the users fault. Now if your a developer.. Well yea.. You will be crashing a phone alot.
So get us that list and lets see if we can't make your phone experience as good as ours is..

Security App - Best, Necessary?

I heard about Lookout for checking CIQ on phone and saw that they have a security app. Also saw something by NetQin. I used to use BitDefender on my pc but then it got buggy.
My first smartphone and I'm paranoid. So do most people use a security/anti-virus app on their phone? If so, which do you suggest?
I've had more than my fair share of smart phones. This is my 4th one this year. As for me, I've never used a virus scanner on my phone or any of my computers. I'm just smart and make sure I don't download things I don't know what they are.
I've been using the free version of Lookout for about 3 years through an OG Droid, Droid 2, Droid X2, and now my Rezound. I've never had any issues with it. It seems to work the way it's supposed to.
Not really necessary. But it's up to you really, personal preference in this matter.
Yeah, I have read that Android doesn't propagate viruses, but seems like there would still be a chance of getting malware or spyware.
Also, does anyone worry about intrusions via bluetooth or something from another person even without using a trojan? I used to read about that ability years ago, where someone could go through your files and grab what they wanted via bluetooth. Is there a way for anyone to do that with our phones?
Heavily researched this the other day. Not sure if you're worried more about the malware side of life, or the potential of theft - but if you're looking to ID a perp for trying to gank your phone, nothing comes close to the feature set in Cerberus.
Android market link: https://market.android.com/details?id=com.lsdroid.cerberus&hl=en
Android Police review: http://www.androidpolice.com/2011/1...s-a-clear-winner-in-keeping-your-device-safe/
Hadn't even heard of it before last week, but after 10 minutes of messing w/ it, I was sold. Better than anything else in the market by far in terms of what it does & I can confirm everything is working on my Rezound. Also, it's only $3 and change. Can't beat that
Also, for reference, I previously used Prey, but I like this much better.
(Favorite feature is the front cam snaps that get sent to my email, each time my pattern lock is incorrectly swiped)
feralicious said:
Yeah, I have read that Android doesn't propagate viruses, but seems like there would still be a chance of getting malware or spyware.
Also, does anyone worry about intrusions via bluetooth or something from another person even without using a trojan? I used to read about that ability years ago, where someone could go through your files and grab what they wanted via bluetooth. Is there a way for anyone to do that with our phones?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wrote a paper on Bluetooth for school. Those attacks were fixed with Bluetooth 2.0
platinumthomas said:
I wrote a paper on Bluetooth for school. Those attacks were fixed with Bluetooth 2.0
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hm... how does it do that, in layman's terms?
I'm paranoid a bit since our phones are now pretty much like laptops. I have my laptop on lockdown though and this is my first smartphone so I want to be sure I'm not leaving a security hole open for some nefarious character to take advantage of.
Well, I know I already mentioned Lookout, but I'm going to mention them again. These guys seem to know what they're doing. I mean, as this article states, Google trusts them enough to tell them what to remove from the market, so I would assume that they're pretty legit. Again, I've never had an issue with anything, and I've been running Lookout for a while.
The new avast!, which bought and incorporated Theft Aware, seems like the best option on the market to me....It's what I use.
dustintheweb said:
(Favorite feature is the front cam snaps that get sent to my email, each time my pattern lock is incorrectly swiped)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nice feature, I'm going to check it out just for that.
Check out Zoner
Sent from my HTC Rezound 4G using XDA premium.
I use lookout, been using it for over two years now on 4 android phones.
Sent from my rezound.

Making my phone theft proof

I've just recetly got the sgs2, great phone, but it cost quite a bit hence I'd like to get one or more apps on it to make it completely theft proof.
What do you guys believe are the best apps out there to make your phone theftproof?
Tasker. It will make it theft proof and hundreds of other things!
Sent from my Nexus S using xda premium
NicholasQ said:
Tasker. It will make it theft proof and hundreds of other things!
Sent from my Nexus S using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As good as tasker is, I don't think it's a good choice for an easy solution to security. Theft aware and Cerberus are worth a look
What do u mean theft proof? If you leave it at a restaurant and someone takes it, goes into recovery and wipes it?
Sent from my MB860 using XDA App
benjo1989 said:
As good as tasker is, I don't think it's a good choice for an easy solution to security. Theft aware and Cerberus are worth a look
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yea it's not easy but highly customizable. Take a look at brandals guide to tasker profile for phone loss.
Sent from my Nexus S using xda premium
firefox3 said:
What do u mean theft proof? If you leave it at a restaurant and someone takes it, goes into recovery and wipes it?
Sent from my MB860 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm so glad I have a Nexus One. With the newer versions of the BlackRose bootloader, you can't access recovery mode, flash anything, etc until you enter a user defined password
+1 for Theft Aware
firefox3 said:
What do u mean theft proof? If you leave it at a restaurant and someone takes it, goes into recovery and wipes it?
Sent from my MB860 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Rather the ability to get the device back in my own hands, having my personal information secured is a plus, but I'm mostly concerned about retreiving that expensive piece of phone.
I'll look into the suggested apps, thanks a bunch allready!
Android webkey. You get complete control of your phone from any PC. If your phone is stolen and you want to lock it you get set a pattern lock, or leave a message or go into google maps and see the location. Of course the other person will see this going on so you better hope the thief has it in his pocket when you do this!
How do Tasker and other apps mentioned here help prevent theft?
I'd recommend Avast security - they have an option to install an antitheft onto your root partition so even if someone does a factory reset the app keeps running
And you can make it play a siren, send messages, and track the guy. Best of all - you can uninstall Avast once you got the security thing running.
Firstly, get some software that allows you to track it, send messages, take pictures using the camera etc.
I recommend cerberus, for a one-time-fee of €3 and a free 7 day trial.
Cerberus can also text/email if a non-authorised sim card is used.
Also, change the splash screen and the boot animation.
Changing the splash screen is difficult to do for someone not technical or into phones, so it's unlikely they'll be able to change it. Make sure it includes your name, an alternative number and an e-mail address. That way the phone is basically unsellable if stolen. If you want to sell it, just change the splash screen back.
Lastly the boot animation - also add contact details or make it something non-stock, just to again prove it's yours.
First thing a phone thief will do is removing the battery. Then he goes home and removes sim card. Hooks it up to his computer and wipes off everything.
Then you can buy your phone back on ebay. For a price off course.
Keep your phone in your pocket mate. This is the best advice you will ever get.
Just bought cerberus, and while it's features are more or less the same as theft aware, the support for it is truly amazing. I had a minor issue and emailed them and got a prompt response. Other advantages include support for 5 devices, automatic GPS enabling for rooted users and a nice flashable disguised CWM package
Also FYI, avast bought over theft aware, so look into avast, not the old software. It IS a pain to uninstall the rooted anti theft, but that's a good thing. Avast us? Ore intuitive, but I feel like like it's heavier on the system and there's no web panel, so keep that in mind.
Just try out a few, and pick the one that best fits your needs. FWIW, androidpolice had a mobile security shootout series that you may want to look at.
BEST OF LUCK!
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I777 using xda premium
avgjoemomma said:
I'm so glad I have a Nexus One. With the newer versions of the BlackRose bootloader, you can't access recovery mode, flash anything, etc until you enter a user defined password
+1 for Theft Aware
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry to resurrect such an old thread, but I just ran across this mention in my google searches... I am VERY interested in a bootloader password. In the two years since this post, has this idea been carried over to any other Android phones?
ZippyDan said:
Sorry to resurrect such an old thread, but I just ran across this mention in my google searches... I am VERY interested in a bootloader password. In the two years since this post, has this idea been carried over to any other Android phones?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My need for the bootloader password back then was to add a layer of security for my data. Device encryption provided by newer versions of Android fulfill my paranoia

PSA: Verizon now has remote "desktop" capability

I'm not sure how long this has been going on but I was on a call to customer service last night trying to get the WatchESPN app running properly on my phone and the "tier 2" technician asked if it would be okay to take control of my phone. I've been in the IT field quite some time and I knew he was asking to remote into my phone (ala pcAnywhere.)
I gave him permission and quickly got a text message saying vdm (Verizon desktop manager?) was trying to connect. I'm rooted with Dubbsy's 4.2.2 GPE ROM and I was nervous about a Verizon rep snooping around my phone (warranty concern.) I'm not sure if it was the ROM or the fact that I was in a bad cell area, but he was never able to connect. We never did get the app to run properly either.
Just giving people a heads up about Verizon's (new???) capability; I've never had anyone ask me in over three years with the company. Careful rooted users, if they see you've rooted they may make a notation (with or without telling you) in your account and when you bring your phone in for service--it may get declined.
Pretty scary stuff. At least they can't get in unattended (we hope?)
I wonder which apk performs this. I'd like to freeze it.
asharad said:
I wonder which apk performs this. I'd like to freeze it.
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Click to collapse
Verizon remote diagnostics...or something similiar to that. I have seen it a couple of times.
Aetherpal
It doesn't work in my builds because the only thing I keep from Verizon is their apns and service. They can keep the bloat and locked down updates. Especially their big brother program...
sent from my GE gs4
It's been around since about the second release for the S3. Nothing new.
asharad said:
I wonder which apk performs this. I'd like to freeze it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Erisnoob said:
Verizon remote diagnostics...or something similiar to that. I have seen it a couple of times.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
magneticzero said:
Aetherpal
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did some research on this and, apparently, it's been around for about 18 months and you're both right:
Verizon Remote Diagnostics
Aetherpal teardown
Aetherpal can/does check for root access. There's two good things about this service. First, you can simply refuse the assistance from the customer support. Second, there's a terms of service you have to accept even if you gave permission for them to remote desktop. You can reject the ToS. I haven't had a TW ROM installed on my phone for a long time, so maybe someone else can post a screen of which .apk(s) they can freeze in TiBu.
Dubbsy said:
It doesn't work in my builds because the only thing I keep from Verizon is their apns and service. They can keep the bloat and locked down updates. Especially their big brother program...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1
docnok63 said:
I did some research on this and, apparently, it's been around for about 18 months and you're both right:
I haven't had a TW ROM installed on my phone for a long time, so maybe someone else can post a screen of which .apk(s) they can freeze in TiBu.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Verizon Remote Diagnostics shows up as com.Aetherpal.device on my stock phone...
i just removed that aetherpal apk from /system/app when i removed all that crappy bloat the day i got the phone

"ANT" Spyware

A couple days ago I found an interesting app make appearance on my device by the name of "Ant"
I ignored it no big deal just more Google junk auto installing but when I checked Playstore this evening I found "Ant" had update pending.
I also found tons of reviews giving overall rating 2.5 , Some call it NSA spyware etc bad bad stuff slowing device.
That got my attention so I cleared its data freezing using titanium backup.
End result no more Spyware on board and device performance has increased tremendously.
Screen shot shows app files
Most of the ant apps I believe have to do with hardware support for ant+. It's a fitness tracking device.
Sent from my SM-G900T using Tapatalk
tp2215 said:
Most of the ant apps I believe have to do with hardware support for ant+. It's a fitness tracking device.
Sent from my SM-G900T using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah that's what its builders calling it.
Since it installed on my device without permission , it cant be uninstalled if your not rooted & 90% of playstore posters calling it spyware.
Thats a pretty good sign its up to no good
Don't be silly, ANT+ is just a protocol for devices to share information, an oversimplification, but compare it to Bluetooth. It allows devices (usually fitness wearables) to communicate with your phone correctly. You can uninstall it if you don't have any devices that use ANT but it's not "spyware" and it's not going to slow down your device. People posting in the Play Store are not exactly geniuses...
CitrixLemon said:
Don't be silly, ANT+ is just a protocol for devices to share information, an oversimplification, but compare it to Bluetooth. It allows devices (usually fitness wearables) to communicate with your phone correctly. You can uninstall it if you don't have any devices that use ANT but it's not "spyware" and it's not going to slow down your device. People posting in the Play Store are not exactly geniuses...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeah pretty silly , app that auto installs giving you no choice to deny and cant be completely uninstalled from device hmm
its good you have the inside scoop everything's dandy.
http://www.androidauthority.com/nsa-ant-328858/
sling said:
yeah pretty silly , app that auto installs giving you no choice to deny and cant be completely uninstalled from device hmm
its good you have the inside scoop everything's dandy.
http://www.androidauthority.com/nsa-ant-328858/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are a bunch of apps like that on the phone which deal with various wireless communications, you can't turn off the WiFi apps either. Just because the NSA happens to use the same acronym for one of their divisions doesn't mean anything. Although I guess that's what got all the people from the Play Store started. Take your tinfoil hat off...
CitrixLemon said:
There are a bunch of apps like that on the phone which deal with various wireless communications, you can't turn off the WiFi apps either. Just because the NSA happens to use the same acronym for one of their divisions doesn't mean anything. Although I guess that's what got all the people from the Play Store started. Take your tinfoil hat off...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dont forget those in XDA forums calling it none spyware.
Who could be right? hmm to each his own I guess believe what you will.
Ive disabled the crap & yes my device performance has improved.
sling said:
A couple days ago I found an interesting app make appearance on my device by the name of "Ant"
I ignored it no big deal just more Google junk auto installing but when I checked Playstore this evening I found "Ant" had update pending.
I also found tons of reviews giving overall rating 2.5 , Some call it NSA spyware etc bad bad stuff slowing device.
That got my attention so I cleared its data freezing using titanium backup.
End result no more Spyware on board and device performance has increased tremendously.
Screen shot shows app files
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can install all the apps you want, but if the NSA want to track you they will. As soon as you hit the Internet, privacy goes out the window for all those paranoids out there.
Sent from my SM-G900T using XDA Free mobile app
daxecutioner24 said:
You can install all the apps you want, but if the NSA want to track you they will. As soon as you hit the Internet, privacy goes out the window for all those paranoids out there.
Sent from my SM-G900T using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is true but why have app on board that's not manufacture released , Not google app release , auto install on device without you knowing , Cant be fully removed without root
Anyway Developers website - http://www.thisisant.com/consumer/
Everyone needs this app on board , makes sense right?
Its spyware in my book
sling said:
This is true but why have app on board that's not manufacture released , Not google app release , auto install on device without you knowing , Cant be fully removed without root
Anyway Developers website - http://www.thisisant.com/consumer/
Everyone needs this app on board , it makes sense right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think the point is that as a wireless connection standard it helps the company (ANT) if they have it preinstalled on as many devices as possible so that they are "ANT+ Ready" so to speak. Samsung's Galaxy Gear line of watches and wearables uses ANT+ so that's probably why they include it, and/or ANT paid them to do it.
CitrixLemon said:
I think the point is that as a wireless connection standard it helps the company (ANT) if they have it preinstalled on as many devices as possible so that they are "ANT+ Ready" so to speak. Samsung's Galaxy Gear line of watches and wearables uses ANT+ so that's probably why they include it, and/or ANT paid them to do it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well the good news gear functions without it being enabled
Anyway I have no need for it , Those that need enjoy what ever it does for you,
sling said:
Yeah that's what its builders calling it.
Since it installed on my device without permission , it cant be uninstalled if your not rooted & 90% of playstore posters calling it spyware.
Thats a pretty good sign its up to no good
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
90% of Play Store people rate apps 2 stars when it's a user error lol
NSA ain't watching you xD
If you don't want to be snooped on, you better remove Carrier IQ from your phone too.
sling said:
Well the good news gear functions without it being enabled
Anyway I have no need for it , Those that need enjoy what ever it does for you,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lmao.......and what? You think Google isn't keeping tabs on everything you do? And you are worried about a service app like ant?
idk
Why not just run Ubuntu...
Sent from my SM-G900T using Tapatalk
Wow...this thread is hilarious. .
There watching you...lol..
They installed 2 gigs worth
Of crap I didn't give
them permission Too...lol
Sent from my SM-G900T using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
If the nsa put software on your phone, they wouldn't advertise it.
Sent from my SM-G900T using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
The reviews for this app are hilarious!
Damn narcissists ;]
And seems to have stopped becoming useful
Thread closed
FNSM

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