[Q] remove apps without turning on device? - Android Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

im getting tired of a program on my phone called com.skymobi.lockfram.iphone, as it keeps installing junk, and i have very little free space at the moment. but attemting to find the program will result in a fail, as i cannot locate it, however, using terminal emulator, i can find it, but im unable to remove it, because its in use. so my question is, is there some way, to remove apps/stuff from the phone, while its connected to usb, and not being turned on with android IE some recovery mode, or similar.
the phone is a fake galaxy s5, and i cant remember the features in its very low level recovery menu.
as well as a "factory mode" menu, with debug functions.

Factory reset - I would be careful about which apps I install next time. There is probably some kind of app in the App Manager that looks like a system app or something which you would otherwise not remove... it's a sneaky piece of software, kind of like an Android "virus" if you will. Just err on the safe side, wipe your phone and start over. And stop installing crap, ie. read disclaimers, double check permissions, etc. A flashlight app shouldn't need access to the Internet, just sayin'.

Pesoen said:
im getting tired of a program on my phone called com.skymobi.lockfram.iphone, as it keeps installing junk, and i have very little free space at the moment. but attemting to find the program will result in a fail, as i cannot locate it, however, using terminal emulator, i can find it, but im unable to remove it, because its in use. so my question is, is there some way, to remove apps/stuff from the phone, while its connected to usb, and not being turned on with android IE some recovery mode, or similar.
the phone is a fake galaxy s5, and i cant remember the features in its very low level recovery menu.
as well as a "factory mode" menu, with debug functions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
good antivirus for android malware https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.avast.android.mobilesecurity&hl=en

JayR_L said:
Factory reset - I would be careful about which apps I install next time. There is probably some kind of app in the App Manager that looks like a system app or something which you would otherwise not remove... it's a sneaky piece of software, kind of like an Android "virus" if you will. Just err on the safe side, wipe your phone and start over. And stop installing crap, ie. read disclaimers, double check permissions, etc. A flashlight app shouldn't need access to the Internet, just sayin'.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
problem is, i have had it factory reset, and the program is installed from the start, its there after a factory reset, where the only thing i installed was terminal, to use pm list packages to check for it.

Pesoen said:
problem is, i have had it factory reset, and the program is installed from the start, its there after a factory reset, where the only thing i installed was terminal, to use pm list packages to check for it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is there a way you could flash an image of sort? Like wiping the entire phone and reflashing the ROM or stock image... I could probably help you more if I knew the exact model of your phone as you mentioned it's a fake S5. Anyways, if the app in question installed itself in /system (/system/priv-app for instance) then a factory reset from within your phone won't cut it. You need to "reinstall the operating system", if you will, in order to get rid of it for sure.

toolhas4degrees said:
good antivirus for android malware https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.avast.android.mobilesecurity&hl=en
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i have allready tried antivirus programs, it finds it, but cannot do anything with it, cant remember the name, but i think it was avg, where it said, virus removed, but it still installed apps at random, and the com.skymobi.lockframe.iphone was still there.

toolhas4degrees said:
good antivirus for android malware https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.avast.android.mobilesecurity&hl=en
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
JayR_L said:
Is there a way you could flash an image of sort? Like wiping the entire phone and reflashing the ROM or stock image... I could probably help you more if I knew the exact model of your phone as you mentioned it's a fake S5. Anyways, if the app in question installed itself in /system (/system/priv-app for instance) then a factory reset from within your phone won't cut it. You need to "reinstall the operating system", if you will, in order to get rid of it for sure.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i have asked the guy i bought it from online, for a new rom, since he states it has been updated, but the installer wont work on anything other than windows xp, which presents a problem, i have no windows xp computers. as well as the fact, the software version, it states to install, is the same as it already has(looking through factory menu) and i dont have another rom to put on it, as its a fake S5, i doubt a proper S5 rom would work. and would rather then wait, and save up enough for a real phone, not a replica of one.
i just wanted to know, if there was some way, to try to remove it without turning on the device, since i think its unable to remove, because its running the app on startup. but if i can get someone a rom to work on, could someone try to find some way for me to install it from a windows 7 or never system?

As I said in my previous post, it would help to have your exact model number. "Fake S5" isn't very helpful. You would find this in "Settings -> About". Or you can post the first 6 digits of your IMEI (not the whole thing), that might help.

JayR_L said:
As I said in my previous post, it would help to have your exact model number. "Fake S5" isn't very helpful. You would find this in "Settings -> About". Or you can post the first 6 digits of your IMEI (not the whole thing), that might help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
model number, taken from settings: SM-G900H
Baseband Version: G900HVZNU1AND1
Kernel Version: [email protected]#1Wed Apr 02 15:17:34 KST 2014
Build Number: KOT49H.G900HSKSU1ANCE
Custom Build Version: 1409757535
it shows 2 IMEI numbers, when looking in the factory mode, so listing both and 8 digits, just for fun..
IMEI1:35523603
IMEI2:35262106
hope this helps.
if not, then just ask for whatever info, you may need.

Are you sure its not a real S5... If not its such a good clone I wonder if a regular S5 ROM would do...

JayR_L said:
Are you sure its not a real S5... If not its such a good clone I wonder if a regular S5 ROM would do...
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Click to collapse
im not really sure, but since it has 1 GB ram, and octa core cpu, and a MTK core, i doubt its real, it does have all the features, and all works, except air gestures, and NFC. so im not sure if a stock S5 rom would work, since its different CPU's. so would rather get the most compatible rom out there, and try that. not sure if one excist, that works with ANYTHING in any device.
also a real S5 would not have such bad antenna's as this one, i can hardly get a signal out on the country, but it gets full signal as i near a city, of some size. but i might be able to fix that later, after i see what antenna it has, and the price of one.
but im ready to install a custom rom, so long as it works fine after.
also a small note, its a very high quality fake, the case is allmost believable, the headphones are same look, and almost same quality. the only thing thats bad, is the functions that dont work, and the antenna quality, it can easilly multitask, with chrome, and poweramp. so it does the job it was bought for, and that job was to save up money for an actual phone, maybe a S5, but i might do a Xperia Z2 or Z3.

Its just that your device, if incompatible with S5, means that its so rare and niche that no one probably developed a way to root it and much ROMs... Anyway, your rogue app is installed as a system app and is immune to factory resets, you have to find a way to get it out of there. The way you suggested won't work, also, to clarify. You can't play with the phone's memory when its off. The problem is that the rogue app is in /system and you need root to even tinker with that. Ideally you could just flash a new image that would overwrite /system completely.
Edit -- I'm astounded by how they can almost completely replicate a phone and the intellectual property contained within it.

here is the rom, i got from the guy who sold it to me, i have NO clue how to edit it, or remove things, and add other things to it, so if someone could either teach me, or remove the items containing "com.skymobi" i would really appreciate it.
ROM Download

So, wait. Having in mind that you can track the app means that your phone is rooted. Or does it? The question arises: why don't you just delete the damn app, if you're already rooted, with Titanium Backup? I mean seriously. If it's a FakeS5 woth an octa core chipset, it's probably with the MTK6592. If you're not rooted, then just find a tool that can root this chipset, you don't need a device-specific root-tool to do that. I am currently on my phone so I can't currently search, but God, this is just a simple fix. Google MTK6592 root, root your phone, install TiBU, freeze or delete the pesky app. Titanium Backup doesn't care if the app is "in use or running"
Sent from my LG-P990 using XDA Free mobile app

NoDze said:
So, wait. Having in mind that you can track the app means that your phone is rooted. Or does it? The question arises: why don't you just delete the damn app, if you're already rooted, with Titanium Backup? I mean seriously. If it's a FakeS5 woth an octa core chipset, it's probably with the MTK6592. If you're not rooted, then just find a tool that can root this chipset, you don't need a device-specific root-tool to do that. I am currently on my phone so I can't currently search, but God, this is just a simple fix. Google MTK6592 root, root your phone, install TiBU, freeze or delete the pesky app. Titanium Backup doesn't care if the app is "in use or running"
Sent from my LG-P990 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Clearly you know a bit more than me about those clones, I never used one... I guess there's a thing called "droid tools" for MTK chipsets.

NoDze said:
So, wait. Having in mind that you can track the app means that your phone is rooted. Or does it? The question arises: why don't you just delete the damn app, if you're already rooted, with Titanium Backup? I mean seriously. If it's a FakeS5 woth an octa core chipset, it's probably with the MTK6592. If you're not rooted, then just find a tool that can root this chipset, you don't need a device-specific root-tool to do that. I am currently on my phone so I can't currently search, but God, this is just a simple fix. Google MTK6592 root, root your phone, install TiBU, freeze or delete the pesky app. Titanium Backup doesn't care if the app is "in use or running"
Sent from my LG-P990 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
my phone is rooted, its the first thing i do to any new android phone. the problem is, i cant "see" the app anywhere, i can only see its folder, where it places the .apk files before installing them, and going by that name, i used terminal, to see it is an app running, but no matter what i use, other than terminal, it cannot find the program, trying to use terminal to remove or disable the app, results in a fail, since its allways running.
so its not as simple as you stated. though i wish it WAS that easy, then i would not need to go to a forum, to ask for help.
and before you ask, yes i run terminal with root acces, and SU. so thats not the problem.

JayR_L said:
Clearly you know a bit more than me about those clones, I never used one... I guess there's a thing called "droid tools" for MTK chipsets.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
just researched the droid tools, it seems straight forward, and easy to create a backup of the rom, and even easier, to select what to install from said rom. going to try and see if i can get it working, will post results here, as soon as possible.

Good. Hopefully you will have some conclusive results for us. I'm sorry I couldn't point you in a better direction, I honestly never dealt with MTK phones - nor I do I ever wish to! Hahaha

JayR_L said:
Good. Hopefully you will have some conclusive results for us. I'm sorry I couldn't point you in a better direction, I honestly never dealt with MTK phones - nor I do I ever wish to! Hahaha
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
fair enough, i will say, its a decent phone, for the price, but otherwise, i would also steer clear of them. but just found out how to remove it, on the device, using root app delete. it was under system apps and OS components, hidden as something called system locker, just thought it was weird it was there, so now the task comes in, trying to remove it from the backup i have made, using mtk droid tools, and see what happens. but for now, problem solved.
now the only thing, thats not working on it, is the smart cover app, it crashes if i try to unlock it, while the smart cover is on, but i bet its just a matter of finding, and updating it, or possibly, remove it fully, and reinstall it.

You should have frozen the app first rather than removing. The former has the benefits of the latter except that it is not uninstalled. This way, you could check if the device encounters any problem.

Related

Phone recovery security

I was just curious to find out if there was a general consensus as to the better app for recovering your phone. I realize that there are quite a few that do the job. I just want to find the one that does the job and does it well, because if my phone does ever get stolen/lost, I only have one shot to get it right. Trial and error doesn't really give me peace of mind when it's something you actually need it to work.
Any opinions?
princearic said:
I was just curious to find out if there was a general consensus as to the better app for recovering your phone. I realize that there are quite a few that do the job. I just want to find the one that does the job and does it well, because if my phone does ever get stolen/lost, I only have one shot to get it right. Trial and error doesn't really give me peace of mind when it's something you actually need it to work.
Any opinions?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use titanium donate version and it does everything I could possibly ever want it to do. Will restore everything, even system settings.
lralexl said:
I use titanium donate version and it does everything I could possibly ever want it to do. Will restore everything, even system settings.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think he's referring to tracking software...
I've seen some nice Tasker scripts that will lock up the phone and e-mail you its GPS coordinates if you send a certain text to it. This way you would get more for your money since Tasker does so many other amazing things.
Have you looked into WaveSecure? seems pretty good, https://www.wavesecure.com/wavesecure/android.aspx
I've heard some good things about Prey but in all honesty, it's good to keep things locked down with either encryption/passcode unlock too. I don't know the statistics on recovery of lost phones but being a pessimistic/optimist I'd say hope for the best but expect the worst. Sync your contacts/emails/etc on a regular basis (maybe once a week and you can use tasker for this), keep sensitive personal information off the phone if possible, etc.
Froyo might let you remote wipe (I heard it would be a feature for enterprise lvl stuff) but if the person who found it is tech savvy (pretty much anyone who can flash a rom) they might just pull the SIM & wipe the phone which would moot any security features you might have in place. I could be wrong though, I don't have a lot of experience in anti-theft and should probably look more into protecting my own phone too and seeing what options are available.
I do know that insurance will cover the loss but it doesn't help if you don't have a backup of all your important info somewhere. Oh, and before I forget, in addition to contacts/email you can sync your calendar too. You just need to make sure when you create an entry that you save it as a Google calendar entry and not to the phone. That way it will sync too.
MyLookout - It also has backup & virus protection
Masterâ„¢ said:
MyLookout - It also has backup & virus protection
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1.
10char
-bZj
Sim Checker Pro - Because if someone changes the SIM card, you can't send it a text message for other programs.
When the SIM card is changed out, it'll send me a text message (so I have the new number) and an email with the GPS location.
I also move the app from /data/app-private to /system/app as well, so it can't be deleted with a system wipe either [I just tested this.....Sim Checker is still there & it remembers my password]. Odin can obviously destroy it, but we're assuming this is stolen/found by someone who just thinks your phone is cool, not someone who knows the ins/outs of Samsung Vibrant hacking.
Another plus is if they do a wipe they'd probably lose root (forgot to verify this), which might be good as well.
From there, there are TONS of apps that will send back locations with GPS updates, Wheres My Droid is a popular example.
I would move all of these apps into the /system/app section to be on the safe side.
If I were to find a phone and decide not to give it back (hypothetically of course, don't blast me for something I haven't done), I would power it down & wipe it before doing anything...having them in your /system will help with this. I'm sure most people would probably just yank the SIM card.......either way, if you use Sim Checker, you'll be safe, but make sure you have another option like Wheres My Droid as well.
Also, I'm pretty sure if Sim Checker is in /system, it'll be able to turn the GPS on as well.

[Q] time and usability during rooting and flashing

Hi. This is the first time I will root and flash a phone. Of course I can't use my phone during the process itself, but what about after I root? I am a busy person and most likely I won't be able to root then flash in the same day.
How long does the root process, and then the flash process, take about? Estimates?
After I root, I can take and receive calls and SMS right away right? No waiting to do other things first? How about after I flash? When I get done flashing, can I start to use my phone again?
I am just nervous that it will take so long and I have to go for a meeting or my boss or student needs to talk to me, etc...
Thanks, LGnationrc
After you root and/or flash ROM. Assuming you did a full wipe, you'll have to set the phone up.
Basically the touch the Android robot and sign in to your Google account.
Phone and SMS should work right after that.
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using Tapatalk
Just remember to backup your contacts or remember to sync it to Google Contacts before you start (go to sync in settings, choose your account and tap "Sync Contacts".
ok thanks guys. I can't find this "thanks" button but I give you guys one each!
I think I will just do a root first, before I get into flashing. Rooting seems easy and fast. I have everything really to go, I just want to read up and get more information before I dive in.
After I am all done, flashing too, I basically want a faster phone (no more lag!) and I want to be able to run skype (I can't with my LG Optimus X2) and I want to remove that stupid and loud shutter sound when i record once and for all. Maybe I can free up some battery life too. I only get about 10 days before she is shut off dead. I only have about 20 apps. Maybe I can remove all the build crap apps too.
When I finally have the time to do it, I will let you guys know how it went. And report any problems I have if any. Thanks, lgnationrc
Just to clarify, the rooting process itself will not change the usability of your phone afterward. Until you choose to flash a custom ROM you can run your device with it's stock ROM as long as you like. In my case, I used a clean rooting method (not a one-click method) and it took 10 minutes to complete. I did spend quite a bit of time reading up on the subject beforehand.
Sent from my HTC Vision using XDA App
Ditamae said:
Just to clarify, the rooting process itself will not change the usability of your phone afterward. Until you choose to flash a custom ROM you can run your device with it's stock ROM as long as you like. In my case, I used a clean rooting method (not a one-click method) and it took 10 minutes to complete. I did spend quite a bit of time reading up on the subject beforehand.
Sent from my HTC Vision using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, whats the difference between oneclick method and a "clean" root method? Why a "root" vs. a oneclick method?
That is fine. I just want to get the process started. As long as I can take this in steps and still be able to use the phone in between steps.
What is the percentage of chance that I brick my phone trying to do this?
Thanks, lgnationrc
lgnationrc said:
Ok, whats the difference between oneclick method and a "clean" root method? Why a "root" vs. a oneclick method?
That is fine. I just want to get the process started. As long as I can take this in steps and still be able to use the phone in between steps.
What is the percentage of chance that I brick my phone trying to do this?
Thanks, lgnationrc
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Both are rooting methods. With some devices there are apps designed to root you at the click of a button. Sometimes this is great and sometimes it can cause problems. With my phone, HTC G2, I used a process that takes a tad bit longer, but I was able to see what was going on each step of the way. My point was simply that rooting doesn't usually take long at all. If you already have a good method in mind stick with it and don't let me confuse you. And all this said - I did use a program called z4root to root my old CLIQ and it worked great. If you do find a one click method just be sure to do your homework on it, and be sure it's not causing more harm than good.
And I can't give you a percentage in terms of bricking your phone. If I were you I would just read instructions, then re read, read the posts by other users... read as much as you can. If you don't understand something, do a Google search. And when you feel comfortable, go ahead and do it. Flashing a custom ROM is simple and really does breathe new life into your phone. Good luck.
Ditamae said:
Both are rooting methods. With some devices there are apps designed to root you at the click of a button......Flashing a custom ROM is simple and really does breathe new life into your phone. Good luck.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good news. I rooted my LG last night. No problems, went fast. I will wait to flash a few weeks before I feel really comfortable and read as much as I can.
But one problem I have right now is, I can't delete the factory apps. I have Astro file manager and I try to delete facebook but I keep getting "Error deleting" message.
And I am trying to figure out how to remove that stupid shutter sound when I record video. I guess there is a law in Hong Kong (thats where I bought the phone) that before you record there has to be a loud shutter sound. Nothing works. I can't figure it out. Any ideas?
I also haven't backed my phone up yet. I have to get the software still.
lgnationrc said:
Good news. I rooted my LG last night. No problems, went fast. I will wait to flash a few weeks before I feel really comfortable and read as much as I can.
But one problem I have right now is, I can't delete the factory apps. I have Astro file manager and I try to delete facebook but I keep getting "Error deleting" message.
And I am trying to figure out how to remove that stupid shutter sound when I record video. I guess there is a law in Hong Kong (thats where I bought the phone) that before you record there has to be a loud shutter sound. Nothing works. I can't figure it out. Any ideas?
I also haven't backed my phone up yet. I have to get the software still.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You need a root enabled file manager. Try es file explorer from the market. You have to enable it in the settings.
Sent from my HTC Glacier using xda premium
lgnationrc said:
Good news. I rooted my LG last night. No problems, went fast. I will wait to flash a few weeks before I feel really comfortable and read as much as I can.
But one problem I have right now is, I can't delete the factory apps. I have Astro file manager and I try to delete facebook but I keep getting "Error deleting" message.
And I am trying to figure out how to remove that stupid shutter sound when I record video. I guess there is a law in Hong Kong (thats where I bought the phone) that before you record there has to be a loud shutter sound. Nothing works. I can't figure it out. Any ideas?
I also haven't backed my phone up yet. I have to get the software still.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First thing I would do is flash Clockworkmod recovery. This will allow you to create a backup (nandroid) of your device in its current state. This way, if any of the changes you might make cause unwanted side effects, you can always restore. If you download Rom Manager in the Market, it should contain the recovery for your device.
Astro will not allow you read/write access to the system. I would install ES File Explorer. It's a free file manager app on the Market, and it will allow you access to system files, where you'll be able to do things such as remove the shutter sound.
You have to be careful deleting system applications from your ROMs. Some are necessary. Facebook is not, obviously... but you're better off leaving the stock system apps alone and flashing a custom ROM where you'll have many more options. Also, FYI, Titanium Backup is useful for creating user app/data backups, and also in that is allows you to freeze apps which essentially makes them unavailable... however, they can also be easily restored (defrosted) if need be. Happy flashing.

Super N00b with some basic questions GAAHH! :)

Hello,
I was told this is the place to come for everything related Galaxy S III from several people. Please excuse me if this is the wrong place or section.
I'm completely new to the Galaxy 3 and Android in general.
I'm on sprint and I've had the Palm Pre since launch, I just got my GS3 yesterday (amazon $149 no tax, free 2 day shipping) :victory:
As you can imagine coming form the Pre, my mind is blown. It's a bit overwhelming, I'm a pretty tech-savvy dude (pre was hacked to its limits) so I down to tinker. But before I even get started with that I have some basic questions.
1. Is there a way to only use a password unlock once per phone power-on instead of every time the screen locks?
1a Even better would be able to use a simple pin for screen unlock but still have the SD/Internal encrypted with a long password. Is that possible?
2. When I press back, how do I know if an app has been killed? I keep getting the feeling it still somehow running in the background?
3. Is the application manager like the Windows process manager? How do I know what are essential system apps and what can be stopped?
4. What is the best way to get rid of bloatware?
5. What are the diffrent system updates? PRL, Profile, Samsung Software, Firmware?
6. Why is there "com.sec.sprextension.phoneinfo.D..." under Device administrator? Do I need that? Is that a security hole/risk?
Again, sorry for so many questions, just trying to wrap my head around all of this. If there is a better place to be asking question please let me know.
Look forward to being part of the community! :highfive:
BR
1) not by default, maybe an app could aid there, not sure, but on stock "out of the box" the answer is "no"
1a) nope, if you want to use encryption, it's password all the way
2) Settings -> Application Manager -> "Running" tab
3) Kind of. It also warns you when you try to kill off a system app, but you can't really damage anything by doing that. I tend to kill just everything I don't want at the moment (which is usually everything but the widgets and app I am intentionally running) and all is well.
Stuff that REALLY needs to run, restarts automatically anyways (and some that don't have to, do as well....)
4) Settings -> Application Manager -> All -> Tap on app -> "Disable"
5) You will find an uncountable number of ROMs / Firmwares here. Stock as well as custom. What the best one is, is personal preference.
6) might be something added by the carrier. try to disable it, see what happens
7) ( ) .... ( ) whoops, no 7 xD
Hope that helped a bit
I'm on sprint and I've had the Palm Pre since launch, I just got my GS3 yesterday
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You most certainly are in the wrong forum. This one is for the international S3 which doesn't feature LTE. There's a Sprint forum right above/below this one =)
Is there a way to only use a password unlock once per phone power-on instead of every time the screen locks?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That would make password unlock more or less redundant. Anyone could still access the phone.
When I press back, how do I know if an app has been killed? I keep getting the feeling it still somehow running in the background?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're correct. Well, partially. It's still "alive" in terms of being in the memory. But it doesn't use CPU anymore which is all that counts.
However you don't want to kill it. Cached processes take up no space (the RAM is emptyed whenever the capacity is needed), no resources and allow you to multi-task right back to where you left off.
Is the application manager like the Windows process manager? How do I know what are essential system apps and what can be stopped?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You don't want to stop anything. Refer to the prior question for this. Well... you may want to kick off some bloatware but to get rid of thm the phone needs to be rooted. There are threads listing which apps you can safely remove.
What is the best way to get rid of bloatware?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As said, you need to be rooted. Use TItanium Backup to freeze the bloatware. It's still physically "there" on the disk (doesn't take up much space) and you can defrost it whenever needed but as long as it's frozen it cannot be started.
What are the diffrent system updates? PRL, Profile, Samsung Software, Firmware?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
App updates are always delivered through their corresponding market. Usually the Google Play Store, but as for Samsung apps they have their own update mechanism.
Firmware and ROM are updated either OTA or through Kies on the computer. They can also be manually flashed through Odin.
"com.sec.sprextension.phoneinfo
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sounds like some carrier bloatware and from the name of it is supposed to open some file extension called '.spr' for the phone.
Thank you for the info! Mods could you please move to correct forum?

Infected with malware?

Hi.
My girlfriend has a Samsung Galaxy S II that has been acting a bit weird recently. Battery life has become extremely short, and she discovered hundreds of files all with names beginning with "tracker-c6446d57267343". Most mysterious of all is that something is somehow using the GPS even though it has been deactivated in the settings.
I'm suspecting her phone is infected with malware, and I'm planning to do a full wipe next time we meet. She's downloading AVG from Google Play right now to run a scan, but I'm going to do a full wipe anyway just to be sure and because she wants to have a clean start anyway.
I'm mostly curious if anyone has encountered this before. Is it malware? If so, how harmful is it? Keylogger, possibly?
Thanks.
CNMOH said:
Hi.
My girlfriend has a Samsung Galaxy S II that has been acting a bit weird recently. Battery life has become extremely short, and she discovered hundreds of files all with names beginning with "tracker-c6446d57267343". Most mysterious of all is that something is somehow using the GPS even though it has been deactivated in the settings.
I'm suspecting her phone is infected with malware, and I'm planning to do a full wipe next time we meet. She's downloading AVG from Google Play right now to run a scan, but I'm going to do a full wipe anyway just to be sure and because she wants to have a clean start anyway.
I'm mostly curious if anyone has encountered this before. Is it malware? If so, how harmful is it? Keylogger, possibly?
Thanks.
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Click to collapse
wow, first post for ya huh? good for you.
dont waste your time with AVG. just wipe the phone. and tell her not to install a bunch of stupid apps.
BluePoint Antivirus is my personal fave
Sent from my Samsung Galaxy SII
CM9 Stable/Siyah 4.1
topiratiko said:
BluePoint Antivirus is my personal fave
Sent from my Samsung Galaxy SII
CM9 Stable/Siyah 4.1
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Click to collapse
Lmao. anti virus on android. you guys are funny!
U know its pointless right?
MotoMudder77 said:
Lmao. anti virus on android. you guys are funny!
U know its pointless right?
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Click to collapse
Exactly. It is. Odds are someone installed an app on yer girlfriends phone to be able to track her, tape pictures with the camera remotely, steal her credit card info, use the mic to record what's going on , etc. All of this can be achieved with ONE app and allows the person who installed it to remotely access the device. Also the app hides itself from detection in the app drawer and in the app manager . The legal reasons to install it are for if u lose your phone. But if someone got a hold of her phone they could easily have put this on and set it up within minutes. In other words. Someone can hear and see everything she's been doing.
Sent from my SGH-I777 using Tapatalk 2
Phalanx7621 said:
Exactly. It is. Odds are someone installed an app on yer girlfriends phone to be able to track her, tape pictures with the camera remotely, steal her credit card info, use the mic to record what's going on , etc. All of this can be achieved with ONE app and allows the person who installed it to remotely access the device. Also the app hides itself from detection in the app drawer and in the app manager . The legal reasons to install it are for if u lose your phone. But if someone got a hold of her phone they could easily have put this on and set it up within minutes. In other words. Someone can hear and see everything she's been doing.
Sent from my SGH-I777 using Tapatalk 2
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I'm finding it highly unlikely that any of her friends would do something like that, not to mention that none of them have the technical know-how (yes, I know it's not hard, but none of her friends are even technologically adept to pull something like this off) to do it. If such malware has been installed on her phone, it most likely came bundled with some app she downloaded. She doesn't get all her app downloads from Google Play.
MotoMudder77 said:
Lmao. anti virus on android. you guys are funny!
U know its pointless right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I like the way it looks on my status bar.
Sent from my Samsung Galaxy SII
CM9 Stable/Siyah 4.1
CNMOH said:
I'm finding it highly unlikely that any of her friends would do something like that, not to mention that none of them have the technical know-how (yes, I know it's not hard, but none of her friends are even technologically adept to pull something like this off) to do it. If such malware has been installed on her phone, it most likely came bundled with some app she downloaded. She doesn't get all her app downloads from Google Play.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is no such thing as malware on android. everything you install tells you what it has access to.
The only thing like malware, would be an application that records stuff and sends it out, which would be listed when she installed the app, Tho im sure most rarely pay attention to that screen other than hitting install.
There are no viruses, no malware, or anything "hidden" that can attack stuff without your permission.
Wipe the phone. Dont install pirated apps or stupid pointless apps.
MotoMudder77 said:
There is no such thing as malware on android. everything you install tells you what it has access to.
The only thing like malware, would be an application that records stuff and sends it out, which would be listed when she installed the app, Tho im sure most rarely pay attention to that screen other than hitting install.
There are no viruses, no malware, or anything "hidden" that can attack stuff without your permission.
Wipe the phone. Dont install pirated apps or stupid pointless apps.
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Click to collapse
Malware can definitely affect android. Sure there are safeguards built in to reduce the chances of it happening, but they rely on the user to enforce them. I can almost guarantee that a majority of android users don't look at what permissions an app is asking for prior to installation. I know for a fact that out of the 5 android users in my house I am the only one that checks permissions before I install anything. In addition, even if one is checking the permissions, a malicious app can easily disguise itself as an everyday app that requires the permissions the Malware needs but would be overlooked because the host app has a valid reason for needing those permissions.
A dialer, email, sms, social networking app will all ask for access to your contacts. And it's necessary for that app to do its job. Well if that same app has unlimited access to your network then it can now take your contacts and upload them.
Now a virus is another thing all together. While it's possible on a rooted phone with rw permissions in the system directory, it's unlikely since most apps exist in a "sandbox" so to speak. It wouldn't be that difficult for a root explorer app to gain access to your /system directory and wreak havoc and then target your sdcard and wipe out your data. But not before uploading whatever it wants (a lot of explorers require network permissions for cloud service, etc). But then I guess that would be classified as malware and not a virus
And lets not leave out all the apps that use social networks to login..
But the last two Lines of your post say it all. Stay away from pirated apps and watch what 3rd party apps you're trusting these permissions with.

[Q] what to do????

Ok help!! I finally broke down and bought an unlocked zoom on the net. It is a great phone, we love it. I use ultrame for a carrier, now it comes down to this> The phone originally is ATT, I read all over here and am confused, if I root it is there a way to remove the ATT software?? will it really mess with the GPS?? will I loose other functions on the phone??? I am confused and yes I talk to myself at times. But I am getting fifty responses all different as to what to do, or just leave the phone alone? It works great, camera is beyond belief. any opinions?????????thanks red423
red423 said:
Ok help!! I finally broke down and bought an unlocked zoom on the net. It is a great phone, we love it. I use ultrame for a carrier, now it comes down to this> The phone originally is ATT, I read all over here and am confused, if I root it is there a way to remove the ATT software?? will it really mess with the GPS?? will I loose other functions on the phone??? I am confused and yes I talk to myself at times. But I am getting fifty responses all different as to what to do, or just leave the phone alone? It works great, camera is beyond belief. any opinions?????????thanks red423
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you root with kingoroot nothing will happen to your gps.. Mine works just fine. After root, use titanium backup to delete the att bloat and you will have no worries.
red423 said:
Ok help!! I finally broke down and bought an unlocked zoom on the net. It is a great phone, we love it. I use ultrame for a carrier, now it comes down to this> The phone originally is ATT, I read all over here and am confused, if I root it is there a way to remove the ATT software?? will it really mess with the GPS?? will I loose other functions on the phone??? I am confused and yes I talk to myself at times. But I am getting fifty responses all different as to what to do, or just leave the phone alone? It works great, camera is beyond belief. any opinions?????????thanks red423
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I understand your worries but as the above member said, you have nothing to worry about. I have the International unlocked version (Not AT&T's) and I rooted it with 'Kingo Root' 2 weeks ago and everything is fine.
So, by acquiring root, you can use Titanium Backup to disable/freeze or delete AT&T apks. Now I suggest you only freeze them first, reboot your phone, use it a bit, make sure there are no errors happening since some APKs are needed by the system for your phone to function or else it will crash and not boot-up properly. So freeze first, test your phone, if all is good, delete them. I personally only delete apks that I am sure I don't need or those that I can re-download from the Play Store if need be. The rest, I just freeze them and forget about them. They can't act on their own if they're frozen =).
Btw, you can still disable/freeze apps without root by going to System settings - More - Application manager, and swipe to "All" category, and find the ones you don't want, click on them, and then click on "Turn Off". (I still prefer Titanium Backup since it shows me all apks and freezes all of them)
got the root
Ok I got the root, so the titanium says no freeze without donating, there are a few ATT apps that show up, on the zoom which ones have you guys just removed forever???? or is there another program like titanium to remove att bloat ware???? AND A BIG THANK YOU FOR REPLYING!!!!!!!!! I am all rooted now and want to make sure if i erase apk's they are the correct ones I cant freeze. red423
Ramsey said:
I understand your worries but as the above member said, you have nothing to worry about. I have the International unlocked version (Not AT&T's) and I rooted it with 'Kingo Root' 2 weeks ago and everything is fine.
So, by acquiring root, you can use Titanium Backup to disable/freeze or delete AT&T apks. Now I suggest you only freeze them first, reboot your phone, use it a bit, make sure there are no errors happening since some APKs are needed by the system for your phone to function or else it will crash and not boot-up properly. So freeze first, test your phone, if all is good, delete them. I personally only delete apks that I am sure I don't need or those that I can re-download from the Play Store if need be. The rest, I just freeze them and forget about them. They can't act on their own if they're frozen =).
Btw, you can still disable/freeze apps without root by going to System settings - More - Application manager, and swipe to "All" category, and find the ones you don't want, click on them, and then click on "Turn Off". (I still prefer Titanium Backup since it shows me all apks and freezes all of them)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
red423 said:
Ok I got the root, so the titanium says no freeze without donating, there are a few ATT apps that show up, on the zoom which ones have you guys just removed forever???? or is there another program like titanium to remove att bloat ware???? AND A BIG THANK YOU FOR REPLYING!!!!!!!!! I am all rooted now and want to make sure if i erase apk's they are the correct ones I cant freeze. red423
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Click to collapse
Sorry I am using the International version so I don't know which AT&T to remove. I didn't get any carrier bloatware with my phone.
You guys rock!!!!!!
Well I have disabled several of the old ATT apps. and the phone screams, very impressive. If go to samsung will it update to kit kat ????
Got this far why not go all the way????????????? thanks red423
red423 said:
Well I have disabled several of the old ATT apps. and the phone screams, very impressive. If go to samsung will it update to kit kat ????
Got this far why not go all the way????????????? thanks red423
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Click to collapse
Great! glad it worked out. I had an S4 prior to this and this Zoom is quicker and smoother I just miss the bigger screen + resolution and thinner body.
There's no kitkat update yet but apparently they announced it and should be out in the coming months hopefully!

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