I asked this in XDA Android Q&A; posting to this Rezound Q&A as well in case there are any Rezound specific options that can be explored:
I've been debating configuring my personal phone to access my employer's Exchange server; I would be checking it on occasion-- more of a convenience thing to know what's up before I head in for the day.
Using the default Android Mail client and choosing ActiveSync and doing the setup, I inevitably reach a screen with the following:
Activate security policies?
Exchange security policies
Your IT administrator requires that you activate these security policies in order to sync with your Exchange Server.
Activating this administrator will allow the application Mail to perform the following operations:
! Erase all data
Perform a factory reset, which deletes all of your data without any confirmation.
! Set password rules
Restrict the types of passwords that you are allowed to use.
! Monitor screen-unlock attempts
Monitor failed attempts to log into your device.
! Lock the screen
Control when your device locks, requiring that you re-enter your password.
! Device function limitation
Restrict some function on device like Wifi, Bluetooth, Camera etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Needless to say, this is highly unappealing for my personal phone-- way too much power for the Mail application.
So my questions-- what are my options?
-would a different Exchange connectivity application like Touchdown request those same permissions for access?
-would I be better off setting up ActiveSync on an alternate ROM and booting into that when I want to check work mail (not as frequently as some other users)?
-How far does that remote wipe control extend? Could they wipe the entire phone, including bootloader? Or is it just reference to internal storage? Could they wipe the external SD card?
-is there a way to revoke those permissions from the Mail application while retaining the ability to connect to the Exchange server?
vprasad1 said:
Needless to say, this is highly unappealing for my personal phone-- way too much power for the Mail application.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is designed to protect corp data. If you don't want your personal phone under that control, then don't connect it. That is the choice you have.
So my questions-- what are my options?
-would a different Exchange connectivity application like Touchdown request those same permissions for access?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope. The policy is from the Exchange servers policies.
-would I be better off setting up ActiveSync on an alternate ROM and booting into that when I want to check work mail (not as frequently as some other users)?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not sure how you would do this.
-How far does that remote wipe control extend? Could they wipe the entire phone, including bootloader? Or is it just reference to internal storage? Could they wipe the external SD card?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When you connect, if they have issued the wipe command, it wipes. Distance is not relative. Wipe is wipe.
-is there a way to revoke those permissions from the Mail application while retaining the ability to connect to the Exchange server?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No. they could have a different policy setup for different groups of users and have you into that group, but you would have to ask the administrator though.
The exchange policies are part of the requirements of connecting to that exchange server. The policies can be changed by the administrator by putting you into another group, but I doubt they will do that. They are there to protect corp data.
There are other ways that policies can be setup, but that needs to be done again by the administrator.
These types of policies are becoming more and more common as companies realize their contacts, email and attachments are valuable and need to be protected. A lot of people use two phones, one for corp and one for personal, not mixing the two.
Remote wipe and all is a feature of activesync, not necessarily exchange. So, according to what I'm reading, you can find an email client that supports exchange but not eactivesync and get around the permissions.
I am also interested in how far the wipe can extend. It says reset to factory, which would leave your SD card intact.
gthing said:
Remote wipe and all is a feature of activesync, not necessarily exchange. So, according to what I'm reading, you can find an email client that supports exchange but not eactivesync and get around the permissions.
I am also interested in how far the wipe can extend. It says reset to factory, which would leave your SD card intact.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As far as I am aware, the Exchange server CAN initiate a full wipe, if your company is on Exchange 2010. The wipe command can be found in OWA settings. The only way you can get around the permissions is to login to OWA via your browser. The security settings are there for a reason, as mentioned above.
Microsoft works very hard with its partners to provide the best security possible. I do not think using Touchdown or another email client will allow you to circumvent security policies enforced by the Exchange server.
Sent from my Dell Streak 7 using Tapatalk 2
vprasad1 said:
So my questions-- what are my options?
-would a different Exchange connectivity application like Touchdown request those same permissions for access?
-would I be better off setting up ActiveSync on an alternate ROM and booting into that when I want to check work mail (not as frequently as some other users)?
-How far does that remote wipe control extend? Could they wipe the entire phone, including bootloader? Or is it just reference to internal storage? Could they wipe the external SD card?
-is there a way to revoke those permissions from the Mail application while retaining the ability to connect to the Exchange server?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use TouchDown for my work e-mail, and while I have never had any administrators use remote wipe, I will let you know my experiences:
-There is an option in the settings screen for "Clean SD card on remote wipe." It's unchecked by default. I assume a remote wipe will only clear TouchDown related data, but am not 100% sure of it. At the very least this option implies that it won't normally wipe your SD card as well.
-TouchDown will ask for the same permissions. However, unlike the default mail application, which will force your whole phone to be pin locked, TouchDown will only force you to enter a pin when you open the application. This feature is nice if you don't want to always enter in a pin to unlock your phone but also want Exchange e-mail.
-As the policies are set on the ActiveSync server, there's no way to get around revoking the permissions.
If you search for it enough, you can probably find a modified mail app that doesn't require these security permissions. I know I've seen one that works with CleanRom and I use it on ICS Business Sense. No lockscreen pin required either and no device administrator.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1456425
Sent from my ADR6425LVW using XDA
Just created the account to reply to this thread.
I am too looking for a solution to avoid giving my employer the access rights to wipe my phone, and I just wanted to comment that IMO, theorically it is not because this setting is on server side that it can't be avoided.
Android can give whatever permissions the server asks for then totally ignore the commands when they eventually come. That would probably require some coding to simulate executing the command without actually doing it, and it would definitely require root access to do this, but I do not see how that would be impossible on Android or on one of its mods.
Now obviously this is not something I'm going to waste time on. if it can't be done, my pro account will not be on my phone. That was me trying to do something for my employer, but if they don't want me to see my mails on weekends, I won't be fool enough to complain.
I'm in a similar situation. With ICS, at least it gave me the ability to only have to enter a PIN after 15 minutes or something when your phone is locked. Prior to that with GB, every screen unlock required the PIN.
I do use a modified Mail.apk, but in a sense, I'm contributing to the problem of my company not allowing android phones on their network, because there are just so many workarounds like this.
LBE Security Guard may be able to inhibit the permissions, though I wouldn't want to have to depend on that as a last line of defense right before my device is potentially WIPED!
There has to be some better solutions to control it on the client side...
My admins at work say they will not change the exchange policy.
They said it comes with Exchange Server 2010 as the default settings, but they won't change it. They have actually tested the remote wipe and it works instantly. They claim they can remote 'unwipe' it as well, but I gave an analogy about formatting drives (quick format vs. full format) that they couldn't answer.
I told them I'm concerned about anyone having that much power over personal "BYOD" phones, and the possibility of someone accidentally or maliciously wiping my device.
They said the policy will not be changed.
Does anyone know of other 3rd party mail OR calendar programs that will update my calendar without allowing these INSANE permissions? Thanks.
I've recently bought a new phone and found these ridiculous permissions when I went to sync with my work exchange.
There must be apps available or possible to develop because the email app on my old phone doesn't ask for these permissions. Unfortunately it isn't available to download, just the default app with that phone.
worldheroes said:
I've recently bought a new phone and found these ridiculous permissions when I went to sync with my work exchange.
There must be apps available or possible to develop because the email app on my old phone doesn't ask for these permissions. Unfortunately it isn't available to download, just the default app with that phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are several mail programs in the Google Play store, if you search for 'exchange email'
I saw:
k-9 mail
touchdown
exchange exmail
maildroid
and so on...
k-9 had the best ratings and is open source so I tried it, but it couldn't connect to my exchange server. I got an error during setup:
'Setup could not finish, cannot connect to server. (ioexception)'
Please let me know if you have better luck with any exchange program!
The best choice for you is to install OWA from the play store (outlook web) and that will get you contacts, push mail and calendars without having to accept the exchange policies. All you have to do is point it to your companies webmail page and login.
I searched for OWA in the Play store but didn't find the one you mentioned. (see attachment) Is it a free app?
I have the first one by WWO. It gets the job done. 5 bucks well spent. I'm sure it can be side loaded if you'd like to test the functionality first.
Daistaar said:
I have the first one by WWO. It gets the job done. 5 bucks well spent. I'm sure it can be side loaded if you'd like to test the functionality first.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
At the risk of asking a silly question - how would I get it to test it?
might want to try this:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1965468
Thanks - the link to the ICS Email APK with Exchange Security removed was exactly what I needed!
I wish that app would be maintained with the current version and be put in the google play store!
If I activate the device administration can I undo it? Can I deactivate it and go back to life as usual?
quarksurfer said:
If I activate the device administration can I undo it? Can I deactivate it and go back to life as usual?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, delete the account in question.
A very stupid problem happened to me and caused no access to Android market (Google play) and to all my purchased applications. I will explain, maybe there is someone who has an idea how to solve this.
I bought my Moto ATRIX 4G one year ago in US and registered it to google (gmail, market, google+) using my AT&T mobile number I got with the phone. As I am only from time to time in the US, I unlocked the branding to AT&T, got root access and unblocked the bootloader. Here at home I use the ATRIX with my Portuguese sim card.
In the meantime google changed the access to market, gmail etc. by adding this additional security with a code (called two step something) sent by text message. So you need username, password and every 30 days (?) this code from google.Unluckily this code is sent to my AT&T (US) number only. That time I forgot to register a second number to get the code. My AT&T sim card has no rooming (it is a prepaid one) so I can not use it here at home to get the code.
Last week I flashed my ATRIX to cyanogen(mod) ROM. After flashing your ROM you have to install again (or restore from a back-up) your applications. Anyway for the purchased applications (and I have about 30 ones !) you need to have full access to the market to prove (load) your licence key even you restored them from a back-up.
Here I am stuck now. My access to the marked is blocked due to the missing code sent by google. I tried everything to get access:
- About 10 emails to google. They are always responded by an automatic feedback.
- There is some kind of form you can fill to prove that you are the owner of the account. Not worked.
- Tried to register my Portuguese phone number to get the code on this number. No option to register a second number now.
- I tried the Google Authenticator. The created code is not working for me.
All feedbacks from google refused to activate my account.
Of course I can wait an other two month still I am back in the US and can get the code, but this isn't really satisfying. Not to be missunderstood: My username and my password are OK and accepted. Only this code is missing.
In my opinion this is a very bad situation. I have purchased all these applications from the market and now I am blocked to use / download / re-install them by google.
Do anybody had a similar experience ? Is there any contact (telephone, email, ...) with google, where I will not get an automated feedback. Your help is greatly appreciated.
Hi. I'm glad to finally be here.
Let me explain the context of my question. I'm designing an application in Android that works consuming a web service. For all inquiries carried out to that web service, you must authenticate to each perform.:silly:
I tried to use SSL certificates for greater security, but at the moment it is too advanced for me just knowing how to create a certificate, then install it on the server and on the client and the connection between them that way (If anyone has a tutorial will be welcome).
For now, I managed to connect via http without any protection. To authenticate the device that performs, IMEI shipping plus a random password (created in the registry).
Well, my question is whether this is an acceptable way or is there more optimal way that take care information that those using the app.
Thank you very much for your help, since I have no one else to turn.
Dear experts,
I have a Samsung Galaxy S7, rooted with Superman Rom v2.7 (Android N) installed. I was very sad when I found out, that it is impossible to have device encryption enabled on a rooted Android N phone. I do not want to go without root any more - too many benefits (Titanium etc) and I also do not want to revert to a former Android version. But I definitely also want to be sure, that if my phone gets lost or stolen, my personal data are not accessible by unauthorized third parties (other than Google and NSA). Without device encryption, this is a real challenge. A thief could simply boot into recovery mode and pull all my data. Even if this is rather unlikely to happen, as thiefs in general are not that interested in personal data, I want to eliminate this threat as far as possible.
So I made up a list of all my data persistent on my device, which I do not want to be accessible by thiefs:
Calendar (i.e. my google calendar app data)
Tasks (i.e. my tasks app data)
Contacts
E-Mails (i.e. my K-9 app data)
SMS messages
WhatsApp messages
Browser history and bookmarks (i.e. my Firefox app data)
Passwords (i.e. my password manager app data)
Access credentials from banking, cloud and social media apps
Photos
So far so good. My passwords are stored encrypted safely by my password manager app - so this point is done. WhatsApp only stores backups of its database encrypted (though they also can be decrypted with some programming skills) - the app data itself (and thus the messages) is stored unencrypted. I am rather sure that access credentials from banking, cloud and social media (Facebook) apps are stored encrypted. And as of my photos, they are just files and I found the tool EMS Lite, capable of putting all my sensible files into an encrypted container, simmilar to TrueCrypt. So what is left are calendar, tasks, contacts, K-9 data, Whatsapp messages, sms messages, Firefox data.
So my question to you is: How to encrypt these data (or parts of it) so that thiefs cannot simply access it by pulling it from my phone? Is there an app, capable of encrypting other apps data?
It must be possible, especially with root. Titanium is capable of encrypting other apps data. The workflow for making it impossible to access an app's data with Titanium would be this:
Enable Titanium encryption in the settings and set a key
Backup the app data
Wipe the app data
This way, a thief has no chance to access the app data without your password. To reaccess the data, one has to restore it via Titanium and provide the key. Of course, this workflow is not practicable to do every time I want to reaccess one of these apps, but theoretically it should work.
Long story short: Is it possible to encrypt specific app's data? If no, do you have any other tips for me to protect my data (or parts of it) from beeing accessed by possible thiefs (other than not loosing my phone)?
Thank you very much!
blaukraut said:
Dear experts, I have a Samsung Galaxy S7, rooted with Superman Rom v2.7 (Android N) installed. I was very sad when I found out, that it is impossible to have device encryption enabled on a rooted Android N phone...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't have this device but, your best bet is to post this question within the following Q&A thread that's specific to your device.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=3341138
Good Luck!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I DO NOT provide support via PM unless asked/requested by myself. PLEASE keep it in the threads where everyone can share.
Thanks, I already asked that question in the Superman Rom specific thread, without success. And since my question applys to ALL rooted Nougat devices (not just the SGS7), I thought this is the place where I will most likely get a good answer.
However, I will do as you said and ask my question in the SGS7 Q&A thread too.
Thanks!
--- unintentional double post. sorry but my post did not appear after posting.
I need to run an app in Genymotion that is used for data entry and upload of the entered data into 3rd party sites. The logins to 3rd party sites are stored in this application (probably encrypted). The application will store multiple logins for my different customers of who need to have the data uploaded into the 3rd party sites. The data into the app will then be entered by other people to whom I outsource the data entry.
So I created Genymotion appliance, installed the app and in this application I entered logins for sites such as ebay. I am looking for suggestions on what can I do to secure the appliance to prevent the data being copied out from it.
I want to prevent the person to whom I outsource data entry to be able to install and load 3rd party other apps, modify system settings, install other apps, copy the system directory, copy the login and password information saved by the application.
Let's assume the worst possible case here when application is well written but the passwords mentioned above (for the ecommerce sites like ebay) is saved in plain text in this application in the internal application directory. What I know about the application is it doesn't support access to SD Card, only can read and write data to the internal memory.
What can I do in Gennymotion to improve the security of my appliance. Genymotion virtual machines are rooted. So I looked at following suggestions:
1. Setup restricted user on Android
2. Set restriction for the restricted user to only be able to use the one application. Disable anything else (including disabled browser, email, youtube etc..)
3. Try to get the restricted user loading on boot of Android. When Android restarts, however, it doesn't allow choice to login into the restricted user or the admin user, sort of like a Windows or MacOS login menu. To get the appliance to always start with restricted user by default, I need to add a script and the scripted will need to start using Tasker or MacroDroid.
However, how do I prevent the user from installing 3rd party apps? Is it good enough to disable all user apps (except that one used for data entry) from the restricted user? Is there any other way the user could abuse the access to the virtual appliance and load something there? Are there any system android apps I need to disable for the restricted user to prevent the user to be able to do anything bad with it?
The application used for data entry can not download any application or data, however, I believe it does use the webview because it loads sites like ebay and fills the forms on those sites. It only interacts with select websites only like Ebay to enter data into Ebay forms..
Is there anything I can do to secure Genymotion appliance any other than what I already mentioned. I would like to send the link to the Genymotion SaaS Android to people who will do data entry for me into Ebay and other sites. So I need to make sure the virtual appliance is secured as much as possible from tinkering with it. I need to make sure somebody doesn't get hand on the stored login details.
Just to clarify for the login credentials:
I am not sure how the user credentials are stored and I will find it out, however, for now, I go from the worst case scenario when the credentials are stored in plain text in the app settings. The user name and password is stored in the application with exception for Ebay because the many other sites do not have API key or any webservices interface, so the application would access those sites simply via a webview, and when it goes to login there it will do that by filling in the login information on the login form (simulates keystrokes). The user name and password is entered into the login form for the site. That's why the login info is stored in the application itself.
This question is not about how to secure the specific application I will be using, but how to secure the actual whole Android appliance from tinkering with.
I am aware I will the risks here, just want to do as much due diligence as I can.
Sources for Genymotion restricted user..
How to set restricted user as default user on reboot?
We would like to have an already added restricted user account be the default when we restart our Samsung SM-T580 tablets. At current we have 2 accounts installed, Admin and User The User is a use...
android.stackexchange.com
Root access - Device image User Guide
docs.genymotion.com
Done some digging so this cannot be done. Neither Genymobile or Appetize or other online Android emulators can offer fine-tuning in terms of user access. The closest is Genymobile because at least allows adding and removing access of users to individual appliances. That is however not resolving the issue with Android and in particular rooted Android, since all online emulators run rooted Android and I am not sure how that is secured against potentially malicious actors who receive access link.
The only easy way to solve it, kind of in a mickey-mousy way is to install Kiosk mode application. That kiosk app will run at every boot and it only shows the specific application. There is always risk of course the malicious user would do something to crash the application and the Kiosk app, but if the application is not a web browser or email client or similar it should be relatively safe.
There are plenty of Kiosk mode apps for Android but none of them is free (don't try to look, no chance to find one), the cheapest cost about 7 USD one-time purchase, the more expensive ones cost 20 per month per device or more and come with remote control etc... Not cheap but kiosk mode apps are almost exlusively used by businesses so that's why there is lack of free apps.
Anyhow I believe this is the closest as I could get to deal with this.