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.
Click to expand...
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
Click to expand...
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?
Click to expand...
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
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Click to expand...
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.
Related
AVG AntiVirus alerted on Superuser. I chose to "fix" & AVG said that the uninstall was unsuccessful. Any advice?
Running Auto-nootered stock.
kev
bugeyed1 said:
AVG AntiVirus alerted on Superuser. I chose to "fix" & AVG said that the uninstall was unsuccessful. Any advice?
Running Auto-nootered stock.
kev
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think that's a false positive. I had the same issue running AVG and have found a few discussion forum posts about it.
Thanks, that's what I suspect. Hopefully AVG will update soon to fix this. I don't like ignoring AV alerts.
Thanks,
kev
There's no need at all for an anti-virus app on Android. They take up processor time, potentially slow the device down and offer no additional security. Just use common sense with what you install and you'll be fine.
A. Nonymous said:
There's no need at all for an anti-virus app on Android. They take up processor time, potentially slow the device down and offer no additional security. Just use common sense with what you install and you'll be fine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This.. AVG is what I put on people's Windows PCs, but I won't put it on a mobile device.
With root exploits and social engineering out there, sure there are possibilities for problems. AVG is only going to suck your resources with little return.
I installed AVG on my TV this morning AVG is the Roxors, if only i can figure out how to install it on my toaster.
A. Nonymous said:
There's no need at all for an anti-virus app on Android. They take up processor time, potentially slow the device down and offer no additional security. Just use common sense with what you install and you'll be fine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Umm..EXACTLY THIS...Initially I assumed that the OP was talking about a pc alert when I saw this (maybe trying to download su files to push through adb?)..But on a rooted android device? Stuff like that should be the first things taken OFF...but, whatever, some people get used to having things...(I rooted my wife's Evo shift 2 months ago and she still has all the Sense garbage on it, still uses "Lookout", has NEVER moved an app to sd, never cleans cache, and so on...she ONLY uses wifi tether, and thinks the police are gonna come knock on our door when she does that...sigh....
Sent from my PC36100
Howdid you..... ohhhhh! Cause I can only get installed on my toilet. No infections there
john10101 said:
I installed AVG on my TV this morning AVG is the Roxors, if only i can figure out how to install it on my toaster.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sent from my PC36100
A. Nonymous said:
There's no need at all for an anti-virus app on Android. They take up processor time, potentially slow the device down and offer no additional security. Just use common sense with what you install and you'll be fine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, Google sent out an alert a couple of weeks ago after they'd removed a bunch of malware from the app store. That's what prompted me to install and run AVG. I have unsintalled it since (mostly because of the false positive on SuperUser).
However, having dealt with crippling computer viruses in the past, I'm not quite so sanguine about "just be careful" being enough.
dsf3g said:
Well, Google sent out an alert a couple of weeks ago after they'd removed a bunch of malware from the app store. That's what prompted me to install and run AVG. I have unsintalled it since (mostly because of the false positive on SuperUser).
However, having dealt with crippling computer viruses in the past, I'm not quite so sanguine about "just be careful" being enough.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That was my reason for installing it. Thought it couldn't hurt, right? I will see if things run faster as mentioned here with it removed. When you see an app that's soooo cool & the poster on this site links to it, it's hard not to just grab it without considering the source.
Cheers,
kev
magicalsleeper said:
Howdid you..... ohhhhh! Cause I can only get installed on my toilet. No infections there
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you have an install guide?
john10101 said:
Do you have an install guide?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No guide needed, just unzip and flush
Chahk said:
No guide needed, just unzip and flush
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I keep getting a kernel dump.
variable47 said:
I keep getting a kernel dump.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks... now I'll have that image in my head the rest of the day.
dsf3g said:
Well, Google sent out an alert a couple of weeks ago after they'd removed a bunch of malware from the app store. That's what prompted me to install and run AVG. I have unsintalled it since (mostly because of the false positive on SuperUser).
However, having dealt with crippling computer viruses in the past, I'm not quite so sanguine about "just be careful" being enough.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes. Google detected the malicious apps and removed them. All of them had been running on users phones without a single flag being thrown up by AVG or any other anti-virus program. Just by design, Android is basically immune to malware and viruses. It is prone to social engineering attacks just like any other OS though and there's not an app in the world (that I know of) that will protect you against that.
A. Nonymous said:
Yes. Google detected the malicious apps and removed them. All of them had been running on users phones without a single flag being thrown up by AVG or any other anti-virus program.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, that's because they were modified apps and AVG had not been made aware of them, so they were not included in AVGs malware definitions. By the time I installed AVG I assumed the defs had been updated.
As for Android being immune to anything other than social engineering attacks.. that sounds like famous last words to me.
dsf3g said:
Well, that's because they were modified apps and AVG had not been made aware of them, so they were not included in AVGs malware definitions. By the time I installed AVG I assumed the defs had been updated.
As for Android being immune to anything other than social engineering attacks.. that sounds like famous last words to me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is my point exactly. This is how it work:
Dev publishes a malicious app and gets people to install it via social engineering.
Google detects that the app is malicious.
Google removes said app from market and wipes it from phones.
AVG and others update their virus defs to protect against said app.
I've never, ever seen where an AV product on Android actually detected a malicious app BEFORE Google did. Maybe I'm wrong. I'd appreciate a link proving me wrong. That would make a strong case for an AV app. Even if it did, it doesn't protect you against social engineering. Take the live wallpaper that wants access to your contacts. No AV app in the world currently protects you against that.
dsf3g said:
Well, that's because they were modified apps and AVG had not been made aware of them, so they were not included in AVGs malware definitions. By the time I installed AVG I assumed the defs had been updated.
As for Android being immune to anything other than social engineering attacks.. that sounds like famous last words to me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sounds like someone needs an iphone...(just kidding...that's horribly mean...)
Sent from my PC36100
A. Nonymous said:
That is my point exactly. This is how it work:
Dev publishes a malicious app and gets people to install it via social engineering.
Google detects that the app is malicious.
Google removes said app from market and wipes it from phones.
AVG and others update their virus defs to protect against said app.
I've never, ever seen where an AV product on Android actually detected a malicious app BEFORE Google did. Maybe I'm wrong. I'd appreciate a link proving me wrong. That would make a strong case for an AV app. Even if it did, it doesn't protect you against social engineering. Take the live wallpaper that wants access to your contacts. No AV app in the world currently protects you against that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you saying that Google can remotely delete apps from my Nook?
dsf3g said:
Are you saying that Google can remotely delete apps from my Nook?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They can remotely delete apps from any Android device. This capability has been well documented.
avast! Antivirus is now on android. I installed it and it offers a butt load of features!
My personal favorite feature is the anti theft mode! it will allow you to save two contacts so that you can activate it through text message from those contacts by entering in the password. It will also notify those contacts if the person changes the SIM card and it will send the new number through message (stealth mode).
Here are some of the many features you all might like...
App Disguiser
After downloading avast! Anti-Theft, user can choose a custom name that disguises the app (e.g. call it “Pinocchio game”) so that it is even harder for thieves to find and remove.
Stealth Mode
Once anti-theft is enabled, the app icon is hidden in the app tray, leaving no audio or other trace on the target phone – the app is ‘invisible’, making it difficult for thieves to detect or remove.
Self-Protection
Extremely difficult for thieves to remove (especially on rooted phones), Anti-Theft protects itself from uninstall by disguising its components with various self-preservation techniques. On rooted phones it is able to survive hard-resets and can even disable the phone’s USB port.
SIM-Card-Change Notification
If stolen and a different (unauthorized) SIM card inserted, the phone can lock, activate siren, and send you notification (to remote device) of the phone’s new number and geo-location.
Trusted SIM Cards List
Establish a ‘white list’ of approved SIM cards that can be used in the phone without triggering a theft alert. You can also easily clear the trusted SIM cards list, to leave the one present in the phone as the only trusted one.
Remote Features
SMS commands provide you the following REMOTE options for your ‘lost’ (or stolen) phone:
Siren, Lock, custom Display properties, Locate, Memory Wipe, covert Calling, Forwarding, “Lost” Notification, SMS Sending, History, Restart, and more.
This antivirus by far has the best features! Best part is that it's free!!!!!!!!!!!!
A) antivirus is not necessary on the android operating system unless you're downloading...."shifty " stuff let's say.
B) yeh antitheft is really a GREAT feature holy geez. Unless of course they simply....wipe data and flash a new rom.
Sent from my MB860 using Tapatalk
Yeah, if somehow we can put some lock code on flashing of new Rom then only anti theft has a meaning otherwise the thief can easily flash a new Rom and use the phone.
It is only be useful when we have left our phone somewhere and unable to locate it.
Sent from my HTC Vision using Tapatalk
Phalanx7621 said:
A) antivirus is not necessary on the android operating system unless you're downloading...."shifty " stuff let's say.
B) yeh antitheft is really a GREAT feature holy geez. Unless of course they simply....wipe data and flash a new rom.
Sent from my MB860 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Downloaded something from the amazon app store a month ago and it was infected, Dr. web removed it....
Also I don't believe that if you lose your phone the thief will race home, learn how to wipe the atrix quickly and download a new ROM all within minutes. If I lost my phone I would know immediately and would start the anti theft process. Not all thief's are smart and in fact, if your a thief your not smart. You can have it disable a lot of features like the USB and other stuff if stolen just by messaging the phone and it all goes undetected..
But the app is not for everyone...... I would find it useful in a tight spot and I would rather have a CHANCE then no chance.
From what I can tell in the description you can set it up so Avast survives a hard reset so that you can still track the phone and lock it
Sent from my MB860 using XDA App
Phalanx7621 said:
A) antivirus is not necessary on the android operating system unless you're downloading...."shifty " stuff let's say.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There's a whole thread on this exact subject with links to articles about market apps being removed for trojans, etc. Nothing you download over any network or from any source can be guaranteed to be safe. If you believe it is, you are very naive.
The use of anti-virus is purely optional. Some like myself value it while others do not, but to plainly say you just don't need it is just bad advice to put it simply.
CaelanT said:
There's a whole thread on this exact subject with links to articles about market apps being removed for trojans, etc. Nothing you download over any network or from any source can be guaranteed to be safe. If you believe it is, you are very naive.
The use of anti-virus is purely optional. Some like myself value it while others do not, but to plainly say you just don't need it is just bad advice to put it simply.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1 QFT
I want to REMOVE anti theft. How would I do THIS? HELP!
hooozy said:
I want to REMOVE anti theft. How would I do THIS? HELP!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just uninstall it like you would any other application...is it really that hard?
hooozy said:
I want to REMOVE anti theft. How would I do THIS? HELP!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if you go into the anti theft portion look at the bottom there is a "help!" that will explain how to do it exactly. Once you install it and then activate it, it is a little harder to remove but possible. Just follow the directions they outline and you will be fine..
Well that's all fine and dandie butcouldnt the "thief just pull outthe battery if its going crazy in siren mode
Sent from my MB860 using xda premium
ltdanno360 said:
Well that's all fine and dandie butcouldnt the "thief just pull outthe battery if its going crazy in siren mode
Sent from my MB860 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ummmmm that is an option guy, not a requirement... why do people come up with the lamest questions about why they don't need the app (rhetorical question)
If you misplaced your phone and you realize within minutes yes you can do the siren thing to locate it quickly other then that the siren has no other use........ They have an option for almost every situation.
and the term used earlier in the thread, "QFT" is one of the dumbest internet terms, its equivalent to hitting the ******* THANKS button
ClearFire said:
ummmmm that is an option guy, not a requirement... why do people come up with the lamest questions about why they don't need the app (rhetorical question)
If you misplaced your phone and you realize within minutes yes you can do the siren thing to locate it quickly other then that the siren has no other use........ They have an option for almost every situation.
and the term used earlier in the thread, "QFT" is one of the dumbest internet terms, its equivalent to hitting the ******* THANKS button
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And that is probably the lamest "use" one can think of.if i misplaced my phone wont i just ring it up?
Blueangel180 said:
And that is probably the lamest "use" one can think of.if i misplaced my phone wont i just ring it up?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
so if you had your phone on silent or low volume calling it would work? you must have dog hearing guy... the siren uses max volume regardless if the phone is on silent, vibrate, low volume etc... use your brains people! Like I said, its just an option!!! not a requirement. There is other useful options other then that AND its safe to assume you didn't download it so now your just TROLLING
Great share! I'm an avast pc users and love that its on android.
I am a premium lookout user and think its time to cancel my scrip.
A few questions, some of the features are locked and say download anti-theft root installation... cant find this anywhere. I am rooted on cm7 and ul bootloader
Also, I can not access anti-theft advanced settings for hard reset protection.
Lastly, where can I find the command list for how to track my phone and any other commands.
Thanks!!
Installed and testing. I want to see if it can replace 'Droid wall'. Kaspersky which i've been using for over a year hasn't got many features in my opinion...
no need for an antivirus on android. and there are plenty of antitheft apps. and besides just get a firewall. so if u DO happen to get a shifty app that wants to send data back home, usually a GOOD firewall will not allow it.
i wouldnt and dont worry about shifty apps anyways. My phone isnt used to hold anything important. i dont do business on it thats for sure lol. i dont order stuff on the net with it neither. If the website has a number to call and order I use it.
There are alot of people out there that do EVERYTHING from there phone.
for them, well i dont know what to tell ya. except never rely on anything.
pcrat said:
no need for an antivirus on android. and there are plenty of antitheft apps. and besides just get a firewall. so if u DO happen to get a shifty app that wants to send data back home, usually a GOOD firewall will not allow it.
i wouldnt and dont worry about shifty apps anyways. My phone isnt used to hold anything important. i dont do business on it thats for sure lol. i dont order stuff on the net with it neither. If the website has a number to call and order I use it.
There are alot of people out there that do EVERYTHING from there phone.
for them, well i dont know what to tell ya. except never rely on anything.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Especially dangerously bad advice from uninformed and careless users.
Remember not too long ago, everyone thought Apples were immune to malware.
Also, viruses are but only one form of malware.
There is no substitute for caution and careful behavior.
Phalanx7621 said:
A) antivirus is not necessary on the android operating system unless you're downloading...."shifty " stuff let's say.
B) yeh antitheft is really a GREAT feature holy geez. Unless of course they simply....wipe data and flash a new rom.
Sent from my MB860 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
true true what are you installing that would be questionable....well stop
I tried Avast over the weekend, it will not download virus definition updates, I see others left Market feedback saying the same thing. Lookout is installed once again.
ClearFire said:
and the term used earlier in the thread, "QFT" is one of the dumbest internet terms, its equivalent to hitting the ******* THANKS button
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
lmao ClearFire your soo salty, you'll disagree with anything I say or hate on it cause I made you mad.. Grow up and move on, people disagree.
Are there any roms for this phone that are just basic without all of the google crap and other bloat?
bird11 said:
Are there any roms for this phone that are just basic without all of the google crap and other bloat?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Android - Google = nothing.
Sooo.....
But to answer your question, no. Android is kinda based fully around linux and google services. Well I guess you could install an aosp rom and use titanium to remove all the googls aspects of the phone but at that point it'd be kinda useless....
You can remove anything you don't want...but, removing *ALL* Google applications would remove most functionality from your smartphone. You would be left with a phone that is able to make/receive calls (i.e. a phone), text, browse the web, and run any apps that you have installed prior to removal of app store (unless you're sideloading)
It'd basically be a regular phone with a touchscreen and wifi. If that is indeed what you want, take a ROM that is already without Sense (check the dev section for senseless ROMs) before or after you flash the rom, remove Google apps from /system/apps/
Removable apps (AT YOUR OWN RISK) are in various threads. Here is a link to one from S3 board: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1634624
And from SG2 board: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1572191
Right now CM10 has a separate zip for gapps to be installed...so you could do that and not complete the flashing of gapps.
*I'm not responsible if you decide to go on a delete spree and somehow make your phone unusable.*
-Cupper- said:
Android - Google = nothing.
Sooo.....
But to answer your question, no. Android is kinda based fully around linux and google services. Well I guess you could install an aosp rom and use titanium to remove all the googls aspects of the phone but at that point it'd be kinda useless....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are roms on other phones like cyanogenmod which remove all google stuff.
gdrocks said:
You can remove anything you don't want...but, removing *ALL* Google applications would remove most functionality from your smartphone. You would be left with a phone that is able to make/receive calls (i.e. a phone), text, browse the web, and run any apps that you have installed prior to removal of app store (unless you're sideloading)
It'd basically be a regular phone with a touchscreen and wifi. If that is indeed what you want, take a ROM that is already without Sense (check the dev section for senseless ROMs) before or after you flash the rom, remove Google apps from /system/apps/
Removable apps (AT YOUR OWN RISK) are in various threads. Here is a link to one from S3 board: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1634624
And from SG2 board: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1572191
Right now CM10 has a separate zip for gapps to be installed...so you could do that and not complete the flashing of gapps.
*I'm not responsible if you decide to go on a delete spree and somehow make your phone unusable.*
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well deleing them doesn't mean they aren't still there. I'd rather they not be there to begin with. But from your first point then yes that's all I really want it to do.
bird11 said:
There are roms on other phones like cyanogenmod which remove all google stuff.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All it removes is sense and adds tweaks to it. All of the google framework and services are still there.
But seriously without the google stuff your phone would be just for making calls and texts and internet. No apps. Also the google apps and framework isn't bloat...
bird11 said:
There are roms on other phones like cyanogenmod which remove all google stuff.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
CyanogenMod doesn't remove Google stuff, it removes HTC or Samsung stuff. Maybe you're not sure what Google is vs. what bloat the hardware manufacturers put on phones?
The entire advantage of having an Android phone comes about through Google's apps and the slick way they are integrated into the OS. As others have stated, removing all the Google stuff renders your smartphone almost useless (beyond the bare minimum).
Anyway, just go to the CM9 thread and download CM10 from IRC.
Sent from my EVO using xda app-developers app
-Cupper- said:
All it removes is sense and adds tweaks to it. All of the google framework and services are still there.
But seriously without the google stuff your phone would be just for making calls and texts and internet. No apps. Also the google apps and framework isn't bloat...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am pretty sure there's a way to just not get it to install the google apps. gdrocks mentioned it in this thread. Something to do with getting rid of the zip file which contains them.
Making calls, sending messages and using the internet is all I need.
PsiPhiDan said:
CyanogenMod doesn't remove Google stuff, it removes HTC or Samsung stuff. Maybe you're not sure what Google is vs. what bloat the hardware manufacturers put on phones?
The entire advantage of having an Android phone comes about through Google's apps and the slick way they are integrated into the OS. As others have stated, removing all the Google stuff renders your smartphone almost useless (beyond the bare minimum).
Anyway, just go to the CM9 thread and download CM10 from IRC.
Sent from my EVO using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
gdrocks has said you can get rid of the google stuff by removing the google apps zip. I have also read this in other places.
I don't consider google products an advantage. As somebody who doesn't use google products, not even their search. It's not something I really want. Unfortunatly the market doesn't really offer much else. Apple or android. Android should be a better option considering I should be able to use something that doesn't compromise my privacy from the start.
Thank you for the recommendations.
Android is based with google just like ios with apple.....well use custom roms and delete useless system apps !!!
Sent from my HTC Explorer A310e using xda app-developers app
Let me rephrase everything said from everybody that way we can help you.
What are you trying to do/accomplish?
Should've Gotten a Windows/Blackberry phone if you wanted a smartphone that doesn't the Google stuff. D:
bird11 said:
There are roms on other phones like cyanogenmod which remove all google stuff.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, Cyanogenmod removes everything EXCEPT for the google stuff.
And we have CM10. Flash it if thats what you want
Get the blackberry or webos rom
Sent from my EVO using xda premium
-Cupper- said:
Let me rephrase everything said from everybody that way we can help you.
What are you trying to do/accomplish?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Simply put I'd like a device that has many of the same hardware features of the evo 4g lte while not having to worry about my privacy. I see android as an open source OS which if there was any ridiculous measure being taken by google or other companies it would be found quickly. Though you can't say the same for other apps which aren't open source. These may be from anybody, not specifically google.
I don't use google's products so their apps and integration don't appeal to me.
Privacy is an illusion. You shouldnt be putting confidential things on a smartphone.
What you are trying to accomplish has nothing to do with a ROM
. Look at an apps permissions. If you dont agree with them, dont install it
Android is pretty much Google.. if you want to remove everything Google.. buy a phone without Android..
Sent from my EVO using xda app-developers app
Open source doesn't mean no privacy. It means others can openly use and edit the code basically.
Sent from my EVO using xda app-developers app
Rxpert said:
Privacy is an illusion. You shouldnt be putting confidential things on a smartphone.
What you are trying to accomplish has nothing to do with a ROM
. Look at an apps permissions. If you dont agree with them, dont install it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's not installable apps I am worried about. Also you don't neccesarily need to even put anything on a phone for it to be a privacy risk. You say it's an illusion but that's a false dichotomy. There certainly are ways where privacy does not need to be an illusion.
PsiPhiDan said:
Open source doesn't mean no privacy. It means others can openly use and edit the code basically.
Sent from my EVO using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't really understand what you are trying to make. Possibly you don't understand. I am saying android being open source lends itself to privacy. Something like OSX could be doing all sorts of spying under the covers even when disabled and nobody could even really know. Though if the OHA tried to do it with android it would would be easy to tell. The way around this ofcourse is to put those features in proprietary apps which come default.
Sorry, I misunderstood your point. I see what you meant now.
Sent from my EVO using xda app-developers app
bird11 said:
It's not installable apps I am worried about. Also you don't neccesarily need to even put anything on a phone for it to be a privacy risk. You say it's an illusion but that's a false dichotomy. There certainly are ways where privacy does not need to be an illusion.
I don't really understand what you are trying to make. Possibly you don't understand. I am saying android being open source lends itself to privacy. Something like OSX could be doing all sorts of spying under the covers even when disabled and nobody could even really know. Though if the OHA tried to do it with android it would would be easy to tell. The way around this ofcourse is to put those features in proprietary apps which come default.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually being open source makes it easier for devs on xda to discover privacy issues not being fully disclosed. Look what treve discovered about HTC. That was huge and it was just some amateur dev who shook up every company who used keystroke data logging.
And google isn't bloat. That's just a bizarre statement. Your phone runs google software. Period. You really should get a different phone.
Non google roms? I don't mean to be a douche but you really should change the title of this thread if you want to be taken seriously. Nothing wrong with having privacy concerns but that statement makes you look completely clueless
Sent from my EVO using xda premium
Hi Folks.
I've done something a bit silly and hoping some Android expert on here may be able to help me.
I stupidly installed an app from an external source using a link that was given me for a specific app.
I am now freaking out about malware/spyware and all the rest of it.
At this point, I must point out that there is nothing to immediately suggest the app is bad. I only installed it a few hours ago on my phone but there hasn't been anything suspicious like extra battery use, heat, unknown apps in the list of battery usage or pop ups or anything like that. It could be that it's absolutely fine (and probably is.)
What I'm more concerned about is that there may be some nefarious background process running that means I suddenly wake up and find my bank account has been drained, or I'm being blackmailed by some Russian hacker that has hold of my emails and photos etc.
TWO IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERS (before anybody states the below:
- Yes, I know it was a stupid thing to do and I don't know what came over me. But it is done now.
- I know that a full factory reset is the best way to clear all but I'm desperate to avoid that. It took me two days to setup my new S21 Ultra and hate the thought of going through all of that again!
I know that Google Play Protect helps with apps from the GP Store, but I assume this is not relevant here because it came from an external source. Is there any kind of facility where I can upload the app and it scans it? Or am I screwed?
I also know you can download Norton etc but I read that they may not be effective on things like this. FYI, I am running the January 1st Android security patch (the most recent available.)
Thanks in advance.
Scan the apk file with online Virustotal.
Meh... show us the apk in question.
I have a few side loaded apps, so what?
Playstore is no sure bet either... load what you need, disregard the rest and toss the bad ones.
A badly written app can cause headaches even after it's uninstalled. Not as common with Android as in Windows but it happens.
On a clean load I'm careful what I install ie known good apps.
blackhawk said:
Scan the apk file with online Virustotal.
Meh... show us the apk in question.
I have a few side loaded apps, so what?
Playstore is no sure bet either... load what you need, disregard the rest and toss the bad ones.
A badly written app can cause headaches even after it's uninstalled. Not as common with Android as in Windows but it happens.
On a clean load I'm careful what I install ie known good apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. I've attached the apps. Thanks for your help and advice. I've scanned them on VirusTotal and they appear to be clean..
If you are worried about this, then you need to flash the phone. Then install the app to protect your phone from the official source.
philliplavelle said:
Thanks. I've attached the apps. Thanks for your help and advice. I've scanned them on VirusTotal and they appear to be clean..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did the reload go well?
I have a good friend who believes her husband, they are separated and divorcing, has some kind of spyware on her phone. A lot of her claims as far as strange things happening with her phone, seem kind of impossible but her ex was involved in some high level activities in the Military. For one, she says she can factory reset her phone and all the strange things pop back on her phone. The first thing I looked at was what apps on her android were using the most data. I will include a picture of it but I personally have never seen anything like it. Many of the apps that are shown are "restricted".
Now, the app store for example. She claims she never installs new apps or really even looks around on the app store however the data use on it is insane. She also has NO work stuff on here and has no idea what osulogin is. Does anyone have a clue??
osu login is a preinstalled system app.
blackhawk said:
osu login is a preinstalled system app.
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Click to collapse
Thank you for letting me know that. Did you notice or see anything strange on there? Like why is the appstore data so high and all the app restricted? She said he ex was like scary good on cell phones.
sphereplay said:
Thank you for letting me know that. Did you notice or see anything strange on there? Like why is the appstore data so high and all the app restricted? She said he ex was like scary good on cell phones.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have the phone reflashed to its original stock rom. Change Google account password.
Turn off wifi. Get off social media. Never leave anyone use your phone out of your sight... if at all.
I doubt the ex would risk his security clearance and job like this. The DOD has a vast array of spyware tools... I've seen some in use.
You upload and scan any app you want to with online Virustotal.
blackhawk said:
Have the phone reflashed to its original stock rom. Change Google account password.
Turn off wifi. Get off social media. Never leave anyone use your phone out of your sight... if at all.
I doubt the ex would risk his security clearance and job like this. The DOD has a vast array of spyware tools... I've seen some in use.
You upload and scan any app you want to with online Virustotal.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Gotcha. I will pass that on. Thank you very much again.