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Is there any application similar to this recently made one? I like this one a lot so far on paper.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=594389
I just installed WaveSecure. Got it free from the market. They're giving away free Android lifetime accounts until March 31.
Doesn't just do anti-theft. Backups and restores SMS, contacts, etc too
https://www.wavesecure.com/
It says "Another anti theft software". Now why "another"?
Maybe there are others...
There is a nice thing called search-the-internet. Try the link below
http://lmgtfy.com/?q=android+anti+theft
Why would I post this in a nexus one forum? I know there have been requests for winmo on android, but still.
at the app section in the comments everyone is complaining about having to pay for warnings without notice and their 'buddy' and themselves being spammed by anonymous numbers. since alot complain about this I am keeping clear of wavesecure for now
Too bad. Should have gotten Wave Secure while it was in Beta. LIFETIME MEMBERSHIP FOR FREE WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
you should try mobile defense. they really take it to the next level, even support for those who have root so you can really hide the app. didnt like wavesecure very much, easily broken if you know what ur doing. i guess all of them are if you REALLY are that damn good.
Iman07 said:
you should try mobile defense. they really take it to the next level, even support for those who have root so you can really hide the app. didnt like wavesecure very much, easily broken if you know what ur doing. i guess all of them are if you REALLY are that damn good.
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Click to collapse
So how would you defeat Wavesecure?
yeah, i am a little bit concerned cause you can still turn off the phone while in lock. so if they were to look how to flash the phone, it could be done.
Get mobile defense and Wave Secure.
I find mobile defense to be a much better app at tracking and locking down your phone. Thats all it does more or less. It also has an alarm.
Wave secure is the isht because after you track it and lock it down with mobile defense you can use wave secure to lock it down as well and send a custom message to popup on the screen, and the best part is you can completely wipe your phone memory and SDcard memory.
Nothing like getting rid of all the evidence.
I am new to Android. Just got my Vibrant. I want to protect this phone so that in case it is lost or stolen I can recover it. Could you tell me what are some of the best apps for this?
Here is a list of names I know about for now:
Where's My Droid - This is currently installed, but required me to send a text to my phone to activate the GPS and even then it won't keep the GPS active long enough to get a precise location. Furthermore, it can alert the would be robber.
Glympse - well, this is not for stolen phones
Wavesecure - couldn't find any good threads on this. Seems to have an annual subscription fee of $19. I don't want that. Just want a standalone tracker.
Remote security - Not clear that this is a good app.
TheftAlarm - Again, developed in foreign language and I don't know how good it is
MobileDefense - Maybe this is the best app, but it is still in beta and no more users are accepted. I already filled out a request.
Find My Android - Was suggested in this thread, but it doesn't seem to be different from Where's My Droid, except the notification when SIM is replaced.
Lookout Mobile Security - Doesn't seem bad, but it doesn't lock your phone remotely. Can easily uninstall the program. I also found out that I better use a different email address than the one my phone gets otherwise the phone gets an email with "location" of the phone when you look it up online. This is better than Where's My Droid since you can do it more discreetly online, without sending texts (but have to make sure the email you use is not managed by the phone).
Am I missing something? I really want to protect this phone and it is frustrating that among so many apps, we seem to be missing good anti-theft solutions. Preferably I want something that can lock the phone remotely and allow me to do things without interruptions from the thief or at least discreetly. What would you recommend?
Also, I have a rooted (stock) Vibrant.
Thanks.
Where's My Droid isn't exactly very subtle about sending out replies, the author basically said there's nothing he can do.
Most of the other options include AntiVirus and other nonsense, and are expensive or questionable.
Tasker can automatically upload GPS, respond to an email or SMS to do so.. If you send it the right command it could take pictures periodically, make an outgoing call, whatever... It's extremely flexible in what it can do.
khaytsus said:
Where's My Droid isn't exactly very subtle about sending out replies, the author basically said there's nothing he can do.
Most of the other options include AntiVirus and other nonsense, and are expensive or questionable.
Tasker can automatically upload GPS, respond to an email or SMS to do so.. If you send it the right command it could take pictures periodically, make an outgoing call, whatever... It's extremely flexible in what it can do.
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Click to collapse
WOW! Ok, but the question is - 1.can it lock the phone remotely? 2.What happens if the thief uninstalls Tracker or changes the SIM (can you password protect it)? Finally, 3.can it take picture AND email them remotely? Otherwise, I don't see much use to this feature if the phone is gone.
Lookout seems rather good, but I have not tested it personally. I'd add a link, but I'm a new user. Should be easy to find with a Google/Market search, though.
Well that (un installing tasker)may be the case with any tech anti theft, if the thief is smart and careful they will wipe/reset/format whatever they took, rendering a soft lo jack useless
I would just get tasker and lookup findmyandroid on lifehacker, its the best current option
Captiv
Yeah, I found out about LookOut on Android forums. I have installed it. It doesn't allow you to lock the phone remotely and can easily be uninstalled.
As for Find My Android, I don't see how is it different from Where's My Droid., maybe except the part where you're notified if the SIM card is replaced.
I updated the original post.
Find my android isn't the name of the app, its what the lifehacker post is tagged as (#findmyandroid)
The program is tasker, and its more customizable and it can turn on gps
Captiv
Sure, Lookout can be uninstalled, as can any other app. But really, you should have some sort of password on your device. With pattern unlock, there's really no reason not to do so.
According to one of the devs on their forums, remote locking as well as "other features" will be coming to Lookout "very soon".
https://lookout.zendesk.com/entries/24881-remote-lock
In the meanwhile, I use WaveSecure for locking my phone and Lookout for tracking, as its mechanism seems much better.
If you want to prevent Lookout from being uninstalled, just move the apk to /system/app (assuming your phone is rooted).
I have had Wave Secure since the Beta (it is free to beta testers) and love it. I can understand not wanting to pay, but it really is a great app. They have a zip file that you can flash in recovery if you are rooted. That will prevent the app from being erased if the phone is factory reset. I have also been using an app lately called "Tasker". It can track your phone, although I have not used it for this. Here is a link to the Wiki.
http://tasker.wikidot.com/locatephone
GPS Tracker by Instamapper is the one I use most. With a text message, it will return its location via Google maps. It will continually do so for as long as you have it set up for. Every 10 Seconds, Every 2 minutes, Every half hour, etc. I used it to track my stolen phone with the laptop in the car. This app saved me from buying a new phone.
stickerbob said:
I have had Wave Secure since the Beta (it is free to beta testers) and love it. I can understand not wanting to pay, but it really is a great app. They have a zip file that you can flash in recovery if you are rooted. That will prevent the app from being erased if the phone is factory reset. I have also been using an app lately called "Tasker". It can track your phone, although I have not used it for this. Here is a link to the Wiki.
http://tasker.wikidot.com/locatephone
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Same here. Glad I got it while it was still a beta!
One of my Beta Team Members on XDA is having to sit things out, as some punk bee-hatch stole his Desire S in a pub last Monday.
This got me thinking about how I'd be able to make a thief's life difficult (even though I have insurance) if mine ever got stolen.
Screen lock patterns are important! I know they can be a pain, but any other security measures mentioned below are useless if a thief can simply go into your settings and delete your Google account. Most people are familiar with smartphones now.
I already have tracking ability courtesy of Lookout Mobile Security. I highly recommend this as even the free version also provides scanning of apps for malware/viruses. When installed though, it's important to go into settings, select 'Missing Device' and enable 'Better Protection'. It gives the app admin rights so that you can Lock and Wipe your phone remotely, and makes the app harder to uninstall.
If you don't have this when your phone is stolen, all is not lost yet. As quickly as you can, get to a PC and log into the Android Marketplace, and remotely install something from the same makers of Lookout Mobile Security called Plan B. This will install on your phone and provide the same tracking/locking/wiping features of Lookout. It has the added trick of e-mailing you location updates every 5 minutes in case the phone is on the move. It has gotten some very glowing reviews from people who have followed their stolen phone to a thief's house!
OK but what if your thief gets indoors before you can turn the GPS on to track it? Here is where the next app (combined with a screen lock pattern) gives you another option. I've decided it's well worth the £2. Just in case the tracking software doesn't get a decent GPS lock. The police wont want to search a 1km radius from a cell tower triangulation!
It is called GotYa! Face trap! Every time a thief makes a failed attempt at cracking my screen lock pattern, the phone takes a quiet photo with the front-facing camera, and then e-mails it to me! It works! I love it! It's the first time I've found a proper use for the front facing camera. I don't video call. If you live in an area like mine, the police are very aware of who the usual suspects are, and sending them a mug-shot is definitely worth a try. They have to go outside sooner or later (possibly to take your phone to a shop to get it wiped) and it's all extra ammo in case they (and they will) deny all knowledge of having your phone.
Lookout Mobile Security: https://market.android.com/details?id=com.lookout&feature=search_result
Plan B: https://market.android.com/details?id=com.lookout.labs.planb&feature=more_from_developer
GotYa! Face trap!: https://market.android.com/details?id=com.myboyfriendisageek.gotya&feature=more_from_developer
Don't forget though, it's all for nothing if someone can get into you settings in the first place! Screen Lock!
Please add any other security apps/measures that you have found successful.
Edit 11/10/11: In further scouring of the Market for more security based apps, I have come across another one that I feel deserves a mention. It is called Visidon AppLock. It is another app for locking certain areas of your phone down, but this one uses face recognition software to determine if the owner of the phone is the one holding it. It’s another nice use of the front-facing camera.
Once properly set up it is very fast at recognising your fizzog when you try to access one of the specified protected areas. The face-training part is quite well done. So far it is proving fast and reliable enough to not prove a nuisance after already having got past a lock pattern. It’s only weakness is that it will obviously require a certain amount of ambient light to tell who it is looking at. It becomes unreliable in low light, but intelligently the developers will not allow you to set the security before first choosing a manual password to bypass the camera if light levels do not allow face recognition.
In fairness it could be more use as an alternative to a lock pattern if you just don’t like the idea of entering one every time you wake the phone up, as you only need to lock down certain areas of your phone. Again, intelligently the developers of this app make the ‘Settings’ and ‘Market’ locked by default, but you should also add any file explorers, titanium backup, or any other app which would allow a thief to remove/delete files, apps or accounts. It’s then up to you if you want to lock down your e-mail/sms/gallery.
Visidon AppLock: https://market.android.com/details?id=visidon.AppLock&feature=search_result
I will try GotYa!, SSounds Interesting ..
Nice Effort Mate
Liking the sound of that GotYa app lol
Defo gonna give it a try.
Nice guide too
Thanks! Nice Guide!
But I wonder if sombody ever had a real Virus on his Android device?
I heared that in the news sometimes, but i never heared from anyone that realy had a problem with a Virus on Android?
Awesome article!
Another useful app is Android Lost which allows you to control many of your phone's functions over the internet or through SMS. It does quiet a lot and is FREE!
I like the idea of this
Maybe a good delaying tactic in GSM based phones would be some kind of bonding material to stick the sim car in but can be taken off by the owner when needed!
f0xy said:
I like the idea of this
Maybe a good delaying tactic in GSM based phones would be some kind of bonding material to stick the sim car in but can be taken off by the owner when needed!
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Click to collapse
The Gotya! App can send a text to another phone if the sim card is swapped out.
Sent from my HTC Desire S using xda premium
wnp_79 Like the sound of Gotya! have been using the paid version of Lookout for a few months now and really do like it and think it is worth the money.
EDIT Just bought Gotya! and tested it out on one of the daughters ,the lengths you go to to get a pic of your teenage daughter lmfao.
Seriuosly though this looks a really good app and also set it up to post pics to my facebook wall as well as my emails
Isn't there any app that would provide location info by triangulating off cell towers? For the indoor case.
ando roido said:
Isn't there any app that would provide location info by triangulating off cell towers? For the indoor case.
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Yes the face trap does give a cell tower location of gps is unavailable. Its not much use though. In my area it would mean hundreds of houses!
Sent from my HTC Desire S using xda premium
But it would narrow down list of villains a lot though
Nice tips but useless in 90% of the theft situations. From my experience and alot of discussions regarding this subject, FIRST thing a thief is doing afer stealing a phone is to...take out the battery and power off the phone.
No software or tracking method cand be used in this case unfortunately. The thief doesn't care about your calendar or agenda (there are some rare situations when you're a public person or something but this is not the point here), it cares about the phone itself and how to sell it quickly and make some easy money. More than that, the thiefs are usualy in a group that has at least one (or connection to) a phone "specialist", good enough to reflash your phone and install some other blank new ROM on it.
And to be honest, if I get my phone stolen, my last concern is what the thief is going to do with it....the thing that bothers me alot is that I don't have my phone anymore.
Very good information, helpful for protecting your phone when you live in dodgy areas
just tried out the vidison facelock, and it works really well and quickly, so it doesn't really bother in daily usage... definately a nice way to provide my work e-mails some added security...
Kaspersky Mobile Security 9 have Anti-Theft solution.
Remotely Block your phone if it is lost or stolen. Just send a predefined SMS to your phone and your device will be blocked and no-one will be able to access its contents. You can even choose to remotely Wipe your data.
NEW! Set a prearranged message that will be displayed on the screen if the smartphone is blocked, allowing any law-abiding citizen that finds your smartphone to return it to you.
You can locate your smartphone using GPS Find. Just send an SMS with the appropriate password to the missing device and you will receive a link to Google Maps showing the exact location of the device.
The first thing a thief normally does is to remove your smartphone’s SIM card. If the SIM is replaced, SIM Watch will immediately block the device and send you an email with the new number.
I don't know is this enough to protect phone but I also know that you can find it via police and court...
I've been using Prey on the laptop for years and it works excellent and free, I'm hoping Prey Anti Theft from the market will do the same for the phone, also free.
HTC Desire S~Tapatalk
thanks good info was looking for this for a while.
must have GotYa! great post..
for desire s owners in the philippines (preferably globe telecom) i am not sure if this can also protect you from thieves. but i've been thinking about globe's sim retention program. you can sim lock your phone and if it gets lost. just rush into any globe service center and pamper yourself with a no cost sim retention program.
just my two cents
https://market.android.com/details?...DEsImNvbS5sbWF4aS5hbnRpdGhlZnRpbnN0YWxsZXIiXQ..
Hi. I'm looking for a program that could be able to assign a password to every single program I have installed indepently. For example, assign a password when I want to open Dolphin browser for example or another one applied to the settings option.
Also, I'd like the phone to start without asking me for a pin number. I know that is a very insecure thing to do but I'm looking to immediately use the phone when I wake up in the morning Thanks in advance.
Jordibcn said:
Hi. I'm looking for a program that could be able to assign a password to every single program I have installed indepently. For example, assign a password when I want to open Dolphin browser for example or another one applied to the settings option.
Also, I'd like the phone to start without asking me for a pin number. I know that is a very insecure thing to do but I'm looking to immediately use the phone when I wake up in the morning Thanks in advance.
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Click to collapse
1. Lots of apps like this on the market, personally I prefer pattern protection from apps like, Seal. However, you could probably find alternatives if you look at related apps. If we had Gingerbread, then we can use Visidon which is a face unlock for apps.
2. Do you mean when phone starts up? or when you unlock? I think you want password protection to be disabled completely. If its not from an app and from the phone itself, then go to Settings > Location&Security Settings > SetUp Screen Lock > None.
I tried Seal and works great. Very easy to use and do exactly what I wanted. I hope an update to gingerbread comes soon so I can try the other one (but unfortunately I don't see it in market, maybe is why I have froyo 2.2?) with face recognition. I thought face recognition was a feature of ice cream sandwitch so is good to know that for gingerbread we can use this feature somehow. Thanks.
We can't find it in the market because the developer set the minimum version to be Gingerbread so to avoid having people download it without knowing on 2.2 and lower devices and leaving negative feedbacks, we wont be able to see it till we're on Gingerbread. I've tried it out on another device and it works pretty well.
Basically Gingerbread added Front Camera Support to the SDK so that allowed developers to use the Front Camera without any... fragmentation. In 2.2, if we tried that we would have had a much more difficult time in getting the front cameras to work because we'll need to find out how HTC did it, how Samsung did it, and how LG does it.
Ice Cream Sandwich offers an official way Face Tracking, but that's still using the Front Camera so as long as developers create their own Face Tracking stuff, it can be used in Gingerbread.
A budy showed me a neat iphone app that lets your front facing camera take a secret pic when someone incorrectly enters your lock password. Does anyone know a good android one?
I tried searching the play store but some security apps sound sketchy.
thanks
That sounds like an interesting app. Is this an offical app from the App Store or is the iPhone jail broken?
Haven't seen anything similar for Android devices.
My friend showed me the app on his iPhone too.The app is locked and you can open it by the pattern you set,like the lockscreen pattern on Android.And if you fail it takes the picture from front camera.And you don´t have to have jailbreak because he don´t have it.
yeah that was the app. i was wondering if android had anything similar.
An Android version of this is called "Gotya". I use this on my NS4g. It takes a picture and emails it to you. It does the usual stuff, locates, locks, etc. Gotta it from the market.
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