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[App Idea] Plan B for data recovery on broken stock phones.

I feel this idea could be useful for a lot of us, not on our phones since we are likely rooted but on our family members and non tech friends stock phones. Which we usually end up fixing.
My idea if it is possible would be be for a "Plan B" type app for use after a broken screen, were the completely stock phone without ADB enabled needs data extracted.
My hope is that someone could make a app that is remotely installed from play.google.com that automatically turns on ADB debugging (if possible without root)
After that most data can be extracted with "adb backup" or adb pulls.
I can't count how many times this would of helped me in the past if it existed. Any dev up for the job? I am sure it would be appreciated by people.

Guess no one was interested in this idea.

shadowofdarkness said:
Guess no one was interested in this idea.
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I think many of us are interested but one (so far) can help.

would be a good idea.... who ever was in need for something like that will be likely to pay for that... :laugh:

I could see this being a massive security risk. Sure the app could be handy, but it would also make stealing info from a phone very very easy.
So on that note, I don't think it will ever make it through, though I am sure there are ways.
Just install something like SMSBackup+: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.zegoggles.smssync
Set it to automatically back up to their gmail, every so often, and then when it comes time to have to do repairs, you can get all of their calling/sms stuff back, since Google automatically deals with the contact infos.

it wouldn't be a security risk since the only way to install it would be from play.google.com which no one can do without your password. also pour planning with other software is not the point of this since I have been asked to recover data from devices by people that I honestly had no clue they owned the device before they broke it.usually family I don't see on s normal occurrence.

I've always been taught to keep a back up of anything you consider important.
Either way...
There are ADB backup solutions out there, there are recovery apps in the Playstore that will scan for missing or deleted files.
If you have access to the Playstore you have access to all the already available recovery apps. Why the need for an app that will basically root and unlock the device from behind their 'lock screen'?
If you have no direct GUI access, you want an app that you run on your computer that forces the phone connected via USB, to unlock and let you access whatever you want before you restore the phone. This is a massive security problem, because anyone could download that app, and use it to break into phones.
Sound like the 'prior planning' apps, are the best way to go.

I think you are missing my point. I know that prior planning is the best but it it not always possible when dealing with people so tech illiterate that even thought they own the device they barely understand it is not a iPhone because that is what a smartphone is to them.
My intended use is for physicaly broken phones (mainly screen) where I can't control any apps with the screen or turn on ADB from settings.
You thought on the security risk is wrong since out of the ways I can think of to install it via play store on the phone is would not be used since that would mean the attacker could just go into settings and do it the normal way. sideloading is impossible since it would be redundent due to that already needing ADB on.
The intended way via the web is safe enough since the attacker would need your email, password.
Do you hate the "Plan B" app that gps tracks your lost or stolen phone that is already in the play store and gave me this idea. It shows in the store as having between half a million and a million installs. Do you think those people should of went without such a app and lost their phone since they should of just pre planned since it is better.

[Q] Unlock PC with phone (NFC)

Heya,
So I had this idea where I'd unlock my PC with my phone. Here's how I thought it could work:
I have 2 users on my PC, me and my girl, however, on the same account, so no need to switch accounts. Depending on which phone I use to unlock it (via NFC, no idea how) it should:
For me:
- Unlock screen
- Run certain apps
- Set skype to online from away
- Play music
For girl:
- Unlock screen
- Run certain apps
- Leave skype away
- Play music
Upon removal of the phone from the dock (?) it should lock the pc and kill the apps etc. I know how to task all this but here are the questions:
- How do I lock my PC in such manner that it can't be accessed in any other way other then unlocking it with NFC (screen/keyboard/mouse lock, processes online should still be running)?
- How do I trigger all this with an NFC tag?
Thanks!

Loldawg said:
Heya,
So I had this idea where I'd unlock my PC with my phone. Here's how I thought it could work:
I have 2 users on my PC, me and my girl, however, on the same account, so no need to switch accounts. Depending on which phone I use to unlock it (via NFC, no idea how) it should:
For me:
- Unlock screen
- Run certain apps
- Set skype to online from away
- Play music
For girl:
- Unlock screen
- Run certain apps
- Leave skype away
- Play music
Upon removal of the phone from the dock (?) it should lock the pc and kill the apps etc. I know how to task all this but here are the questions:
- How do I lock my PC in such manner that it can't be accessed in any other way other then unlocking it with NFC (screen/keyboard/mouse lock, processes online should still be running)?
- How do I trigger all this with an NFC tag?
Thanks!
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Click to collapse
Do research lazy bum
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app

androidsoccer said:
Do research lazy bum
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
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Click to collapse
I think I looked over all threads that come up when you search for NFC on the forums >.> But sure, I'll look more

I don't believe there's any technology that would allow you to do that, currently. There'd have to be much tighter integration between your phone and desktop OS and I think if anyone is going to do that it's probably going to be Apple and not a random Android phone vendor.
I thought about the experience that you're trying to create and I think one way that could be realized in the future is if your phone IS your whole PC, and docking your phone just connects it to external resources: monitor, keyboard, mouse, speakers, and other peripherals. When you're done, you just undock and someone else can dock their phone in. There could be kiosks for this in internet cafes and at the airport where you can work and charge your phone at the same time. Maybe the dock would connect you to wired internet service too, so while you were docked you didn't need to worry about mobile data coverage and usage. Phones are relatively limited in storage space but with network-attached storage and cloud-hosting you could have access to all the data you need.
Well those are my thoughts. Sorry I couldn't give you a solution but it might be 10 years too early for one.

Damn. It sounded so good locking your pc with something you carry rather then having an usb just to unlock it. Oh well thanks for the reply I hope someone looks into it. Would enhance work security too, even if someone gained access to your work pc they would still need your phone to abuse it.
Thanks again!
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk HD

The Idea isn't bad at all.
What you would have to do to get it to work is to write your own CSP to allow Windows to use your device as it:s logon credential.
IT's the same framework that smartcard pluggins andd so on uses so it's not impossible. MS built in the capability to extend the login functions but it won't be easy

mace2442 said:
The Idea isn't bad at all.
What you would have to do to get it to work is to write your own CSP to allow Windows to use your device as it:s logon credential.
IT's the same framework that smartcard pluggins andd so on uses so it's not impossible. MS built in the capability to extend the login functions but it won't be easy
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I'm basically looking to lock screen/keyboard/mouse only, not necessarily log out the user, as I want background programs to keep running. Now I have no idea if a PC can know which phone is tapped into the NFC. Basic idea would be to have sticker/reader on the desk, put the phone there and use PC. Upon removal, the PC would be locked. From what I understand, NFC has 2 modes (like connected and not) so it wouldn't be a battery drain. Or would it

Loldawg said:
I'm basically looking to lock screen/keyboard/mouse only, not necessarily log out the user, as I want background programs to keep running. Now I have no idea if a PC can know which phone is tapped into the NFC. Basic idea would be to have sticker/reader on the desk, put the phone there and use PC. Upon removal, the PC would be locked. From what I understand, NFC has 2 modes (like connected and not) so it wouldn't be a battery drain. Or would it
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locking/unlocking is handled through the same components as login/logout so it will be the same type of
code/system calls anyway It will be a lot less for only locking so it will be easier though :good:

mace2442 said:
locking/unlocking is handled through the same components as login/logout so it will be the same type of
code/system calls anyway It will be a lot less for only locking so it will be easier though :good:
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Aye =) I'm gonna dive into this, my dev is busy with some other work, but I think he can pull this off. Would be interesting to see it anyway, maybe do a GUI with basic functions like login skype to this user, play this music, open up this chrome etc.. Does a dime on effectivness with shared computers @ work or at home.
Next step might be to make user specific files - Sonya/Download for instance - inacessible for anyone but the owner.
If anyone knows an open source project that has some of the lock functions already, but is made for USB locks or anything, do let me know it will speed up the process. I plan on sharing the app here for free anyways ^.^
Cheers

rooting Samsung Rush with phone only, or Mac?

Please let me know if it's safe and secure to root my Galaxy Rush JB 4.3 on my "hacked?" PC? If I should not root using the PC, is there a way I can root using only the phone itself? Thank you all in advance!!
Help - Root Samsung Rush - with phone only
Help - Eliminating Spyware & Monitoring on Home Network // Detect & Remove Tracking SW and Spyware on PC Vista x iPhone4 x Nexus 7.
I just found out for Certain that a crazy, ex-gf-stalker has gained access to my family's home wireless network. She's also somehow able to mirror my laptop (PC) screen, and can see whatever I'm viewing and typing!? (I'm unsure about the Mac)... I know this bc she sent me a text message that showed items I'd been searching for, and she had an exact copy of a private online convo from earlier that day. It is honestly extremely uncomfortable. It's invading the privacy of my entire family, as we can no longer visit any websites that require Bill Pay, CC info, Secure PWs, or even personal emails.
In addition, I just found out that she has remote access to someone else in my family's iPhone 4: in the last 2 days, she's deleted all contacts off that phone, random texts incoming texts are being deleted, the phone numbers in the 'Call Log' are getting prank calls. Today there were rude, obnoxious texts sent from our phone to a good friend of ours, which None of us would ever send! Right now, I'm not sure if she can access to my MacBook since I recently installed Norton Internet Security. -- but I'm positive that the Windows laptop and iPhone 4 have some tracking or monitoring device.
Please Help!!
My main Rooting question is: Will rooting my own Galaxy Rush and setting up a new WI-Fi hotspot prevent this psycho from accessing my PC and Macbook?
-------If so, can I perform the root without the laptops, using the Android phone only?
------Do these spyware programs get installed directly into the computers themselves, so that they continue to work even after you change new wireless network?
Question about iPhone4 spyware: Is anyone familiar with a virus scan or iOs app that can identidy and expunge these hacks? Will a total
Complete wipe / Factory Restore?: Does anyone know if a total system-restore to factory settings, or a complete data wipe would do the trick for either the Mac, the PC (Vista), iPhone 4, or Google Nexus 7?
Thanks again.

Security to phone, computers, email, entire network is compromised

My question or rather my pleed for answers does not just pertain to android os but I have relied on this site for many answers and have always found a solution just from searching around on here so I know there are very capable members on this site that can help. My problem began over 4 months ago when my home computers were compromised. I assumed it was just a simple virus but soon learned that someone had actually hacked into my home network for what I believe is or was an attempt to retrieve trade secrets. Shortly after i realized that data was being sent to someone through the fax system on my pc and data distribution software had been installed along with a large amount of .dll and legacy items, The admin rights were taken from me and the registry was completely modified which disabled me from having any permissions and kept me from doing anything on the pc. I went out and purchased a new router, got out an older pc, and I put a password of around 20 mixed numbers and letters. 5 minutes after I had set up the new router and pc I noticed through the network map that there was someone else on what I assumed was a secured network. The router was a netgear. First thing I done was change the default password and block any remote access in the network wizard. My next step was to pay the so-called experts (Geek Squad) to solve the security issue. I purchased their 1 month special that entitled me to 1 month of tech support and 3 free pc fixes. after purchasing a windows 7 restore disk I took 3 pc's to a local Geek Squad location to have them restore the Pc's and install what was suppose to be a hack proof software. They only fixed 1 pc, told me the software would keep the hacker out. 5 minutes after i logged into my network here comes all the windows updates (around 50) along with numerous programs. Needless to say I lost my admin rights within an hr. Here we are now, only using cell phones on my network and I am sure the hacker is retrieving my data off of my g vista d6301. My new email that I set up and have only used from the vista has been compromised and although no logins appear in the history but my vista, someone had enabled POP on Dec 28th. I have enabled the developer mode on my phone which allows me to view the process stats. It states that google play service runs 100% and Google Cloud Messaging runs 100%...I have never used any cloud service on this phone. Another thing is that certain system apps that I have never activated are accumulating a decent amount of data. This phone is used only for wifi and has no service plan attached. bluetooth, email, qrtunnel, near field communication all turn on from time to time. Google play also shows something called clearcutlogger running but was unable to find any info on that. I also installed a mic block that has a "spying app catcher" that logs when a app uses your phones mic while the phone is in sleep or idle mode. when the app is on block mic then there are no problems but when I unblock the mic I get countless log entries that an app with net access has gained access to my mic. Its always the same few apps that show up as a potential culprit so I cant pinpoint exactly what app is using the mic. not sure if any of this has anything to do with someone messing around with my phone, just trying to think of some of the things that could help. There is no doubt that this phone along with a pile of now useless computers have indeed been compromised. What I really need help with is how to get this bastard out of my life and secure my network before the new semester begans b/c there is no way I can have my daughter use her new pc on the network knowing its just going to end up like the rest of computers in my new pc graveyard. I know there are quite a few other sites I could have reached out to but there is something about the comradery on this site that has always drawn me to it. 1 more thing fellas, how bout that one touch root for the LG G Vista D6301's? that sure would come in handy right now lol. My apologies for the long read. Any details you need to know to try and help me figure things out, I would gladly assist as long as my knowledge permits.

I understand that the question or article that I posted is quite vast so I will start off with this simple question. Is there a server that I can disable in the LG hidden menu to stop unauthorized use of my GCM, or any other way than simply just disabling Google Play? I have read a couple of recent articles on how hackers are utilizing gcm to gain access to personal info. I just was curious about the server b/c I see many different server acc in the hidden menu such as ATTLABa, Cingular, Mformation, and Funambol. I wasnt sure if these servers or acc could possibly help or be a potential threat.

Sent from my LG-D631 using XDA Free mobile app

Pr1n6/of\Jerusalem said:
My question or rather my pleed for answers .........
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Pr1n6/of\Jerusalem said:
I understand that the question or article ............
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First thing you have to be sure that no one has physical access to your gadgets. Second, find a router suitable to be modified with new firmware from http://www.dd-wrt.com/site/index or https://openwrt.org/.
In case you can buy a hardware network firewall and with proper installation and settings you should be able to keep away any threat.
A good idea would be to use a good VPN service, that way you can add a layer of security on your networking habits.
Lastly, check this thread http://forum.xda-developers.com/general/security/tuto-how-to-secure-phone-t2960077 and if you have any question, ask there.
Good luck

What extent can employers control company android phones?

Hi
To what extent can employers control an android company phone? I'm sure they could just disable the SIM, but will they be able to:
access the device storage (whether internal or external)?
access call logs etc. and contacts? I guess they'd be able to view texts via the phone company?
disable the phone remotely so that it doesn't turn on?
Thanks for any advice

BLu8i said:
Hi
To what extent can employers control an android company phone? I'm sure they could just disable the SIM, but will they be able to:
access the device storage (whether internal or external)?
access call logs etc. and contacts? I guess they'd be able to view texts via the phone company?
disable the phone remotely so that it doesn't turn on?
Thanks for any advice
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Depends on the MDM the IT department is using. I use Google Admin Console. I can remotely wipe and lock my company-owned Android devices. GAC has started playing nicely with Apple devices, so I can do the same to iOS device we own, too. Seeing files, though? Yeah, if they're using some beefy MDM and it has full device permissions, anything goes if it's set up that way. But then again, if it's a company-owned device, there's no expectation of privacy, and all data on the device is the company's.

BLu8i said:
Hi
To what extent can employers control an android company phone? I'm sure they could just disable the SIM, but will they be able to:
access the device storage (whether internal or external)?
access call logs etc. and contacts? I guess they'd be able to view texts via the phone company?
disable the phone remotely so that it doesn't turn on?
Thanks for any advice
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Best bet, just don't use it for anything that you want to keep to yourself.
Sent from my SM-S767VL using Tapatalk

Thanks guys.
I'm not sure if it's related, but my old company phone has recently decided not to turn on. I thought it might be something that was controlled by previous employer. Data hasn't been switched on, so can they actually disable the phone via the sim?
As I said, the phone did not want to switch on, so I decided to charge it for some time. Sometimes, it would power on the splash screen, but just does not go any further. It doesn't boot but just sits on the splash screen for over an hour. I was thinking of buying a replacement battery, but it seems it might not have any effect?
Perhaps it's something to do with the phone's IC on its way out?

I used to work for a major phone carrier as a store manager. And if we wanted our work email on our personal devices we had to grant it admin rights on our device and agree to a long list of things that no one read. I however read it and it literally said if they ever thought my device was comprised they'd remote wipe it without even telling me.
I straight up did not have my work email on my device and I was always taking flack from supervisors that I didn't respond to their emails unless I was in my office. And I always told them why and finally one day I received an email saying that as of X date (like a week later) that no employee could have their work email on a personal device.
I laughed my ass off at everyone who complained about it and asked several bosses what happened... Apparently some really high up dude had his phone get wiped and he lost a ton of pictures of his kids that weren't in the cloud and he raged at IT about it and they changed email permissions
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