Traveling abroad - Securing your tablet Information - Eee Pad Transformer Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

I am preparing to travel abroad and I am taking my Asus TF with me. My question is would you or do you password protect your tablet and its information. I see under the security tab in settings that I can use a screen lock or encrypt tablet. Encrypt tablet seems very secure but you cannot unencrypt your tablet unless you do a factor data reset. What do you suggest to protect the information on your tablet? Thanks in advance!

I also am about to travel abroad and the only thing I can figure is to pw or pin protect it. Seekdroid may be an option but the tablet needs an internet connection for it to work.

Not only do you have to factory restore, but also you need to be on stock recovery.
Otherwise, people are having problems with everything: factory restore, nandroid backup and restore, mounting the data partition in CWM.
I would stay away from the "encrypt" function, but I don't have any suggestions for your task.
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using XDA Premium HD app

I'm overseas right now and I just used a pattern unlock and also set up the droidvpn app since all the networks I've connected to are unsecured. Plus it lets me still watch hulu

feisty_noodle said:
I would stay away from the "encrypt" function, but I don't have any suggestions for your task.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is there a reason you don't suggest using the built in encrypt function?

Using a memory card plugged into the MicroSD slot might not be good idea as well. Or at least storing sensitive data on it would be quite risky. Especially as it can be removed/replaced quite easily.
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using Tapatalk 2

I did not think of that. I thought about how I like the micro sd card being only accessible by removing the cover of my Epic Touch 4G for security reasons. Yes, it might be a pain to switch it out but if cell phone is ever left on the table or anywhere for a second it would be really interesting to watch someone frustrate themselves trying to get the batter cover off. I'd watch for a minute. Much easier to eject the from the card slot which my TF101 has.
I think I will put the 2GB in when going through security and everything or maybe keep the case with me so I can switch them out. Once I arrive I will leave in the 32GB. I bet some of those airline people hate their jobs and might take something small like that. Some would notice and some would not. But some people risk it.
I won't. I will just password pin mine. I think there are some apps to unlock. Actually, if you use a launcher can't you lock the launcher so that way when you wake display you have to unlock the tablet+launcher lock? Double security.

Never heard of being able to lock the launcher. Another idea is to lock certain apps..numerous apps for that.

And don't forget to pay attention about security using your banking apps at common places with free wi-fi spots. For these needs it's worth using a data-only sim card, f.ex MTXConnect or local sim cards.

Related

Remote task29 as security

Hi Guys
Is there a application that could execute a remote task29 if phone gets stolen?
Most of theves are dump so would not know how to put the OS back on.
The normal way of IMEI blocking does not work, some networks will not care to block, some will not communicate to others so it will be blocked for example on O2 but not t-mobile... We all also know that you just need to sell a IMEI blocked unit abroad.
Two functions would need to be present:
Function 1 a remote wipe so you send a txt message.
Function 2 is to wipe the phone if new sim is inserted and password is not provided. Such software would need to be able to cook itself in to rom.
Second possibility for Function 2 is each time new sim is inserted a txt message is sent on pre-arranged mobile number and then use remote wipe.
lookout mobile security has that feature of remote wipe.
www.mylookout.com
antivirus, remote wipe, and gps locator all work.
nrfitchett4 said:
lookout mobile security has that feature of remote wipe.
www.mylookout.com
antivirus, remote wipe, and gps locator all work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is not even remotely the same as even if you do wipe the device it is still usable, there is just you data erased. I am talking OS erased so phone does not work, so you can get it to bootloader and only if you know how.
ruscik said:
It is not even remotely the same as even if you do wipe the device it is still usable, there is just you data erased. I am talking OS erased so phone does not work, so you can get it to bootloader and only if you know how.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
considering you cannot even task29 unless you are synced to a computer, how do you suppose this can be accomplished???
nrfitchett4 said:
considering you cannot even task29 unless you are synced to a computer, how do you suppose this can be accomplished???
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am not a software developer but I would say a app that works just before OS boots.
TBH task29 seems like the best idea as if you were to get the phone back you could get it back online but any app that would brick the phone remotely is what one needs.
I am quite certain something like that could be done.
why not have it flash a bricking radio from sd card or within the rom, if the command is send?
how about an app then makes the phone transform into a plane and fly back to you?
its impossible what you are asking for afaik
davidgk said:
how about an app then makes the phone transform into a plane and fly back to you?
its impossible what you are asking for afaik
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bolox I can flash radio or OS from SD card. All a app would need to do is get phone to bootloader on command and have, as suggested, a bricked rom for radio on SD card. A bricked radio rom would not need to be big in size so a cab installer would work.
Its a very good idea, hope some1 can do it..
my hats off to you sir, a very good idea!
Now if there is only a developer skilled enough to realise it!
ruscik said:
Bolox I can flash radio or OS from SD card. All a app would need to do is get phone to bootloader on command and have, as suggested, a bricked rom for radio on SD card. A bricked radio rom would not need to be big in size so a cab installer would work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
but what does this achieve for you???
A phone wiping program would wipe personal data.
What would bricking the phone do except make the phone unusable?
You'll still be out a phone...
nrfitchett4 said:
but what does this achieve for you???
A phone wiping program would wipe personal data.
What would bricking the phone do except make the phone unusable?
You'll still be out a phone...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Might be so, but if knowledge gets around that more and more phones can (and will) be bricked remotely once stolen, why steal?
I think it would be a very useful feature on any phone.
So I agree with the question for such an app.
Regards,
nrfitchett4 said:
but what does this achieve for you???
A phone wiping program would wipe personal data.
What would bricking the phone do except make the phone unusable?
You'll still be out a phone...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well why do you fit a alarm on a car when it is gone it is gone, why do you put alarm in a house when they come they come.
Something odd with this statement. Why would you think it is ok for some one who stole my phone to use it when I had to work for it?
For me best solution would be to have it wired with C4 and 5s in to first phone call boom!!!
As that would be illegal second option brick the phone.
ruscik said:
Well why do you fit a alarm on a car when it is gone it is gone, why do you put alarm in a house when they come they come.
Something odd with this statement. Why would you think it is ok for some one who stole my phone to use it when I had to work for it?
For me best solution would be to have it wired with C4 and 5s in to first phone call boom!!!
As that would be illegal second option brick the phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Since when does a car alarm or home alarm burn down my house or car? That is essentially the same thing. If someone breaks into my house and steals my 60" dlp, I can't remote detonate it either.
I'm guessing that I don't understand. Maybe it is my long history with cdma phones that had esn's that could be blocked making the phones worthless (usually) once stolen.
Ill build it .... i just need a few beta testers?
Any takers?
jk.. i actually like the idea of disabling my phone if i knew it was gone for sure. .but i dont think i would be comfortable running around with this bomb in my phone unless i knew how to fix it.. and a bricked radio (easiest remote detonate solution) is obviously unfixable.
you know I was hoping this topic was headed in a different direction. like the phone company or microsoft running ras commands. like injecting and changing your files around so when you go to flash the seed will be planted for later execution. but dude if your phone gets stolen beat the punk bastards ass. or make sure you have handset protection. stupid topic. its just gonna add to the bricked my phone posts but not before they go on a couple of paragraphs of how they know what there doing but this and but that. wow then its gonna keep spreading like a ****ing plauge of dumb ass questions instead of keeping their cocksucker shut and read and learn. if your not f-ing it up, then your not learning.
i remember the sony ericsson p910, p990, and p1i could have set a sim password that works the same way the bios password works on most laptops with this feature... once the sim changed or the phone is flashed, the password must be entered to boot into the OS, personally i think this should be standard on every mobile OS...
and regardless how much times you reinstall windows, flash the bios, or remove the bios battery, the password remains, kinda annoying but at least it works
There are already some really good apps available for if your phone is lost or stolen. I don't know the names off the top of my head but I did some help on development on one 2 years ago and it was quite advanced and will send you silent text containing the new IME number if changed and the GPS location. Rendering the phone useless would be stupid in my opinion if you intend on retrieving it. let the security software do it's job and be happy to get your phone back.

Touchscreen Phone Without Wifi

This may be a strange request, but I would like to get a phone for my young child that is unable to access the internet. I can disable data services through my network provider, but need a phone without Wifi capabilities. However, I would like to get him a touchscreen smartphone if possible.
Does anyone know of such a phone? The only one I have found so far is the Sony Ericsson W150 Yendo, but are there any others?
Thanks
Samsung Touchwiz i think
its pretty old so i dont have that option
The HTC Freestyle from at&t in the United States doesn't have a wifi chip built in so it is required to use cellular data. If you block it there won't be a way for that phone to access internet.
Its basically a dummed down android phone (lower specs and no wifi).
It is GSM, and unlockable for cheap .
Specs are here: gsmarena.com/htc_freestyle-3707.php
I order my unlock codes from a site: unlockusa.com
It has more than USA unlocks available and does AT&T unlocks pretty cheap .
Sorry for not posting the links, only my second post
---------- Post added at 08:52 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:38 PM ----------
deadlocked007 said:
That's horrible man. Don't taunt a kid with a smartphone but disable the WiFi. That's just plain horrible. The point of smartphones almost entirely revolves around their advanced use of the internet. Just buy the kid a feature phone for goodness sakes...
Sent from my PG86100 using XDA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A smartphone without any data options is still better than a feature phone without them. . .
Better OS, better phone experience.
Also to the OP.. if you disable data to the device that doesn't have any WiFi ability.. it will be impossible for them t download apps or use any of the features like the google play store, maps, etc without you calling in to re-enable the data for the time being, and then disabling it again afterwards.
Well.. you said touchscreen not smartphone. There's the Samsung champ which doesn't have Wi-Fi
Sent from my GT-S5360 using XDA
SeaTan said:
This may be a strange request, but I would like to get a phone for my young child that is unable to access the internet. I can disable data services through my network provider, but need a phone without Wifi capabilities. However, I would like to get him a touchscreen smartphone if possible.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Out of curiosity, what are the reasons? Does he need a phone at all? Why a touchscreen phone and not a regular one?
Sent from my Epic Touch (Blazer ROM) using XDA
LG Cookie? Not a smartphone, but no WiFi and a quite decent touchscreen... Lot of kids have it since it has touchscreen and it's very cheap
deadlocked007 said:
What do you mean better experience -_- you can't do anything with it.... Like what you are saying. The kid will just lust for the use of data man
Sent from my PG86100 using XDA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The feature phones don't have as nice of a touchscreen (such as the response to touch). They also don't have as nice of menus, or anything to do with messaging is just easier with an android os device. Calling / Contacts, use of an SD card is all much better with a smartphone. Feature phones are quirky with reading pictures off of an SD card that didn't originate in the phone. Whereas android phones have no problems reading any picture files on an SD card.
Bottom line, if you could pick a feature phone, or an android device. Neither getting WiFi or any data connectivity.. which would you choose?
Is it not possible to root and just delete the WiFi modules on any phone?
Send from beneath my cloak of magic
Also, the absence of data transfer plan or wifi seems kinda stupid on a OS (Android) that was made to be in sync to the services it provides generally (Google). You even need to login in order to use the device.
The touchscreen argument generally will not hold a lot of water. ZTE even makes Android phones with resistive touchscreens.
Sent from my ICSed HP G42 using XDA
The original Palm Pixi? That's one of the only modern touchscreen smartphones that I can think of without WiFi.
Just dont tell him the wifi password?
Jk, but if your coming to XDA for help i would suggest rooting it and taking out everything related to wifi from /system
You could use any android phone and simply lock wifi access with https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.sp.protector.free&hl=en so that you could install apps they need but they could not.
That way they get the benefit of new apps or updates without them being able to access the phones wifi.
It also allows locking any app such as browser etc.
Dave
( http://www.google.com/producer/editions/CAownKXmAQ/bigfatuniverse )
Sent from my LG P920 using Tapatalk 2
bigraymeehan said:
The feature phones don't have as nice of a touchscreen (such as the response to touch). They also don't have as nice of menus, or anything to do with messaging is just easier with an android os device. Calling / Contacts, use of an SD card is all much better with a smartphone. Feature phones are quirky with reading pictures off of an SD card that didn't originate in the phone. Whereas android phones have no problems reading any picture files on an SD card.
Bottom line, if you could pick a feature phone, or an android device. Neither getting WiFi or any data connectivity.. which would you choose?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol what? If you have Verizon I suggest you check out the envtouch by LG. Touch screen, 3" display and you can flip it open for a full QWERTY keyboard that in my opinion no phone stands up to not even Droid 4 even though I like that phones keyboard envroich's is still better.
Never had trouble with SD card, or pictures that where not from that phone. Hell all of my razr v2 camera pics all displayed fine.
Video was a bit of a pain but its a feature phone. And unless you are going from android to envtouch you want notice anything wrong with how well the touch screen works.
Can envtouch be a bastard yeah but so is my dx2 hell I like my envtouch a little bit more then my dx2. Well my old dx2 anyway just got my replacement dx2 and its bugs are far less (though that damn music skip is still there.
For a feature phone the envtouch was the best out of my (unnamed Samsung, my razr, and my razr v2).
Good touch screen
Full QWERTY keyboard
Stereo audio
SD expansion
Good menu system
Good basic apps
Nice build (never needed a screen protector nor case and syllable in great shape)
No wifi.
Sent from my DROID X2 using XDA
You are the most worst parent in the world.
OptimusLove said:
You are the most worst parent in the world.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's an oxymoron
Send from beneath my cloak of magic
Getting a touchscreen smartphone without WiFi will be awkward as most of the apps need and use WiFi.There is no use of a smartphone without WiFi And i think you cant call a phone without WiFi a SMARTPHONE.:
He'll be able to side load apps from the SD card, won't need wifi necessarily. Still think it would be easier to just disable the wifi modules on any phone. How old is the kid?
Nokia 5230 or Nokia 5233 if you don't want 3G.
Lets face it, OP is a idiotic child abuser that wants his child to not use new tech. Id rather molest a child than give a low end phone, Its okay 2 years ago, now its not.
OptimusLove said:
Lets face it, OP is a idiotic child abuser that wants his child to not use new tech. Id rather molest a child than give a low end phone, Its okay 2 years ago, now its not.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Depends on the child. If the kid is responsible enough, give him/her a phone. I see many kids abuse the power of smartphones by taking pictures, harassing other people by calls, SMS or internet, porn, etc... .

What is best way to make phone literally UNSTEALABLE??

Hi,
Recently my phone got stolen. It was HTC Desire. And I never thought it would happen, so was not prepared for it to happen.
And now in wake of that I was wondering what is the best mechanism available to recover lost phone.
To be precise, I am looking for something which will work even if thief removes the SIM, SDCard, does a factory reset, or install an entirely fresh ROM.
And if it could.. send an SMS/Email to a fixed destination (with phone number and GPS location) upon request/fixed-event in the background, it would be great.
So that virtually, the Phone would be unstealable as long as someone uses it with a new SIM(send SMS) or connects to internet (Email) even after wiping everything clean and installing a fresh ROM.
Complete protection is not possible, unless there is some option from the phone manufacturer build-in.
And I think even that can be circumvented.
However if your phone is rooted, you can install some apps which hide themselves and even survive a factory reset.
Lookout Security & Antivirus
Cerberus anti theft
And I think most thieves are not that smart to flash a new rom.
cool.aquarian said:
Hi,
Recently my phone got stolen. It was HTC Desire. And I never thought it would happen, so was not prepared for it to happen.
And now in wake of that I was wondering what is the best mechanism available to recover lost phone.
To be precise, I am looking for something which will work even if thief removes the SIM, SDCard, does a factory reset, or install an entirely fresh ROM.
And if it could.. send an SMS/Email to a fixed destination (with phone number and GPS location) upon request/fixed-event in the background, it would be great.
So that virtually, the Phone would be unstealable as long as someone uses it with a new SIM(send SMS) or connects to internet (Email) even after wiping everything clean and installing a fresh ROM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lizard said:
Complete protection is not possible, unless there is some option from the phone manufacturer build-in.
And I think even that can be circumvented.
However if your phone is rooted, you can install some apps which hide themselves and even survive a factory reset.
Lookout Security & Antivirus
Cerberus anti theft
And I think most thieves are not that smart to flash a new rom.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lizard is right. It's not possible to do what listed. Only way to make it unstealable is to chain it to yourself
It's pretty hard, unless the guy who's steals your phone is a noob
// sent from a galactic Ars Sss
Lizard said:
Complete protection is not possible, unless there is some option from the phone manufacturer build-in.
And I think even that can be circumvented.
However if your phone is rooted, you can install some apps which hide themselves and even survive a factory reset.
And I think most thieves are not that smart to flash a new rom.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, Thief himself may not be that smart, but where I belong to, stealing phones is a well-known racket.
So they have people who specifically know how to handle stolen phones.
Plus the police/manufacturer/carrier here is not of much help afterwards to track the thief down or block the IMEI.
Thanks for the links. Though they may not be exactly what I am looking for, any level of protection is better than none.
I am hoping someday there could be a better means to have more control/personalization of phone at hardware level.
like permanently associating phone's hardware identity with the online profile of original owner.
Complete protection is not possible..
There are many apps that can give phones position by sending an sms but thief r smart..
First they do is a reset..
Sent from my GT-I9100G using xda app-developers app
I'd say you're looking at this the wrong way. Software to locate a stolen phone is a measure that can only possibly help if your phone has already been stolen.
Better to think about how your phone was stolen and what you can do to prevent that from happening. Stop it being stolen before it is actually out of your hands.
Buy a GPS locator and embed it into the phone physically, if anything small enough is even available to the average consumer...
It would have to be fed power from the battery as well, which is far from impossible of course, but still quite the ordeal.
And since your police is obviously useless, learn to fight or buy a gun
Sent from my GT-I9000 using xda premium
Pennycake said:
Better to think about how your phone was stolen and what you can do to prevent that from happening. Stop it being stolen before it is actually out of your hands.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Trust me.. in my case, the theft was done in a very planned way by two guys (with one guy distracting me, and other guy snipping-off the phone from within my car at a busy traffic signal...
More than losing the phone, I am pissed about how it all happened..
I was considering teach those fu**ers a good lesson.
Locking your phone in Ft. Knox would still have the potential of disappearing.
Sent from my Amazon Kindle Fire using xda app-developers app

Security Apps

Hey guys, never really thought about it before because I'm a careful guy but I just gave my N4,to my little brother and now I'm curious, is there an app that can locate/lock/wipe/brick a phone remotely EVEN IF it lands in the capable hands of someone who could wipe/format it?
Obviously I'd prefer to be able to pinpoint it using forced GPS or forced internet regardless if the phone is set on location reporting off or data off. And would also like to only resort to the remote bricking as a last resort.
I've checked around and haven't been able to find any apps that fits my demanding request so I'm asking for a 'best fit' app that any of you all may know and free is always a plus
Tldr; is there an app that locates phones and devices if if its formatted or wiped?
Sent from my Nexus 5 using xda app-developers app
Once wiped, whatever app you paid for or got for free, is... wiped, hence answering your question.
Sent from my Nexus 5
So no steal proof methods?
dynamo147 said:
So no steal proof methods?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Other than you pretty much opening your phone, hardwiring a microscopic device to the battery and hoping no one finds it? Nope. Not that I know of. I could be wrong.
That would be quite an interesting concept to have though. Maybe a partition that isn't user accessible and not wiped as part of a factory reset. I doubt most thieves will go into recovery and flash roms and modify partitions. LOL
I wonder how that kill switch Samsung or one of the manufacturers want/ed to or have already introduced works, i.e whether a device wipe disabled that feature.
A untouchable partition would be great, locked up by a user password, and ensuring constant validation and communication of each individual phone would be great since an imei # can only do so much
Sent from my Nexus 5 using xda app-developers app

[Q] Encryption Speeds

Has anyone encrypted their memory and SD? If so have you noticed any effect on speed/battery performance?
I'm thinking of encryption as I work in a profession where I have sensitive health info about patients sometimes stored on my device and want to cover myself legally.
I have. I'm thinking of doing it again just so that no one can plug into my phone and scan it (ie cops/tsa). If you reset your phone, which I did, all encryption is removed. I did not notice any slow downs or anything like that. Plus, my phones not rooted so I'm not really sure I want my sd card encrypted as I wouldn't be able to take it out and work with it. It's mostly the phone and its information that I would be worried about.
Sent from my ATT D6603 using XDA Free mobile app
Thanks, guess I'll give it a try.
I'd second that. Here's why.
http://pocketnow.com/2014/11/20/android-lollipop-encryption

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