[GUIDE] 17-10-2013 Guide to Track Android Mobile | Antitheft | Secure your droid - Android General

​
"Hello Android buddies!". Sounds really cool, right??
Obviously, Android has created a new revolution in the mobile world because of its Open Source features. Though it is Open Source, we can see lot of advantages and disadvantages. I've seen many geeks in android also lot more noobs. More than 1 Billion android users are there in this world and the count is getting increased day by day. Even now many users are reading this blog in your android phones. If so, a Happy news in waiting for you guys.
We are spending huge bucks in buying a Android device but How you feel when it got stolen are Misplaced somewhere? Don't worry guys, you are at right place. Yeah, here we gonna see how to secure your device from thieves hand also how to track it effectively. You know what the word "Effectively" means and you really agree it once you are done with this cool method.
For Android geeks - Best method to track/protect your droid (Rooted devices)
For Noobs - Sorry for you guys, small loop hole is there (NON Rooted devices)
Before we customize our device for tracking, lets consider what a thief will do if he/she steals your mobile.
Power Off your mobile to prevent getting calls and sms or simply to get off from tracking.
If lockscreen protection is enabled, he/she tries to remove the phone battery (in case of removable battery mobiles).
Remove SIM card from your mobile. At this point all users will lose their hope in getting their mobile back.
Factory reset your mobile.
If he/she is a geeky, flashing new ROM is also possible(bit funny but its fact).
To overcome all these darkest part, we gonna use 3 different apps in our process.
STEP 1:
Enable Password protected lock-screen from settings and I hope all users know how to do it. Now your droid's data is protected securely.
STEP 2:
Install Smart Lockscreen protector app from Playstore and ON the Enable Lockscreen option under Power menu settings.
Now this app won't let you to Power Off your mobile from Lockscreen. Its one of the best app for devices with non-removable battery. Problem 1 is solved.
STEP 3:
Install AutomateIT app from Playstore or spend few bucks on AutomateIT PRO which unlocks all features. This app allows user to enable Data/WIFI/GPS using SMS commands. For devices running android version prior to GingerBread 2.3, GPS can be enabled by any third party apps however devices above GB 2.3, Google has blocked the access hence ROOT permission is required to enable this feature. Sorry for the users with non-rooted droids. Check the picture to create trigger and action if you are using the app for the first time. To enable the "Composite Action" in the Action column, you need to unlock the feature at the bottom of the list which asks you to create account. Just Go ahead.
Once you are done with the configuration, test it by sending the sms with specified format gpson from another number and see what happens. You'll receive an acknowledgment sms that the config has been applied and all the options which you've specified are enabled. So if you come to know that your mobile has been stolen, this sms commands let you to activate GPS remotely and we can track effectively compared to Network location. Big thanks to the developer of this awesome app.
STEP 4:
Now we are going to use 2 different steps to track the devices running android version 2.2 and above.
Using Android Device Manger
Using Cerberus Antitheft app
Android Device Manger:
Thanks to Google for allowing us to track our device associated with the Gmail account. To locate your device in ADM, you need to apply some settings. Open Google Settings app and enable the options in picture.
Goto Settings->Security->Phone administrator and Enable Android Device Manger. Now open Android Device Manager from the browser and you can track the device, also it allows you to remotely lock and wipe user data.
Though ADM allows you to locate your device, the features are very limited and I hope Google will update more features in near future.
Cerberus Anti-theft:
I'm sure you guys will surely attracted by this awesome app. Many have heard about this app but still I need to explain its features here but sadly I don't have time for it. Hope you know what I mean. It has hell lot of features which allows user to get device info remotely, call logs, sms logs, Send sms to specified number about the SIM change which is one of the best feature which solves problem 3.
Install Cerberus Antitheft app from Playstore. You'll get one week trail period after that you need to buy license to continue the service and its worth spending few bucks on this app. First installation allows you to create User account and enable the following options
You can register 3 mobile numbers to receive notification about the SIM change. Login to the Cerberus site and there you can see all the features provided by this app and I'm damn sure that you can surely locate your device using any one of the features.
STEP 5:
Catch the thief and show who you are..!! :good:
DEVICE NOW SECURED​​
Even though we considered so many things in mind to protect our device, you must be very careful from looters. I can't guarantee that this method will work 100% but surely I'll give 95% to rooted mobile and 90% to others. Also keep in mind that you've limited time period to track & recover your mobile as it decreases along with the device battery percentage.
Found this thread useful..??...Rate & Hit Thanks...:good:
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Related

[App] SwitchMe - Share Your Device - MULTIPLE USER SPACES

Hi guys Im one of the developers of SwitchMe - an app that creates multiple user spaces. We have just released a new build which should fully support the Note. Please have a look and let me know if everything is working as it should!
Thanks in advance, PR after the break:
.................................................................................................
SwitchMe - share your device!
SwitchMe is a unique application for root users that allows you to log in and out of multiple installations of Android just as you would on a desktop computer.
SwitchMe is a unique application for root users that allows you to log in and out of multiple user spaces just as you would on a desktop computer, with each profile having its own separate system settings, apps and data.
Some of the benefits of this technology:
Privacy
Securely share one device among many users, protect your accounts with passwords and log out automatically.
Kids
Create a profile for the kids, with only the apps and access you feel comfortable with.
Gaming
Overclock your profile for maximum performance in intensive games
Speed
Imagine a buttery smooth profile, with no kids games, messengers or bloatware to slow things down.
Testing
Create a sandbox profile to easily test applications and themes - no more nandroid nightmares!
Battery
Switch to a profile which only contains the essentials to save power through brute force.
Critical usage warning:
Incorrect use of this application can potentially harm your device. Before proceeding with use we strongly recommend that you perform a full nandroid backup through the device recovery.
READ THE HELP FILE CAREFULLY TO AVOID ISSUES
Without the Key, this application allows a maximum of 2 profiles and no security features.
Only the standard Android implementation of Apps2SD is currently supported. Use all others at your own risk.
Most devices should be compatible as long as they have enough free internal memory to create secondary profiles. The application will warn users if available memory is low.
These of course are only suggestions - there are plenty of other uses for the functionality SwitchMe offers.
Market link:
https://market.android.com/details?id=fahrbot.apps.switchme
The free version allows the creation of two profiles and has no security features.
Screens:
Anything to report?
still in love with this app , what a great idea ! thanks agian !
Excellent work.
If you like it, please rate it on the Store
Anything to report?
Everything work fine on the first day, but later when i boot in my second account, it reboot for almost 10 mins and lost my active one, and lost everything
Sent from my GT-P6200 using xda app-developers app
So, what changes did you make to your system? Because generally things have both cause and effect...
no big changes with my tab, just normal use, no overclock... its just a clean install on the second account. I just want to use it after work for playing game and web surfing. that's it. But when i want to switch it back to my active account, it switched off immediately and reboot for almost 10mins, and boot into the second account and i lost my active one.
Sent from my GT-P6200 using xda app-developers app
htc_black said:
no big changes with my tab, just normal use, no overclock... its just a clean install on the second account. I just want to use it after work for playing game and web surfing. that's it. But when i want to switch it back to my active account, it switched off immediately and reboot for almost 10mins, and boot into the second account and i lost my active one.
Sent from my GT-P6200 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You didnt lose anything, you just switched profiles... the first switch between any two can take a while.
Guys there have been reports of the app being blank sometimes. Im trying to work out if this is something to do with superuser vs supersu. If youve experienced this, please let me know and be sure to tell me which of the two youre using...

[Q] katkiss-4.3 restricted users accounts limitations vs

Dear all,
First, a big thanks to the communauty ot provide such great jobs. We really enjoy this !
Now, a quick question about restricted accounts use and their possible consequences regarding applications:
I've got a ASUS Tranformer 101 device.
I've followed the procedure provided in this thread (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2392087) to install the KatKiss rom 4.3 provided by Timduru which works really well. :good:
Context description:
I am the defaut account (admin I guess ?) for the tablet.
I've got two (lovely) children.
Each one have a Restricted account. Those restricted accounts have permissions to see onyl specific (games) applications.
Now, using my (admin) account, if I try to launch any application -> it works fine.
If I switch to one of the two restricted accounts, I can see and launch those 'shared' applications, but, for SOME of them, I observe the following behaviors:
Error encountered:
-> [Error message shown on the screen immediately after launch complaing about a "license verification error"]:
Example of applications impacted:
Grimm's Snow White (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.storytoys.GrimmsSnowWhite.GooglePlay&hl=en)
Grimm's Sleeping Beauty (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.storytoys.GrimmsSleepingBeauty.GooglePlay&hl=en)
(For what matter I've already sent an email regarding this behavior to the editor "Story toys" and I'm waiting for an answer on their side ...)
-> Application launched but nothing is clickable on the screen:
Example of applications impacted:
Lep's World 2 (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=at.ner.lepsWorld2&hl=en)
This Could Hurt Free (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.chillingo.thiscouldhurtfree.android.row&hl=en)
-> Application which works fine using a restricted account:
4 in a Row Multiplayer (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.pjf.fourinarow&hl=en)
Glow Hockey (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.natenai.glowhockey&hl=en)
Hence, does someone already faced these issues ? Is it related to the applications themsleve not being designed to run in a restricted account environment or is it related to the current state of the rom ? (android 4.3)
Thanks you for shedding some light on these questions.
If it is not the best place to post this question could you please redirect me to the right place ? (knowing I can not post into DEV forums yet).
regards,
Are all the multi user accounts using the main Google id, as this can cause problems with some apps which check with Google Play Store at run time to see if the current user has the valid Google id associated with his profile.
Theziggy said:
Are all the multi user accounts using the main Google id, as this can cause problems with some apps which check with Google Play Store at run time to see if the current user has the valid Google id associated with his profile.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks you Theziggy for your quick answer.
Regarding the use of the GoogleID, I don't know how to check this. Do you have a procedure ?
However, I confirm those applications have been installed, using my account, directly from the GooglePlay store. (noTitanium Backup recovery attempt or anything else).
In the meantime, I've received an answer from Story Toys (editor of "White Snow' and "Sleeping Beauty" saying their development team is aware of an issue with restricted accounts and they are working on this subject.)
Hence it seems the source of the problem is per application ? Maybe, depending of what the application attempts with the account data, this might work or fail in a restricted account context (as you've pointed in your answer Theziggy).
Regards,
Hello every body, I have been provided a solution regarding my problem with the "Story toys" applications licensing and usage of restricted accounts.
The editor kindly provided me this step by step a mini-guide (kudo to them for providing the solution !) which solved my issue.
I put it below hoping it can help others people in the same or similar context:
1. Delete the app from the device
2. Turn off the device, wait a moment, then turn the device back on again
3. Ensure you have a working internet connection
4. Clear the cache and data of both the Google Play store app and the download manager. Here's how:
- Visit Menu > Settings > Applications > Manage applications
- Tab over to All
- Select the Google Play store app, and then tap Clear data and Clear cache.
- Then, select Download manager and tap Clear data and Clear cache.
5. Ensure you are logged in to Google Play with the same account you used to make the purchase.
6. Download the app and launch it straight away using the restricted account.
Once the app has been launched from the restricted account with the wifi/internet connection still running, you can then turn the wifi off again and the license won't be re-checked for another year.
Hope it helps,
Regards,
I have also been investigating a similar setup for a tablet used by kids, and looking into whether to create separate users or the restricted profile users. The one downside of using restricted users seems to be that I believe it is still a shared install of the app/game, so all users share the same user data. What this means is that all of those users would share the same game progress (i.e., levels completed, achievements, points/coins collected, etc.). Is that what your experience has been?
The alternative is to setup separate users and install the app for each user. It doesn't actually take up more space (the actual app files are only saved once for each user install), but each user has its own app data.
I have also been investigating a similar setup for a tablet used by kids, and looking into whether to create separate users or the restricted profile users. The one downside of using restricted users seems to be that I believe it is still a shared install of the app/game, so all users share the same user data. What this means is that all of those users would share the same game progress (i.e., levels completed, achievements, points/coins collected, etc.). Is that what your experience has been?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good question, I've done a quick test using the game "Jewel Saga" and switched between the two restricted profiles. I confirm that, at least with this game (I did do perform other tests), each restricted account get its own progress and settings saved properly (Ej.: music on/off, level reached, number of stars earned per level ... ) .
As I said, this is just one test quickly performed on one application. So maybe the user experience varies regarding how applications handles data save with retricted profiles ?
Anyway, as long as my kids are not complaining, I'm fine
The alternative is to setup separate users and install the app for each user. It doesn't actually take up more space (the actual app files are only saved once for each user install), but each user has its own app data.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good to know, thanks for the tip !
Has anyone managed to get lep's world 1 or 2 working in a restricted profile?
The developer doesn't seem interested in fixing the apps to allow it.
Lep's world 3 seems to work, despite the game spitting messages to the contrary

Security App - Testers needed.

Dear All,
Our first security app ready, we are looking for testers to make sure the app is working as expected..
Based on Android security system research, we have strenuously tested all of the top security applications in the play store and confirmed that 99% of those applications do not detected the virus, spy apps. We are developing the app since 11+ months, we have been working on and finally created an application for Android security.
Don’t believe us? - Google it - “ Android spy application “ - install the app and see whether your antivirus detects any viruses. The result? It probably came up negative.
This application can detect 99% of viruses, spyware & junk that slows down your phone. And there are even more features suspicious apps, app lock, advance permission alert, advance junk cleaner, hidden apps, near by cell, app permission and so much more! We also support 20+ languages.
Key Features : Remote Lock, Wipe, Data, Locate, Alarm and Backup – Everything done thru one simple test message
The Application can find 99% of Spy applications in the market.
We’ve added 12+ algorithm, to detect the Spy application and application which can steel user data.
A tool designed to lock any apps
App lock – It will lock any application you want with pin or pattern.
A tool which allow you to lock and do what you want
v Remote Lock,
v Ram Cleaner,
v Remote Wipe,
v Remote Data,
v Remote Locate,
v Permission Manager,
v Alarm,
v Anti-Theft,
v Backup.
Advance permission alert – When you open the application, example Gmail – there will be a floating window popup and show the permission the application using right now, you can decide yourself if the app is safe or unsafe. Keep or uninstall ?
App history – you can see the list of application installed on your phone, developer name, rating, Security level, app size, updated date, etc.. you can also see what all applications you have installed other than on the play store. Did you really install them?
Suspicious App – We made the suspicious list dependent on the permissions the app is using. We are asking the application why you need this permission.
Example : Torch light app need only : Camera and Flash permission – why would they need your GPS or Account permission?
Hidden apps – MPSecurity will help you to find the hidden apps on your phone. Have a look yourself and decide if you installed the apps or not.
Junk Clear – it will clear junk automatically and does the real cleaning work.
The list of apps which are using internet right now.
Current process – shows you what is happening on your phone right now What processes are running? - we listed all the current process on your phone...
Connections and communications
Communication – WiFi, Bluetooth, check the history see if have you used them before ?
GSM & CDMA & Near by cells – Complete information about your network & same network list of users very close to you.
Aim to keep the Android phone Safe. Nowadays there are many spy apps for Android Devices, We wanted to solve the security issues in Android. Users may think that they are safe by only downloading from the play store but malicious apps are still out there, we’re here to give the user peace of mind ..
Example : While using the browser, sometimes an Android App will be automatically downloaded, its unsafe.
Identify the problem that the product is intended to solve ?
We wanted to solve the Security issue in Android phones. There are many Virus Scanner Application for Android but those applications can only Find viruses. But our application can find the spy applications installed on your device. Our application’s duty is to keep your Android Phones Safe and Secure...
Why you need MP Security App ?
The only App in Android which can find the Spy Apps installed on the phone. We keep your phone safe..
The Application lets you see what's happening to your phone. “ Monitor ”
See what's happening to your phone, What's happened recently and What's happening now, by looking at the different result and History.
“ Control “ - Easily control your phone & other connected devices all from your phone.
Customize Customize your phone based on the needs – what connections are trusted, what Bluetooth is trusted, What apps are trusted.
Many more to write...
Click Thanks button to support my work
Thread closed.
This is a security discussion forum, not a forum for advertisements, or pushing FUD.
jacksparao said:
Dear All,
Our first security app ready, we are looking for testers to make sure the app is working as expected..
Based on Android security system research, we have strenuously tested all of the top security applications in the play store and confirmed that 99% of those applications do not detected the virus, spy apps. We are developing the app since 11+ months, we have been working on and finally created an application for Android security.
Don’t believe us? - Google it - “ Android spy application “ - install the app and see whether your antivirus detects any viruses. The result? It probably came up negative.
This application can detect 99% of viruses, spyware & junk that slows down your phone. And there are even more features suspicious apps, app lock, advance permission alert, advance junk cleaner, hidden apps, near by cell, app permission and so much more! We also support 20+ languages.
Key Features : Remote Lock, Wipe, Data, Locate, Alarm and Backup – Everything done thru one simple test message
The Application can find 99% of Spy applications in the market.
We’ve added 12+ algorithm, to detect the Spy application and application which can steel user data.
A tool designed to lock any apps
App lock – It will lock any application you want with pin or pattern.
A tool which allow you to lock and do what you want
v Remote Lock,
v Ram Cleaner,
v Remote Wipe,
v Remote Data,
v Remote Locate,
v Permission Manager,
v Alarm,
v Anti-Theft,
v Backup.
Advance permission alert – When you open the application, example Gmail – there will be a floating window popup and show the permission the application using right now, you can decide yourself if the app is safe or unsafe. Keep or uninstall ?
App history – you can see the list of application installed on your phone, developer name, rating, Security level, app size, updated date, etc.. you can also see what all applications you have installed other than on the play store. Did you really install them?
Suspicious App – We made the suspicious list dependent on the permissions the app is using. We are asking the application why you need this permission.
Example : Torch light app need only : Camera and Flash permission – why would they need your GPS or Account permission?
Hidden apps – MPSecurity will help you to find the hidden apps on your phone. Have a look yourself and decide if you installed the apps or not.
Junk Clear – it will clear junk automatically and does the real cleaning work.
The list of apps which are using internet right now.
Current process – shows you what is happening on your phone right now What processes are running? - we listed all the current process on your phone...
Connections and communications
Communication – WiFi, Bluetooth, check the history see if have you used them before ?
GSM & CDMA & Near by cells – Complete information about your network & same network list of users very close to you.
Aim to keep the Android phone Safe. Nowadays there are many spy apps for Android Devices, We wanted to solve the security issues in Android. Users may think that they are safe by only downloading from the play store but malicious apps are still out there, we’re here to give the user peace of mind ..
Example : While using the browser, sometimes an Android App will be automatically downloaded, its unsafe.
Identify the problem that the product is intended to solve ?
We wanted to solve the Security issue in Android phones. There are many Virus Scanner Application for Android but those applications can only Find viruses. But our application can find the spy applications installed on your device. Our application’s duty is to keep your Android Phones Safe and Secure...
Why you need MP Security App ?
The only App in Android which can find the Spy Apps installed on the phone. We keep your phone safe..
The Application lets you see what's happening to your phone. “ Monitor ”
See what's happening to your phone, What's happened recently and What's happening now, by looking at the different result and History.
“ Control “ - Easily control your phone & other connected devices all from your phone.
Customize Customize your phone based on the needs – what connections are trusted, what Bluetooth is trusted, What apps are trusted.
Many more to write...
Click Thanks button to support my work
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Looking for way to protect against theft.

Hi all, I work at a group home and one of the clients recently purchased an Amazon Fire tablet to facebook chat with his dad.
My issue is that thanks to the crapiness of humanity I know that there's a strong potential for the tablet to grow legs.
Without getting into details, the client cannot have the tablet always in their posession, and we can't conveniently lock it down anywhere, and ideally whoever is supporting him needs to have access to the tablet whenever possible.
I'm wondering if there is an app, or even better, a device, which can cause the tablet to alert my manager the moment the device leaves the property? Ideally something not easily accessed or removed.
I know getting a tablet just for facebook chat is overkill, I wasn't the one who purchased it for the client, I'm just trying to make do with what is available.
theseventensplit said:
Hi all, I work at a group home and one of the clients recently purchased an Amazon Fire tablet to facebook chat with his dad.
My issue is that thanks to the crapiness of humanity I know that there's a strong potential for the tablet to grow legs.
Without getting into details, the client cannot have the tablet always in their posession, and we can't conveniently lock it down anywhere, and ideally whoever is supporting him needs to have access to the tablet whenever possible.
I'm wondering if there is an app, or even better, a device, which can cause the tablet to alert my manager the moment the device leaves the property? Ideally something not easily accessed or removed.
I know getting a tablet just for facebook chat is overkill, I wasn't the one who purchased it for the client, I'm just trying to make do with what is available.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's an Android right?
I had a look at the Amazon store for anti-theft apps but there were none that I recognised from sources I trust (nit that I have researched them, but maybe you can find a reliable review) You have to be certain it's from a trusted source as these type of apps require special permissions eg admin in order to do their job, and could be abused by a malicious app.
I would recommend Cerberus Anti Theft, I used them for years & they have a good reputation, even though Google removed the app form play store. This is because they had to link the Google app to additional downloads in order to maintain the functionality of the app that made it the best, after Google changed what permissions apps could be granted for apps downloaded from Google store.
You can download for Android devices from their website
https://www.cerberusapp.com/
However there is a potential problem with all antitheft apps, ie. Turning off wifi/data means you can't communicate with it(but Cerberus could be activated via SMS), also a factory reset will remove them, so if a knowledgeable person steals a phone/tablet they can remove the antitheft app, so possibly you would have limited time to activate it. Which is why I used to root & install as a system app, which meant only reinstalling the full factory Android operating system to remove it.
There should be the basic "fined my device" on Android built in (I'm not familiar with Amazon variants) but its not very powerful.
I'll look into it, thanks. It does have tracking but unfortunately that wouldn't alert in time to be able to accurately determine who took it.
If Cerberus can do sms then my manager might be able to get immediate notification if it walks away, once it disconnects from wifi
What I don't get is why isn't there a hardware based solution, something that you have connected to your wifi that alerts you if devices in connected to that wifi signal get disconnected. Or even simpler, bluetooth based.
The problem is that tablets don't all have data, and if turned off they lose the anti theft features. So there needs to be something outside of the device itself that can alert the owner. Maybe it's just to specific a problem unfortunately.
theseventensplit said:
What I don't get is why isn't there a hardware based solution, something that you have connected to your wifi that alerts you if devices in connected to that wifi signal get disconnected. Or even simpler, bluetooth based.
The problem is that tablets don't all have data, and if turned off they lose the anti theft features. So there needs to be something outside of the device itself that can alert the owner. Maybe it's just to specific a problem unfortunately.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
PS. You could use Tasker app (or other automation app) on your phone to set up an alert when the tablet losses connection, if you use your phone as a hotspot, I think.

Recommended apps/ways to help managing elderly people's Android phone remotely, from being scammed?

Hi,
What's your recommended apps/ways to help managing elderly people's Android phones remotely?
It's getting harder and harder for my parents to follow the fast-changing pace in the smart phone world.
Instead of trying to check and teach them through video links, or ask them to manually activate Teamviewer quicksupport every time (black screen on privacy screens),
is there any good apps with good reputation for this purpose?
Mainly I wish it could start up on power on and can wait for connection without manual activate service.
List installed apps and allow me to uninstall unwanted apps, maybe update apps as well.
Able to prevent apps being installed would be great.
Able to add phone numbers to blacklist/whitelist of phone calls / SMS.
Open source one would be preferred. Paid apps are ok.
Best Regards,
Try this
adbLink2 v5.5
adbLink2 is companion software for Android devices Features: Install Programs without Android SDK ADB/Fastboot enabled command-line Busybox for root and non-root Built-in WIFI/USB remote Manage devices via USB or IP address Root-aware File...
forum.xda-developers.com
Thanks. I might give this a try. Also I found boomerang parental control and Google family link might be useful .

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