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[Q] Hard Baking in Security?

Does anyone know if it would be possible to bake in security like Wave Secure type of thing in to custom ROMs? I've always thought Wave Secure is a bit pointless if a simple factory reset would clear it and therefore leave the phone ready for the thief or new owner to use as they see fit.
Another layer, not perfect, but still another layer that a thief or finder may not be immediately aware of would be to bake in some security features like tracing or locking in to a custom ROM so even a factory reset wouldn't remove it, possibly something in to the boot loader itself?
Has anyone thought of this?

DroidBois said:
Does anyone know if it would be possible to bake in security like Wave Secure type of thing in to custom ROMs? I've always thought Wave Secure is a bit pointless if a simple factory reset would clear it and therefore leave the phone ready for the thief or new owner to use as they see fit.
Another layer, not perfect, but still another layer that a thief or finder may not be immediately aware of would be to bake in some security features like tracing or locking in to a custom ROM so even a factory reset wouldn't remove it, possibly something in to the boot loader itself?
Has anyone thought of this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
People do and have bundled things into roms - often dropping them into /system/app directory, though I don't think anyones gone as deep as into the bootloader?
Though, if your phone is rooted, and your installed the app to /system/app, then a thief could in theory just flash your phone faster than if your phone WASNT rooted. They don't even need to root your phone at that point.
An interest aspect of hardening this, might be to compile your on recovery/bootloader that would require a password to get into.

I think what he's saying is to add the wave secure or similar app into the ROM so that if the thief does a quick "reset to factory settings" after lifting the phone, the security app would survive, perhaps long enough to recover it.
Most thieves would just wipe the phone (if that) to flip it and might not take the time to flash a new ROM.
The tough pay as I see it would be everyone would need their own custom ROM.
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App

Xerloq said:
I think what he's saying is to add the wave secure or similar app into the ROM so that if the thief does a quick "reset to factory settings" after lifting the phone, the security app would survive, perhaps long enough to recover it.
Most thieves would just wipe the phone (if that) to flip it and might not take the time to flash a new ROM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep, that's it. I'm assuming most thieves would not recognise a custom ROM or know what to do with it. At least buy some time to try and locate and recover the phone. Only time I'd want a front facing camera.
So what happens if they replace the SIM though? Sending SMS's is nice, but only if your number is still working with that phone. A hard baked security system would send an SMS when the SIM was changed at least.

You shouldn't make a ROM to put an apk into /system/app. You can simply push it through ADB or via terminal emulator. That will atleast survive a factory reset. I don't think many thieves actually take the time to flash a new image

So this is all we need to do? Use the ADB method? So I push through WaveSecure, that could survive a factory reset with settings intact?
Something baked in to recovery would be awesome too.

as far as I know when pushing an apk via adb into system/app then only the app itself is stored there, not the settings. the settings are gone after a system wipe. there needs to be some logic in the app to connect to a site and retrieve your settings from there... using your phone's ID or something.

RAMMANN said:
as far as I know when pushing an apk via adb into system/app then only the app itself is stored there, not the settings. the settings are gone after a system wipe. there needs to be some logic in the app to connect to a site and retrieve your settings from there... using your phone's ID or something.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The application itself will survive - but wouldn't all it's data, which still resides in /data/data be wiped?
So yes... the app survived... But it no longer knows who you are, or whose phone it is.

I think the just release CDMA/GSM Droid Pro may have the security you are looking for?

tbaker077 said:
I think the just release CDMA/GSM Droid Pro may have the security you are looking for?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's a bit extreme to fork out another $700 on a new phone just for this. The whole point is to avoid spending money in case of theft or loss

Well part of my unspoke point is this is XDA-Developers, I sure there is a ways(one the rom comes out) to port some of those security files to other Android devices.

tbaker077 said:
Well part of my unspoke point is this is XDA-Developers, I sure there is a ways(one the rom comes out) to port some of those security files to other Android devices.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Didn't quite understand you, are saying it is possible to bake in some security?

I think once the Droid Pro, which has it baked in, is either rom dumped and extracted, or rooted then I think it could be possible.

tbaker077 said:
I think once the Droid Pro, which has it baked in, is either rom dumped and extracted, or rooted then I think it could be possible.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So something *is* possible via software, not requiring special hardware?
Once some gimboid puts in their own SIM you'd think that you can't send an SMS to control the phone although WaveSecure seems to cover that too.
I'd like something as subtle and as invisible as a good virus. Bootloader would be ideal. Theoretically then a full factory wipe wouldn't clear it.

I couldn't tel you. All I know is the Droid Pro is a 3G CDMA. GSM device with some special enterprise security features/software aimed at the BB users.

Doesn't really help us then if that's only available on the Droid Pro.. For the rest of us we still need to work out how to bake in WaveSecure or, ideally, something very subtle. If someone takes my phone I want to nail the little turd, or at least embarrass him when the phone siren goes off or he gets a loud spoken message or something.
Another point, with IMEI numbers, is this of any use if you bought your phone outright? I.e. if my phone is stolen, I can't get the IMEI blocked can I? And can IMEI numbers be changed?

This may meet your needs/requirements. It is called lookout mobile.
https://www.mylookout.com/

I know Paul at Modaco bakes wavesecure into his roms.. not sure if the data would survive a wipe but then whats the point of baking it in system if it doesn't right? Check it out:
Version R9: (requires membership)
http://android.modaco.com/content/h...-rom-for-htc-desire-online-kitchen-2-2-froyo/
R8: (Free for all)
http://android.modaco.com/content/h...for-htc-desire-with-online-kitchen-2-2-froyo/
Okay.. Just found out. This explains everything!
https://www.wavesecure.com/blog/how-to-make-wavesecure-hard-reset-proof.aspx

[Q] Trigger Factory Reset in CWM Recovery

I'm loving to try out the CM7 builds and other custom ROM, but at the same time I'm concerned with all the security risks of an unlocked bootloader and cwm recovery.
I wanted to know if there's a way to trigger a factory reset to remotely wipe the phone using the clockwork recovery. Anyone know of anything done like this?
I know there are apps out there that trigger a remote wipe by going into the stock recovery but, when that happens on CM7 for instance, the phone just goes on that Exclamation Mark screen since the stock recovery was overwritten.
Since CM7 can actually reboot to cwm recovery, would there be a way to issue a command to reboot to recovery AND perform a factory reset (or one that would bring back the stock recovery and then do the wipe).
Am I talking nonsense here? I just wanted to minimize risks with a phone theft for example, by wiping everything (I can wipe the SD card already, but am now concerned with the system itself).
Thanks!

You're just being too paranoid. Unlocking your bootloader won't affect anything.
Besides.. the chances are, if a person stoel your phone. I seriously doubt that they have any knowledge of recovery and all these other things that most users on XDA know.
If they do know, then the chances of them stealing your phone are low. I mean really, what individual with knowledge of flashing different ROMs and all these other things would have the audacity of stealing your phone? Only chance is if you lost your phone (not insulting anyone but I don't think people would have the courage to steal a phone from you if they are so knowledgeable in flashing)
And you can always go to http://market.android.com and download "Plan B" onto your phone.
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.lookout.labs.planb&feature=search_result
After you install it, Plan B will start locating your phone using cell towers and GPS, even if you didn't have GPS switched on. Your location will keep updating for 10 minutes, and you will get an email each time it is located, whether the phone is moving or standing still. You can start the process again by texting “locate” to your number from any other phone. In order to locate your phone, we send you a text via SMS, so standard message rates apply.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Yeah, it is somewhat paranoid but I think you can never be too safe with your information nowadays
Having an unlocked bootloader allows anyone to access your phone's data completely and while that's great for flashing ROMs, it's not a secure method.
I understand that most people don't really have the expertise going on at these forums, but I just wondered if someone had developed a security app of that sort, I would certainly buy it!
Plan B is an interesting app, but just allows you to try to locate your phone, not wipe it.

fabio008 said:
Yeah, it is somewhat paranoid but I think you can never be too safe with your information nowadays
Having an unlocked bootloader allows anyone to access your phone's data completely and while that's great for flashing ROMs, it's not a secure method.
I understand that most people don't really have the expertise going on at these forums, but I just wondered if someone had developed a security app of that sort, I would certainly buy it!
Plan B is an interesting app, but just allows you to try to locate your phone, not wipe it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
? I don't get the point that you're making of "unlocked bootloader" vs. "locked bootloader." It's the same thing, it just allows more freedom. Phones that aren't Nexus run on a locked bootloader and such. They're able to flash ROMs and do all that.
And Plan B is a last resort app, its not supposed to be used a security app. Thats what their primary app, Lookout is for.
Stop being paranoid, if somebody steals your phone. The chances of them knowing about recovery and doing all of that are VERY LOW.
If its something that bothers you just put a security lock on your phone and Lookout or any other related app. Report it to the police and they'll help you retrieve it.. unless thats something Brazil doesn't offer.

fabio008 said:
Yeah, it is somewhat paranoid but I think you can never be too safe with your information nowadays
Having an unlocked bootloader allows anyone to access your phone's data completely and while that's great for flashing ROMs, it's not a secure method.
I understand that most people don't really have the expertise going on at these forums, but I just wondered if someone had developed a security app of that sort, I would certainly buy it!
Plan B is an interesting app, but just allows you to try to locate your phone, not wipe it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can use Autowipe app and use a pin code to lock ur screen. Autowipe has options to wipe ur phone after 'n' number of unsuccessful attempts to unlock ur screen. You can also set options in the app, to wipe ur device when sim card is changed.
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App

zephiK said:
? I don't get the point that you're making of "unlocked bootloader" vs. "locked bootloader." It's the same thing, it just allows more freedom. Phones that aren't Nexus run on a locked bootloader and such. They're able to flash ROMs and do all that.
And Plan B is a last resort app, its not supposed to be used a security app. Thats what their primary app, Lookout is for.
Stop being paranoid, if somebody steals your phone. The chances of them knowing about recovery and doing all of that are VERY LOW.
If its something that bothers you just put a security lock on your phone and Lookout or any other related app. Report it to the police and they'll help you retrieve it.. unless thats something Brazil doesn't offer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I understand the chances of knowing about recovery are indeed very low, still, locked and unlocked bootloader have a significant difference when talking about access to your phone's data. With 2.3.3 now, there is no way to flash cwm if you have a locked bootloader (unless you completely erase your phone), while having it unlocked allows you to access everything from the modded recovery (considering you have the expertise).
It is a long stretch but I just thought it was worth discussing additional security possibilities when you're not completely "stock".
kirdroid said:
You can use Autowipe app and use a pin code to lock ur screen. Autowipe has options to wipe ur phone after 'n' number of unsuccessful attempts to unlock ur screen. You can also set options in the app, to wipe ur device when sim card is changed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I actually have a pin code and WaveSecure installed, so for the most part I think it works OK. But their wipe function is not that great, it leaves a lot of stuff behind.

Is it possible to lock CWM and Download Mode?

Just wondering, is it possible to password lock CWM and Download Mode, so that a thief or anyone else who doesn't know the password cannot flash another rom?

elevul said:
Just wondering, is it possible to password lock CWM and Download Mode, so that a thief or anyone else who doesn't know the password cannot flash another rom?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, it's not possible.

Theonew said:
No, it's not possible.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So if someone steals it he can easily remove all security stuff put into it, by simply reflashing another rom...
What's the ****ing point.

elevul said:
So if someone steals it he can easily remove all security stuff put into it, by simply reflashing another rom...
What's the ****ing point.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Even if you could, there would always be a way around it, and if not, i doubt you'd see the phone again anyway. That is unless you have tracking software enabled, but if they know enough about android to know about the recovery and download mode, chances are they'd take the sim card out and go somewhere without gps coverage to give themselves time to get around that.
Bottom line, it would be pointless, if they wanted to get into it badly enough, they would

maxib123 said:
Even if you could, there would always be a way around it, and if not, i doubt you'd see the phone again anyway. That is unless you have tracking software enabled, but if they know enough about android to know about the recovery and download mode, chances are they'd take the sim card out and go somewhere without gps coverage to give themselves time to get around that.
Bottom line, it would be pointless, if they wanted to get into it badly enough, they would
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm, I don't really care about seeing the phone again, what I want is for them to have a useless brick on their hands, so that stealing it would become pointless.

Have a look on vodafone.it, There are instructions on how to get your phone blocked when it is stolen.
The english language version can be found here: http://www.vodafone.it/engl/services/theft_loss.html

elevul said:
So if someone steals it he can easily remove all security stuff put into it, by simply reflashing another rom...
What's the ****ing point.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, it's very sad. I worry a lot about the security of my personal info, data, pictures, etc.. Before using Android I have a BlackBerry 2 years before.. And, that it was hard until without first erasing ALL data and internal memory. In android it is not, the files like pictures, videos, docs.. remain despite a wipe in CWM!! and the lockscreen its gone like factory reset... that's unacceptable . I think that is the main reason Im gonna switch to the hated iphone 5 from an S3... that phone with Encryption+PIN its very tough to unlock, confirmed by a forensic expert. The S3 encryption its useless due to the android recovery and download...

Honchay said:
In android it is not, the files like pictures, videos, docs.. remain despite a wipe in CWM!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just to clarify, this is only if they are stored on the (internal/external) sdcard and are not wiped.
Sent from my Nexus 4

elevul said:
So if someone steals it he can easily remove all security stuff put into it, by simply reflashing another rom...
What's the ****ing point.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know this is an old post but someone else might find it useful, Avast! Anti-Theft is an awesome tool as it support root installation, so you can do a through wipe of your sd card (premium feature) also if your phone is stolen, it can automatically take a pic n upload it, even if they do a factory reset, the app is still there.

geminixx said:
I know this is an old post but someone else might find it useful, Avast! Anti-Theft is an awesome tool as it support root installation, so you can do a through wipe of your sd card (premium feature) also if your phone is stolen, it can automatically take a pic n upload it, even if they do a factory reset, the app is still there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cerberus does the same, is cheaper and much more reliable.

It should be possible somehow, even doing some hardware mods like bridging some pins to avoid download mode, actually recovery is lockable

philz touch recowery have a lock recovery by password. But i need close or lock Download Mode in Samsung S4

[Q] REQ: Lock screen app with data wipe

I am looking for a lock screen app that will wipe the device of all data if the password is entered incorrectly after a set amount of times. Does anyone know of any software that can accomplish this task.
Thanks in advance.

bump

It would be easier to use the android device manager . Just go to the play store and go to device manager . Then if you ever lose it you can whip and lock it from the web
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk

DroidDavi said:
It would be easier to use the android device manager . Just go to the play store and go to device manager . Then if you ever lose it you can whip and lock it from the web
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the suggestion but this is still not what I am looking for. I store data that is time sensitive. I would not like anybody to have any access to it.The remote wipe would only work if I was aware that the device had been lost/stolen. Due to the off-chance that one of the employees did lose it on a night out and not inform me by the morning the data would still be accessible. The employees travel a lot in China and this has happened to our company in the past so I am not being paranoid.

[Q] Data Wipe After 10 Failed Attempts

As you may know, if you are using a secured lock screen and you enter the password/code/pin incorrectly 10 times in a row, it automatically wipes all data.
As I'm "new", I can't post a link to it, but Phandroid wrote an article on this (and made a video doing it)
I'm looking for a way to disable this.
I rooted using jcase's method. Any ideas?

Dwight Caffery said:
As you may know, if you are using a secured lock screen and you enter the password/code/pin incorrectly 10 times in a row, it automatically wipes all data.
As I'm "new", I can't post a link to it, but Phandroid wrote an article on this (and made a video doing it)
I'm looking for a way to disable this.
I rooted using jcase's method. Any ideas?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think you need /system write access, I am not sure it will work because you can fake write to /system but not really, so I don't think you can fix it without s-off.

here you go
http://phandroid.com/2014/03/31/htc-one-m8-security-video/

I'm just wondering what you're doing to get your passcode/pattern wrong 10x in a row...

sfreemanoh said:
I'm just wondering what you're doing to get your passcode/pattern wrong 10x in a row...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's probably more of an issue with someone else playing with your phone or taking it. I know I don't find it useful at all and would only have a chance to cause problems for me.
Sent from my HTC6525LVW using xda app-developers app

Keithn said:
It's probably more of an issue with someone else playing with your phone or taking it. I know I don't find it useful at all and would only have a chance to cause problems for me.
Sent from my HTC6525LVW using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I guess that makes sense. Give it to your kid to play with, only to get it back all fresh and wiped... Thank god I don't have kids!

This annoyed the crap out of me. I travel constantly with my phone and if it gets wiped during travel (and losing pictures and documents), that would equal me being fired from my job. My companies exchange server enforces security, which is good. On other devices, I can simply turn off this absolutely retarded option.
I had the same problem on the HTC M7. Luckily it can be disabled with root.
Anyway, once we get a proper root, you can set the failed attempts = 0 in an system xml file and then you will be good to go.
EDIT:
Edit this file:
/system/customize/ACC/default.xml
change this:
Code:
<item type="integer" name="devicepolicy_max_fail_passwords_for_wipe">10</item>
to this
Code:
<item type="integer" name="devicepolicy_max_fail_passwords_for_wipe">0</item>
Reboot and its disabled.

MultiDev said:
This annoyed the crap out of me. I travel constantly with my phone and if it gets wiped during travel (and losing pictures and documents), that would equal me being fired from my job. My companies exchange server enforces security, which is good. On other devices, I can simply turn off this absolutely retarded option.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It isn't a retarded option if you're primary concern is data security. For some it's better to wipe the data clean than have it stolen by an attacker. Unfortunately the people who want this option are in the minority. There should be a toggle for everyone else who would rather keep the device from self destructing.
MultiDev said:
I had the same problem on the HTC M7. Luckily it can be disabled with root.
Anyway, once we get a proper root, you can set the failed attempts = 0 in an system xml file and then you will be good to go.
EDIT:
Edit this file:
/system/customize/ACC/default.xml
change this:
Code:
<item type="integer" name="devicepolicy_max_fail_passwords_for_wipe">10</item>
to this
Code:
<item type="integer" name="devicepolicy_max_fail_passwords_for_wipe">0</item>
Reboot and its disabled.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe this can be done with the temp root method. I was able to enable writing to the external sd card by modifying the /system/etc/permissions/platform.xml file. I'm guessing it will persist until a hard reboot. I might try to edit the default.xml later.Big fail.

l7777 said:
It isn't a retarded option if you're primary concern is data security. For some it's better to wipe the data clean than have it stolen by an attacker. Unfortunately the people who want this option are in the minority. There should be a toggle for everyone else who would rather keep the device from self destructing.
I believe this can be done with the temp root method. I was able to enable writing to the external sd card by modifying the /system/etc/permissions/platform.xml file. I'm guessing it will persist until a hard reboot. I might try to edit the default.xml later.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't defend this "feature". Its undefendable. Its a completely retarded option if you can't turn it off. You have no idea how much it worries me when I travel that I could have my device wiped due to 10 in correct entries; I am currently traveling with a company iPhone, because I am that paranoid of it wiping on me. This little "feature" has completely ruined this device for me. Completely and utterly. I would call that a retarded option.
As for data security, I enable encryption and use a strong password. I also have remote wipe options. This feature should be an optional feature, not a mandatory feature. If I'm such a minority, why does no other phone OS mandates this? Not iOS, WP8, blackberry, or even stock android. I've used many phones. Only recent HTC's have mandated this. The HTC One with original 4.2 firmware didn't mandate it.
This feature is completely retarded. Period. End of discussion. BTW, not trying to be mean-spirited or anything, but its just such a dumb move on HTC's part.
With temp root, I might be able to change it, but don't you need a reboot to complete any changes to the system xml?
EDIT:
So I attempted to change it, but the changes didn't stick. Tried a second time, but the phone crashed and rebooted on me.

MultiDev said:
Don't defend this "feature". Its undefendable. Its a completely retarded option if you can't turn it off. You have no idea how much it worries me when I travel that I could have my device wiped due to 10 in correct entries; I am currently traveling with a company iPhone, because I am that paranoid of it wiping on me. This little "feature" has completely ruined this device for me. Completely and utterly. I would call that a retarded option.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
While the feature should be a user option, it is a good feature for those that need that type of security. As I said before, those are the minority. Most of us are happy with the security you mentioned and would rather the device did not self destruct, myself included.
FYI for anyone using a pattern, it seems you have to touch four dots before it considers it an attempt. I was able to touch any combination of 3 or less dots without lowering the counter.

MultiDev said:
EDIT:
So I attempted to change it, but the changes didn't stick. Tried a second time, but the phone crashed and rebooted on me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Current state of the exploit doesn't allow any changes to /system. Anything that looks like it got changed, really didn't, and even if it seems like it's working now, will revert upon your next reboot.

Dwight Caffery said:
As you may know, if you are using a secured lock screen and you enter the password/code/pin incorrectly 10 times in a row, it automatically wipes all data.
As I'm "new", I can't post a link to it, but Phandroid wrote an article on this (and made a video doing it)
I'm looking for a way to disable this.
I rooted using jcase's method. Any ideas?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same as this thread.....
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2700662
Sent from my HTC6525LVW using Tapatalk

This worries me because I have kids. I don't want them wiping my phone by accident.

replica9000 said:
This worries me because I have kids. I don't want them wiping my phone by accident.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It will still make you wait between attempts if you get it wrong too many times. As long as they don't get it for a long period of time and don't get bored of trying you'll probably be okay
Sent from my HTC6525LVW using xda app-developers app

This is one of my biggest annoyances with HTC's lock screen. Give me an option to just have a pattern lock. the wiping should be a check box.
why it isn't an option I just don't know. Sure it should be a feature, it shouldn't be a forced one though.

Check out the new app called "nine" its an exchange mail client. You can apply the security settings to the app rather than the phone and also set it to wipe the email account rather than the phone if you reach the max failed attempts.
The client is actually the best i've found yet for email...great interface and options with a two week trial

Gator Brah said:
Check out the new app called "nine" its an exchange mail client. You can apply the security settings to the app rather than the phone and also set it to wipe the email account rather than the phone if you reach the max failed attempts.
The client is actually the best i've found yet for email...great interface and options with a two week trial
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is irrelevent for this discussion, exchange can only force a screen lock. HTC has baked in the 10 failure self destruct on any screen lock whether forced by exchange or simply turned on by the user.

l7777 said:
That is irrelevent for this discussion, exchange can only force a screen lock. HTC has baked in the 10 failure self destruct on any screen lock whether forced by exchange or simply turned on by the user.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
negative ghostrider. I've tested it personally and the exchange securities are only applied to the app itself...not the phone. The exchange account is not even a device administrator which it would need to be to set the lock screen as well as wipe the device.

Gator Brah said:
negative ghostrider. I've tested it personally and the exchange securities are only applied to the app itself...not the phone. The exchange account is not even a device administrator which it would need to be to set the lock screen as well as wipe the device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ummm, afirmative ghostrider. HTC baked in the 10 time and wipe. regardless if I push a lock screen from my exchange security policies or not, if I turn on the pattern lock or other lock screen it will wipe after 10 times.
Just because you have a specific app that doesn't allow the exchange service to be admin doesn't change the fact that the 10 time wipe IS indeed baked into the lock screen.

I must be the only paranoia type on XDA, since no one has any idea about this, this is surprising...
I run my own Exchange server, and I voluntarily turn these policies on the moment I connect my account with my Android phone (in addition to device encryption).
The policy IS also configurable if you connect via Exchange. By doing so, you delegate it as a device administrator to your phone. Check in "device administrator" settings under the security and see if there are one or more enabled, and see if you can disable the one you're annoyed with.
Seriously though it's not that terrible. I have my phone to self destruct after 5 attempts. My company issued Blackberry has it trigger after 6. The more times you get it wrong, it keeps warning you, and eventually it will actually make you do stuff like type words in to ensure you aren't fat fingering your phone in your pants to give you another unlock attempt. If your company has the audacity that they will fire you because the phone was wiped and you can't read your correspondence, show them the figurative finger and demand a company issued device.
Technically I don't own an M8 phone yet since I'm waiting for the S-OFF before I buy, but I still have a mutated version of Sense running on my Rezound...so this should match up with what you're seeing.