[Q]Privacy apps for 4.3 - Verizon Samsung Galaxy S III

I updated to 4.3. I rooted through saferoot. I'm wondering if there's anything like Privacy blocker or X Privacy that I can use. Privacy Blocker doesn't seem to be in development any more. XPrivacy only works with a custom recovery(as far as I know with 4.3 I can't install a custom recovery?) I'm basically looking for anything that will feed fake data to apps. Anything like that out there?

texass said:
I updated to 4.3. I rooted through saferoot. I'm wondering if there's anything like Privacy blocker or X Privacy that I can use. Privacy Blocker doesn't seem to be in development any more. XPrivacy only works with a custom recovery(as far as I know with 4.3 I can't install a custom recovery?) I'm basically looking for anything that will feed fake data to apps. Anything like that out there?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you go to play store and search for "privacy app", you should see thousands...pick one with 4 or 5 start rating and you should be set!

buhohitr said:
If you go to play store and search for "privacy app", you should see thousands...pick one with 4 or 5 start rating and you should be set!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I guess I'll just wait..pdroid, privacy blocker and xprivacy are the ones I've found, that can spoof data apps request.

Related

The one feature iOS has that I wish Android had..

Is the ability to manage app-specific privacy permissions--you can turn off an app's ability to query your location. I hate seeing the GPS reticle kick on when I open Facebook, but I don't have any choice but to agree to the permissions when I download the app. I know pdroid works, but this shoud be OS-level.
tekhna said:
Is the ability to manage app-specific privacy permissions--you can turn off an app's ability to query your location. I hate seeing the GPS reticle kick on when I open Facebook, but I don't have any choice but to agree to the permissions when I download the app. I know pdroid works, but this shoud be OS-level.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you could disable location settings in all the apps you dont want to have location used in? unless im misunderstanding you?
i do taht with all my apps including facebook.
the only time my GPS is turned on is for when i use navigation.
..
ddurandSGS3 said:
you could disable location settings in all the apps you dont want to have location used in? unless im misunderstanding you?
i do taht with all my apps including facebook.
the only time my GPS is turned on is for when i use navigation.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unless I've fundamentally missed some aspect of Android, if you grant an app permission to use your location when you install it, there is no way subsequently to prevent it from using your location without turning off location access entirely. iOS allows you to install an app that wants to use your location, but then deny it access.
tekhna said:
Unless I've fundamentally missed some aspect of Android, if you grant an app permission to use your location when you install it, there is no way subsequently to prevent it from using your location without turning off location access entirely. iOS allows you to install an app that wants to use your location, but then deny it access.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it mightve read that way, but i wasnt being condescending or anything. I hope you didnt take it that way!
was just saying, i dont have GPS turn on for any app that I use except for navigation. I turn it off in settings and in the apps when requested or when i see it in settings.
does it still track in that case? I never see the icon.
tekhna said:
Is the ability to manage app-specific privacy permissions--you can turn off an app's ability to query your location. I hate seeing the GPS reticle kick on when I open Facebook, but I don't have any choice but to agree to the permissions when I download the app. I know pdroid works, but this shoud be OS-level.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Install a ROM with PDroid
tekhna said:
Is the ability to manage app-specific privacy permissions--you can turn off an app's ability to query your location. I hate seeing the GPS reticle kick on when I open Facebook, but I don't have any choice but to agree to the permissions when I download the app. I know pdroid works, but this shoud be OS-level.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Pdroid.... Get synergy..
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app
Did people just miss the part where I said pdroid is cool and all, but it should be integrated into the OS?
tekhna said:
Did people just miss the part where I said pdroid is cool and all, but it should be integrated into the OS?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd doesn't matter what you have installed on android or iOS. Your location is always being tracked by WiFi or you data coverage. Unless you have your phone in airplane mode or turned off you will never have true privacy.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app
tekhna said:
Did people just miss the part where I said pdroid is cool and all, but it should be integrated into the OS?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
pdroid is not just an app. it has to be integrated into the actual framework of the os. therefore I don't understand how it didn't fulfill your request.
corbn89 said:
pdroid is not just an app. it has to be integrated into the actual framework of the os. therefore I don't understand how it didn't fulfill your request.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What he is saying is the he should not have to root and install a custom ROM with pdroid to be able to do this. His point was that it should be built in to STOCK android.
z06mike said:
What he is saying is the he should not have to root and install a custom ROM with pdroid to be able to do this. His point was that it should be built in to STOCK android.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ah I see. that case is unlikely then. Google is pretty much king at mining data for advertising profit and I don't think they would do anything to restrict that unless forced by law.
also, unless you have a nexus phone, every " stock" android is actually already a custom Rom created by the phone manufacturer. some manufacturers make it harder to install privacy protection measures than others. that's unfortunately one of the downsides of open source.
Miui let's you handle each app independently... there is also a mod to I stall the LBE guard instead of supersu on any ROM and you can monitor each app independently. Search for the MIUI superuser app
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2
Why do you not have this posted in Q&A.
I would assume you could find answers there instead of just complaining about it here.
Sent from club Clean Rom

[GUIDE] Using Apps Ops (or Privacy Guard) 4 blocking wakelocks & saving battery

Before I begin note for:
Everyone:
I am making this thread as much as noob friendly. So if anyone doesn't understand any term or anything please let me know through posting here or PM me.
Moderators:
This is my first guide. I tried to follow all the rules if my thread is breaking any rules please let me know so I can make appropriate changes.
If the thread is in wrong section please move it.
This guide is only for:
- Android 4.3 and above which has app ops (privacy guard)
App Ops (or privacy guard) can be used for:
- denying specific permission to a certain app
-checking which apps are kepping your phone awake and which apps are the one using resources like location, personal stuff, etc ( only if your app ops or privacy guard has " advance" option. watch video to know what it is.)
- preventing app from causing wakelock
-overall it can be sort of used like wakelock blocker, battery saver app ( because of its feature to block wakelock) and noob friendly way of determining apps that causes wakelocks.
Usefull Links
using BBS to find cause of your battery drain. short video on that here
How to prevent & handle wakelocks & save battery life[GUIDE]
COMPLETE GUIDE for BATTERY SAVING on AOKP,AOSP,CM, SAMMY ROMs
Video on How to prevent wakelock using privacy guard (app ops) and prevent battery drain by a particular app.
Another small video with little different content
Power Point Presentation
for those who are not able to understand my accent or usually have trouble with spoken english. or just are not in mood for wasting data on youtube video. here is the power point presentation. I was not able to upload here on xda so i have used google drive.
PPT on Using App Ops( privacy guard) to its full potential (includes saving battery)
(Best viewed on laptops, computer or mobile devices with bigger screen)
I was a little late (actually lot late) to use app ops
It was recently that I started using app ops (now mostly know as privacy guard)
Not only can it be used for privacy purposes but it can also be used as battery saving app or wakelock blocker.
Different Roms have a little different app ops( privacy guard) some provides user advance options some don’t. Some even has little extra option and sort of interactive mode like xprivacy. (like temasek’s ROM which I use)
I am made this video with temasek’s ROM which is my favorite ROM.
Reserved
Waiting for PowerPoint because my understanding of spoken english is (very) limited.
Thank you!
app ops starter
When i launch App Ops Starter it crushes saying 'settings has stopped'
aavvaallooss said:
Waiting for PowerPoint because my understanding of spoken english is (very) limited.
Thank you!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Will be soon just waiting for one or two days. I have asked for some screenshots on various threads of different ROMs. So that it will make a better presentation and comparison of different options in different ROMs. If i don't get enough screenshots in two days then i will myself download and flash some ROMs.
C114 said:
When i launch App Ops Starter it crushes saying 'settings has stopped'
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I faced same problem once. Don't remember now when and why as ut was long time back. I think it might have something to do with your ROM. If you are using xposed framework try using "app ops" module. I will try to recreate this error when i flash different ROM (Which is at least once a week) if i am able to replicate this error i will let you know why and what caused it.
I flashed one ROM over another after wiping just cache, dalvik and system which lead to same error message except it was when i tried to access "developer option"
So did you change your ROM recently without full wipe or procedure as mentioned in your ROM's thread?
Kapiljhajhria said:
I faced same problem once. Don't remember now when and why as ut was long time back. I think it might have something to do with your ROM. If you are using xposed framework try using "app ops" module. I will try to recreate this error when i flash different ROM (Which is at least once a week) if i am able to replicate this error i will let you know why and what caused it.
I flashed one ROM over another after wiping just cache, dalvik and system which lead to same error message except it was when i tried to access "developer option"
So did you change your ROM recently without full wipe or procedure as mentioned in your ROM's thread?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
App Ops module for xposed does not work as well. Same problem. Im on 4.4.2 Google Edition. I have Samsung s4. Flashed current rom with full wipe as it stated in instruction. Cheers
Send from my C3350 using Tapatalk.
screenshots
Hey,just to provide screenshots of Privacy Guard from SOKP 4.4.2 rom for i9300.It can be found in settings>privacy>privacy guard.Hope it helps
thanks for the info
How's for S4 I9500?
Anyone know where to find this option, or how to unhide it?
KnifeHead said:
How's for S4 I9500?
Anyone know where to find this option, or how to unhide it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you are using xposed. Try "app ops" module . uf there is app ops hidden on your device it will unhide it. But from some stock ROMs it has been completely removed. And in some custom ROMs developers might have limited its use(functionality).
Try asking in the thread of ROM that you are currently on. You will known for sure from there where the app ops is on your ROM.
Kapiljhajhria said:
If you are using xposed. Try "app ops" module . uf there is app ops hidden on your device it will unhide it. But from some stock ROMs it has been completely removed. And in some custom ROMs developers might have limited its use(functionality).
Try asking in the thread of ROM that you are currently on. You will known for sure from there where the app ops is on your ROM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Tried app ops xposed and it can unhide app ops in setting > more > app ops
Using samsung stock rom ubufnd2.
C114 said:
App Ops module for xposed does not work as well. Same problem. Im on 4.4.2 Google Edition. I have Samsung s4. Flashed current rom with full wipe as it stated in instruction. Cheers
Send from my C3350 using Tapatalk.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you can give this app a try.
found one article here some text from that is below:
Users of Galaxy S4 Google Play edition handsets have started receiving Android 4.2.2 over-the-air update notifications just a day after the same update was rolled out to Play editions of LG G Pad 8.3 and HTC One.
Android 4.4.2 not only brings in new features and bug fixes, but also removes App Ops from the OS which Google claims was mistakenly tagged along with the Android 4.3 update. The Apps Ops allowed users to control how much access can third party apps have on their personal data.
the app for which i have given you the link installs some customized version of app ops. not sure whether it will work on your phone or not.
Can someone confirm for me what some of the permissions are actually for?
Wi-Fi change
Data change
Bluetooth change
Also, if I allow an app 'Wake up', but not 'Keep awake' - could the app keep waking the phone in an attempt to gain the wakelock which it is being denied?
'Keep awake' only applies if the screen is off, correct?
If I deny 'Keep awake' then an app won't close down while I'm using it, but it could be put into hibernation (don't know the correct term) by Android while it's in the middle of a background task? Like a radio app could just close, or a browser which is downloading something could just terminate the download before it's completed?
Kapiljhajhria said:
you can give this app a try.
found one article here some text from that is below:
Users of Galaxy S4 Google Play edition handsets have started receiving Android 4.2.2 over-the-air update notifications just a day after the same update was rolled out to Play editions of LG G Pad 8.3 and HTC One.
Android 4.4.2 not only brings in new features and bug fixes, but also removes App Ops from the OS which Google claims was mistakenly tagged along with the Android 4.3 update. The Apps Ops allowed users to control how much access can third party apps have on their personal data.
the app for which i have given you the link installs some customized version of app ops. not sure whether it will work on your phone or not.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
On play store it says 'item not found'.
Thanks for your help.
Send from my C3350 using Tapatalk.
setspeed said:
Can someone confirm for me what some of the permissions are actually for?
Wi-Fi change
Data change
Bluetooth change
Also, if I allow an app 'Wake up', but not 'Keep awake' - could the app keep waking the phone in an attempt to gain the wakelock which it is being denied?
'Keep awake' only applies if the screen is off, correct?
If I deny 'Keep awake' then an app won't close down while I'm using it, but it could be put into hibernation (don't know the correct term) by Android while it's in the middle of a background task? Like a radio app could just close, or a browser which is downloading something could just terminate the download before it's completed?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
wake up means : if device is in standby mode then that app can wake up your phone from sleep. like Facebook app when you recieve some notification it wakes up your phone to show notification.
keep awake means: while your phone is in use. if you are using some app and it is performing some operation and your phone screen times out and display switched off. after a while your phone will go in deep sleep. this permission will prevent it from going in deep sleep mode and keep phone awake. for example if you are downloading something via some download manager. and you have denied that download manager "keep awake" permission. so after you screen times out and there is no other app or process that is keeping your phone awake. this download manager will not be able to keep your phone awake. so download will stop .
so you need to use these permissions carefully. make sure you don't deny some app permission which is essential for its normal function.
you can deny Facebook both these wakelocks if you don't care about getting facebook notification all the time
Wifi Change and Data change is normally shown in apps that uses data. and also have options like sync or download only on wifi or only on mobile data. it is essential for that app to determine the change. so that it can act according to its settings.
For Bluetooth change you need to tell me for which app you are talking about? maybe some automatic profiles app like llama, tasker, etc they need this permission as there are profiles or conditions like switch on Bluetooth when in this area or if connected to this Bluetooth device do this
few people denied "settings" wake up and keep awake permission and they screwed up their phone. they had to reflash the entire ROM . they reported no touch, device not waking up from deep sleep. etc.
so just be extra careful when you are experimenting with system apps.
C114 said:
On play store it says 'item not found'.
Thanks for your help.
Send from my C3350 using Tapatalk.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Search play store for App ops
there are plenty of apps that unhide App ops and some also flash App Ops files .
Also can you give me the link to thread of your current ROM.
Kapiljhajhria said:
Search play store for App ops
there are plenty of apps that unhide App ops and some also flash App Ops files .
Also can you give me the link to thread of your current ROM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Link to the ROM
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2557353
I think i found the solution with this app
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.findsdk.apppermission
Send from my C3350 using Tapatalk.
C114 said:
Link to the ROM
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2557353
I think i found the solution with this app
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.findsdk.apppermission
Send from my C3350 using Tapatalk.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if thats working for you then great.
BTW your ROM does have app ops
below quote is from your ROM chnagelog 02/18/2014.
Enabled app ops in Settings > Security, Take total control of the permissions apps are granted when you install them from google play, VERY useful if you are concerned about privacy or you just don't want some misc app seeing your SMS's or having network permissions
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
aavvaallooss said:
Waiting for PowerPoint because my understanding of spoken english is (very) limited.
Thank you!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
PPT uploaded

security concerns migrating from iOs to Android

As title suggests, coming from a so called "clean" iOS environment to Android, my main concern how susceptible is my data to being stolen. I have no (current) plans to root my next phone and will be used mainly from business, but from what I have read in the past even google play store apps have been to known to have malicious content. Am I worrying too much ? I do carry sensitive work data on my iPhone.
applefag said:
As title suggests, coming from a so called "clean" iOS environment to Android, my main concern how susceptible is my data to being stolen. I have no (current) plans to root my next phone and will be used mainly from business, but from what I have read in the past even google play store apps have been to known to have malicious content. Am I worrying too much ? I do carry sensitive work data on my iPhone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As long as the apps you install are from known sources (i.e. Play Store) you don't need to worry. Also every time you download an app check the permissions. If you think that the app shouldn't have those permissions then don't download it. Finally for safety reasons never install any apps from unknown sources (i.e. outside of Play Store) unless you trust the developer.
If you still find yourself worrying read this.
applefag said:
Am I worrying too much ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep
I think you won't install any app outside Google Play so install apps that you know and you won't need to worry. FYI http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Security-Enhanced_Linux
kalpetros said:
Also every time you download an app check the permissions. If you think that the app shouldn't have those permissions then don't download it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well only if you are sure. Sometimes apps need permissions that aren't justified for some people.
for the open nature of the android ecosystem, it is somewhat normal that you will have to be careful though there are several different techniques, i use this the most.
Root your phone, install xposed framework and install xprivacy. here is a review of what it does http://www.xda-developers.com/android/manage-individual-app-permissions-with-xprivacy/ . I know the installation pprocess may seem daunting, but it is easier than you think this module wil allow you to block apps of certain permission. IE. you can block location service for all the apps on your phone so that no app can get your location. There are bunch of other permissions that you can block like access to contact, gallery etc
My question to others is : Is antivirus application on android worth it? I mean can it protect me from real time attaks and malwares??
SaffatBokul said:
My question to others is : Is antivirus application on android worth it? I mean can it protect me from real time attaks and malwares??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not useful IMO. FYI I remember this article.
User sensibility is your best defense. Don't install apps not from the market. Only install apps with a lot of positive comments.
I would advise again rooting your phone. It's true that there are ways to block apps from accessing your private data on a rooted phone, but the additional vulnerability from unlocking your bootloader and rooting is not worth it. Just stick to apps from major developers.
snapper.fishes said:
User sensibility is your best defense. Don't install apps not from the market. Only install apps with a lot of positive comments.
I would advise again rooting your phone. It's true that there are ways to block apps from accessing your private data on a rooted phone, but the additional vulnerability from unlocking your bootloader and rooting is not worth it. Just stick to apps from major developers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree, rooting your phone comprimises your security even if you do it to install security apps.
Primokorn said:
Yep
I think you won't install any app outside Google Play so install apps that you know and you won't need to worry.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately, new apps in Google Play are rarely verified by Google staff, so there is still always a possibility of trojan or other malware.

(Potential) Malware found on Elephone S3 right out of box?

Hi guys
I recently purchased a Elephone S3 from Everbuying.com. I heard people talking about how notorious these Chinese phones are having malware installed on them, so I decided to give the malware check a go and use about 10+ popular Malware detection apps (Avast, Kaspersky, Avira, Trojan Killer, you name it) currently available on Play Store.
Out of all those, excluding warnings that doesn't really matter in this regards (Malware specific), the below two apps gave me those respective warning results.
I have done some research, but i don't think I found any relevant info in this regards. So, for all the guru out there, the question is obvious, should I be worried about these "non-deletable" apps (if not rooted)? If they ARE malicious, can I be worried free by turning off ALL permissions for the apps and in some case, disable the app (I can disable the Beauty Center, not ELE Launcher).
Thanks to you all for any input!
Malwarebytes Anti-Malware
App - Beauty Center
Message - Android/PUP.Riskware.Cooee.a
App - ELE Launcher
Message - Android/PUP.Riskware.Cooee.H
Stubborn Trojan Killer
App - Beauty Center
Message - General Trojan
App - ELE Launcher
Message - General Trojan
bagachin said:
Hi guys
I recently purchased a Elephone S3 from Everbuying.com. I heard people talking about how notorious these Chinese phones are having malware installed on them, so I decided to give the malware check a go and use about 10+ popular Malware detection apps (Avast, Kaspersky, Avira, Trojan Killer, you name it) currently available on Play Store.
Out of all those, excluding warnings that doesn't really matter in this regards (Malware specific), the below two apps gave me those respective warning results.
I have done some research, but i don't think I found any relevant info in this regards. So, for all the guru out there, the question is obvious, should I be worried about these "non-deletable" apps (if not rooted)? If they ARE malicious, can I be worried free by turning off ALL permissions for the apps and in some case, disable the app (I can disable the Beauty Center, not ELE Launcher).
Thanks to you all for any input!
Malwarebytes Anti-Malware
App - Beauty Center
Message - Android/PUP.Riskware.Cooee.a
App - ELE Launcher
Message - Android/PUP.Riskware.Cooee.H
Stubborn Trojan Killer
App - Beauty Center
Message - General Trojan
App - ELE Launcher
Message - General Trojan
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
go ahead and disable Beauty Center, as far as ELE Launcher, that seems legit. But if you don't like it, just replace it with something like Nova Launcher.
mattzeller said:
go ahead and disable Beauty Center, as far as ELE Launcher, that seems legit. But if you don't like it, just replace it with something like Nova Launcher.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi mattzeller, thanks heaps for the info! This might not be a good question, but just for my information, generally speaking, is there a way to distinguish between a real harmful malware (actively stealing personal info) and an app that has more access and integration to the phone's OS than others by looking at the information provided? In other words, is there any obvious give away sign?
Thanks again for the help!
bagachin said:
Hi mattzeller, thanks heaps for the info! This might not be a good question, but just for my information, generally speaking, is there a way to distinguish between a real harmful malware (actively stealing personal info) and an app that has more access and integration to the phone's OS than others by looking at the information provided? In other words, is there any obvious give away sign?
Thanks again for the help!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well look at reviews of the app, see if it is installing other apps without your consent, or constantly nagging you to download other apps. Generally 99.99% of apps on Google play are safe. Occasionally some crapware gets on there, but if you take a look at its rating and reviews (not just the highlights) you should be good.
Sent from my SCH-R220
bagachin said:
Hi mattzeller, thanks heaps for the info! This might not be a good question, but just for my information, generally speaking, is there a way to distinguish between a real harmful malware (actively stealing personal info) and an app that has more access and integration to the phone's OS than others by looking at the information provided? In other words, is there any obvious give away sign?
Thanks again for the help!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Always check the apps permissions. I absolutely refuse to install an app that has permissions that it shouldn't be using. However, if the app you're about to download needs permissions related to the app features, that's OK with me.
I see so many Play Store apps that are just total spyware in my book. Flashlight apps are a good example of this. There is zero reasons a flashlight app needs to read my contacts or a data connection. Just be mindful of reviews and permissions and you'll be OK.
KernelCorn said:
Always check the apps permissions. I absolutely refuse to install an app that has permissions that it shouldn't be using. However, if the app you're about to download needs permissions related to the app features, that's OK with me.
I see so many Play Store apps that are just total spyware in my book. Flashlight apps are a good example of this. There is zero reasons a flashlight app needs to read my contacts or a data connection. Just be mindful of reviews and permissions and you'll be OK.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't worry about apps with excessive permissions, I just revoke the permissions I don't like.
Sent from my SCH-R220
mattzeller said:
I don't worry about apps with excessive permissions, I just revoke the permissions I don't like.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's the best way to do it.
I do the same thing, but I see lots of people posting here that aren't too tech savvy. For them be mindful of what you download.
mattzeller said:
Well look at reviews of the app, see if it is installing other apps without your consent, or constantly nagging you to download other apps. Generally 99.99% of apps on Google play are safe. Occasionally some crapware gets on there, but if you take a look at its rating and reviews (not just the highlights) you should be good.
Sent from my SCH-R220
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the advice. Yes, I am aware that common source/cause of malwares are side load apps and rooted device. So I am always fairly cautious about any apps i installed via non-play store source. However, these two caught apk are installed right out of box. That kinda annoys me. I don't jump on the bandwagon and say Chinese phones are infested with malwares and I believe a lot of the time people just over exaggerate and blow some minority out of proportion.
However, the truth is, this is the first Chinese phone I got and it came with two identified malwares. To be fair, it might not be particularly malicious, but it's enough to make me have second thought about my purchase....
KernelCorn said:
Always check the apps permissions. I absolutely refuse to install an app that has permissions that it shouldn't be using. However, if the app you're about to download needs permissions related to the app features, that's OK with me.
I see so many Play Store apps that are just total spyware in my book. Flashlight apps are a good example of this. There is zero reasons a flashlight app needs to read my contacts or a data connection. Just be mindful of reviews and permissions and you'll be OK.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the comment! Yes, I am quite careful about the app I get to choose to install, but I have little control over these apps that come pre-installed on these chinese phone and got detected as "malwares"
mattzeller said:
I don't worry about apps with excessive permissions, I just revoke the permissions I don't like.
Sent from my SCH-R220
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yap, what I did for those two apps I mentioned are turning off all permissions access to them, disable app for the one I can and turn off background data access. Hopefully it will freeze them for good and stop them from playing naughty.
Just a question though, say I do all those above (e.g. switching off permission, force stopped etc), technically speaking, can a malware still be "active and do what they "meant" to do"? I meant after all, they are meant to do something "out of control" right?
bagachin said:
Yap, what I did for those two apps I mentioned are turning off all permissions access to them, disable app for the one I can and turn off background data access. Hopefully it will freeze them for good and stop them from playing naughty.
Just a question though, say I do all those above (e.g. switching off permission, force stopped etc), technically speaking, can a malware still be "active and do what they "meant" to do"? I meant after all, they are meant to do something "out of control" right?
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No, if you revoke the permission to view your contacts, it is the system that is blocking the apps ability to view your contacts.
Though I think you are being a little paranoid.
Everyone freaks out out all the permissions apps require, when the app actually never uses most of the permissions it asks for, at least not in the way you think. You wouldn't think the launcher needs permissions to access your contacts, but it does. How else is it going to allow you to make a call, or display an incoming all, or missed call/text badges.
I mean take a look at the litany of permissions Nova Launcher and TeslaUnread require, yet we all know the app is not malware. As long as you install from legitimate sources, you will be fine. Like I said in my first post, disable the Beauty app, the other is the Launcher. If you don't like it, install a different one.
Sent from my SCH-R220
Who would you rather have snoop in on your calls? China, or USA.. Because it is one or the other.. me personally, I will take the country in which I do not reside...
mattzeller said:
No, if you revoke the permission to view your contacts, it is the system that is blocking the apps ability to view your contacts.
Though I think you are being a little paranoid.
Everyone freaks out out all the permissions apps require, when the app actually never uses most of the permissions it asks for, at least not in the way you think. You wouldn't think the launcher needs permissions to access your contacts, but it does. How else is it going to allow you to make a call, or display an incoming all, or missed call/text badges.
I mean take a look at the litany of permissions Nova Launcher and TeslaUnread require, yet we all know the app is not malware. As long as you install from legitimate sources, you will be fine. Like I said in my first post, disable the Beauty app, the other is the Launcher. If you don't like it, install a different one.
Sent from my SCH-R220
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Unfortunately the way things are with the permissive Android system, we have to be a little paranoid. The built in system apps like launchers and permissions can't be disabled easily unless the user is technical enough to know about rooting using apps like xposed/xprivacy.

Ads

On the Google pixel XL rooted, running stock 7.1.2. Just wondering if anyone else is having this issue. Seems like over 50% of the apps I have installed, when I open and close them at some point, a full screen ad pops up. Is this normal? It's not every app, nor is it just one app, it is multiple apps.
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you have at least one rogue app. install a privacy checker or ad checker. Cant remember an app's name off the top of my head.
rohitece06 said:
you have at least one rogue app. install a privacy checker or ad checker. Cant remember an app's name off the top of my head.
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Is privacy checker a app from the play store or where can i find it?
Thanks
I've never had this problem but search "Adware remover" or "Ad removal" or similar on play store.
These two look promising :
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.keerby.adaware
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.appspot.swisscodemonkeys.detector
I've never tested, but worth a try, and indeed trying others.

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