Howdy folks,
This isn't smartphone question, but many people here seem to be very smart and I'm hoping that someone can help. Here's my situation: A coworker has a pending legal matter with a ex-significant other. Part of the evidence includes text messages that were sent to her. However, her old phone has since "broken." The only key that works is the red button. It powers on, powers off, but will do nothing else.
This is a Nokia phone, I'm not sure the model number but relatively recent. My question: Where are the text messages stored? I pulled the SD card and there's nothing on it. I can plug in the phone to a USB port on my computer, but all the folders that I can access via that method are just songs or vids she loaded. Are the messages stored on the SIM? Would putting the sim into a new phone allow us to access those messages? Or is this something that she needs to subpoena the service provider to get? I'm very un-knowledgeable on this to any help you can give would be appreciated.
Again, sorry to ask an off topic question, but I do hope someone can help.
text messages are usually stored either on the phone's internal chip (default) or the sim card. The best way in my opinion is somehow "remotely control" the phone (my mobiler has a similar function for windows mobile), or swap the hardware of an identical phone so you can get the phone working (dangerous)
Thanks Danni... I'm not sure of any software like "MyMobiler" for non-smartphones though.
I am using an HTC Vivid on AT&T that is NOT ROOTED, I fell on my phone and now my screen comes up black (think I broke the LCD). I can still receive calls and I believe messages as my green message light blinks. I need to know if there is a product that will let me view/control the android phone screen on my PC without having to install anything on the phone itself as I can't see anything on the screen so I can backup my SMS messages, apps, etc... before moving to my new phone. Most of the threads I have read point to solutions for ROOTED phones which don't help me.
thanks!
Probably (but probably not worth the trouble)
nnaccmnaes said:
I am using an HTC Vivid on AT&T that is NOT ROOTED, I fell on my phone and now my screen comes up black (think I broke the LCD). I can still receive calls and I believe messages as my green message light blinks. I need to know if there is a product that will let me view/control the android phone screen on my PC without having to install anything on the phone itself as I can't see anything on the screen so I can backup my SMS messages, apps, etc... before moving to my new phone. Most of the threads I have read point to solutions for ROOTED phones which don't help me.
thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So if you connect the phone by usb, it's probably asking you if you want to allow it to be mounted on the PC, but you have no way to answer, right? Similarly, no way to get it into adb mode. So those are out.
Even with the screen dead, you should be able to get the phone into fastboot mode (check the forums for the Vivid to find out how, probably involves holding the volume buttons for a while while you reboot). If you then install fastboot on your pc, you should be able to download the whole content of the ROM. Then with some reasonable effort, you should be able to untangle everything and read your messages. It can probably be done under windows, but would be a hell of a lot easier under linux, and it will require linux/android skills/understanding (even under windows). Even with those skills, it's probably going to take a day or so. Without them, far longer (or you could hire a CS student with the right skills for a day, I guess). And on the other hand, if your phone was synched, you're probably going to get a fair bit of it back when you connect the new phone. So is it worth the effort?
Our new app, VMLite VNC Server, should help you to deal with this special situation.
It works on non-rooted devices, basically what you can do is to install the apk from USB connection, and run our desktop program, VMLite Android App Controller to start and stop the app.
This way, you should be able to control and view your phone from a pc.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.vmlite.vncserver&hl=en
Hello,
First of all, I'd like to apologize if this is not the right forum where to post this.
I'd like to make a personal app for my rooted Galaxy Nexus which will basically run in as system service, and will not be able to be removed by a factory reset.
This app will be able to, if the caller ID is equal to a predefined number (XXX for example), automatically answer the call, with the phone behaving as usual (no change to the UI, no ongoing phone call, nothing). I'm planning to use this in case my phone is stolen, I'll be able to call from another number and basically eavesdrop using the phone's microphone via a phone call.
Anybody can guide me on how to achieve this ? I just want to know the general howto and some keywords to search for...
I've already made a couple of apps for Android, but I have no experience in core android programming.
Thank you!
BUMP
BUMP
I have unknown activity on my phone.
Along with numerous "unknown" outgoing calls with no number shown on my device (and 2 other M9 phones on the same plan) or any number registering on my carrier's system (when I called R, they said their system did show connected calls lasting various amounts of time, the could not determine what number the calls were going to), there's also a call in the log going to "(unknown)" "***,144***"
Anybody have any clue what's going on? R gave the bs answer that all 3 of us were calling our VM, even while we were sleeping. However, the times we did check our VM, the number did register on the phones and with the carrier's system.
Thanks!
Im adding a question. My M9 was unlocked without my knowledge. I'm guessing that ***,144*** might be the secret unlock code. IS there a way I can determine if it's been rooted as well?
--
squidstings said:
I have unknown activity on my phone.
Along with numerous "unknown" outgoing calls with no number shown on my device (and 2 other M9 phones on the same plan) or any number registering on my carrier's system (when I called R, they said their system did show connected calls lasting various amounts of time, the could not determine what number the calls were going to), there's also a call in the log going to "(unknown)" "***,144***"
Anybody have any clue what's going on? R gave the bs answer that all 3 of us were calling our VM, even while we were sleeping. However, the times we did check our VM, the number did register on the phones and with the carrier's system.
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Interesting issue. I am not sure about the rooting. You are probably going to need to ask experts around here. Hopefully, they can help you with that. As for security, you could try checking if you have any suspicious apps running in the background or installed (You might be using same GPS or another app for example). It could be that one of the malicious apps had access to your calls which lead to them outputting calls to somewhere. You could try disconnecting your internet for a day and see if the calls persist (That is probably not an option for you, but it is an idea). Additionally, you could try a factory reset on one of the phones and see if the problem is still there.
squidstings said:
Im adding a question. My M9 was unlocked without my knowledge. I'm guessing that ***,144*** might be the secret unlock code. IS there a way I can determine if it's been rooted as well?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
just saw this,
https://www.xda-developers.com/htc-says-the-ads-in-its-keyboard-are-a-mistake-fix-icoming/
which reminded me of your issue, though I don't suppose it's linked, but it does make you wonder WTF HTC are up to!
Anyhow with your issue I wasn't going to answer as I don't know the answer but my thoughts may help in some small way. I don't thank the 144 is a phone developers code to "root" or turn of security in some way as that would not show on your provides call logs as they stay internal to the phone (mostly). Also I don't think it's adware callng a premium number as your phone company says it does not register properly, so nobody will be paid.
That only leaves a more malicious form of hacking, I would say. So maybe that code does enable your data to be sent but untrckable over a network. That suggests to me it's possibly your actual network (who are R? What country, is it?) or maybe even your government if you are an activist or something? Though more likely is a criminal or business competitor, assuming the other people affected are business colleagues. So could be your boss trying to snoop on you all, if not HTC or the Chinese Communist Party aparatus!
What to do? As Ross says disconnecting is probably not practicable. If you have malicious activity they probably are using data as well as calls. So I would install a firewall to block most apps and log attempted connections (normally have to pay for this) then check IP addresses tell see if they are legit. However this may not show anything as data may go via root. So setting up a proxy to route traffic to your PC and use a sniffing program to see traffic or at least I P addresses.
You can download root checking apps from play store. Also check your security settings any app with admin rights? Also use a good antivirus you might get lucky, but even if negative you may still be infected.
Only way to really clean your system is to reinstall your OS, though a factory reset will fix often. But first you need to know how you were all compromised and fix that else it will just return, I would think it's most likely your local work network, (but could be your provider R or even something else you connect to in sore way eg Bluetooth, or an app you all have (you can boot into safe mode to disable 3rd party apps, but with HTC system apps possibly containing apps that use the Baidu apk etc that still has a possible backdoor unpatched (as far as I know) safe mode will not help white those!)
You might have to look into freezing/uninstalling all HTC installed apps.
IronRoo said:
just saw this,
https://www.xda-developers.com/htc-says-the-ads-in-its-keyboard-are-a-mistake-fix-icoming/
which reminded me of your issue, though I don't suppose it's linked, but it does make you wonder WTF HTC are up to!
Anyhow with your issue I wasn't going to answer as I don't know the answer but my thoughts may help in some small way. I don't thank the 144 is a phone developers code to "root" or turn of security in some way as that would not show on your provides call logs as they stay internal to the phone (mostly). Also I don't think it's adware callng a premium number as your phone company says it does not register properly, so nobody will be paid.
That only leaves a more malicious form of hacking, I would say. So maybe that code does enable your data to be sent but untrckable over a network. That suggests to me it's possibly your actual network (who are R? What country, is it?) or maybe even your government if you are an activist or something? Though more likely is a criminal or business competitor, assuming the other people affected are business colleagues. So could be your boss trying to snoop on you all, if not HTC or the Chinese Communist Party aparatus!
You might have to look into freezing/uninstalling all HTC installed apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you!
Rogers, Canada. But I've switched carriers within the last few days.
I've actually done the FR 5 times now. Disabeling the pre-installed "Gmail" (I think it's more Google thn HTC related seems to have stopped the calls. I've disabled as much as I could.
so here's the kicker. I'm literally nobody! On disability, no exciting employment history and those In my family who have, aren't in contact, nor do I have contact info. And it was my wife and daughter who had the other phones, but mine was central i think. daughters phone was locked. So nothing so exciting. Which is why I even bothered asking lol
squidstings said:
Thank you!
Rogers, Canada. But I've switched carriers within the last few days.
I've actually done the FR 5 times now. Disabeling the pre-installed "Gmail" (I think it's more Google thn HTC related seems to have stopped the calls. I've disabled as much as I could.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah! Rogers Canada should be a well controlled and trustworthy provider, so probably not them, though a rogue employee or having their network compromised can't be ruled out.
Also if official Gmail app it should be safe though it does have some quite intrusive permissions like full network access, view confidential info etc, but all are legit if you want the full functionality of Gmail. But it shouldn't have access to place phone calls, so should not be able to create the behaviour you describe.
That leaves a rouge app, but you would all need to have it I suppose, HTC app (or system behavior) or local hack ie via your router or via your PC. A good anti virus should find rogue app on phone and similarly on PC. HTC system apps hard to spot without doing the firewall etc etc. So I would also be double checking your local router for firmware update and resetting it with a new strong password, to prevent possible return, so to any Bluetooth devices.
Hope it doesn't return! All the best
been a while but, just how does one get a "," in the phone keyboard? long press * for P, but no ",".
Now that time has passed and more people might be awake and less likely to make excuses, I'm wondering if this issue can be solved, or at lest thought about intelligently. Maybe someone who knows how it CAN happen, instead of trying to find ways I'm mistaken. this was on THREE SEPARATE PHONES in 2 separate cities.
squidstings said:
been a while but, just how does one get a "," in the phone keyboard? long press * for P, but no ",".
Now that time has passed and more people might be awake and less likely to make excuses, I'm wondering if this issue can be solved, or at lest thought about intelligently. Maybe someone who knows how it CAN happen, instead of trying to find ways I'm mistaken. this was on THREE SEPARATE PHONES in 2 separate cities.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Check with a root app to see if your device is rooted
check permissions also you can take back permissions with a app on fdroid
unknown app check with virus total or
IF someone has root on your phone they can do what they want and when they want
a app that has call access they can transfer information over a phone connection which can be anything
The troubling thing here is that your phone was unlocked w/o you which implies root access
IF you bought your phone new you might not be anybody but to be put in perspective amazon lets you steal $500 if you use another id and they say it is not you so you do not lose out
but if it is used this can be from the previous user.
The best thing to do if it does not stop is to upgrade the software on the phone if you have already done that then use a Root firewall or change to a rom here on xda (you can all change making the transition easier).
Applied Protocol said:
Check with a root app to see if your device is rooted
check permissions also you can take back permissions with a app on fdroid
unknown app check with virus total or
IF someone has root on your phone they can do what they want and when they want
a app that has call access they can transfer information over a phone connection which can be anything
The troubling thing here is that your phone was unlocked w/o you which implies root access
IF you bought your phone new you might not be anybody but to be put in perspective amazon lets you steal $500 if you use another id and they say it is not you so you do not lose out
but if it is used this can be from the previous user.
The best thing to do if it does not stop is to upgrade the software on the phone if you have already done that then use a Root firewall or change to a rom here on xda (you can all change making the transition easier).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for taking the issue seriously and not trying to force kool aid down my throat (if carrier was "trust"worthy, THEY would have solved it).
It didn't show root. 2 of 3 m9s were mysteriously unlocked. the 3rd did prompt for a code, but did also show those "unknown #" calls. However, I'm still stuck on the code. I can't even enter a ",". Didn't check the other units for it, but it's still the only unanswered issue that could explain the unlock (aside from your suggestion). No one's even heard of it, but programmers are known for adding backdoors. If anyone's got a new, s-on unit and feels like trying it, that's about the only way to get an answer.
It's dead now anyways. Battery won't charge unless powered off and went from 24+hours regular standby to about 3 hours with extreme powersave on, overnight and doesn't extend with usb power. usb data comm isn't even recognized. All 3 have failed actually (different ways) so I'm going back to my m7 which still works great. Except, it says s-on but works with different carriers and I can't even enter the code I paid for (no prompt. is there another way?)
So, here's the tinfoil hat part. Although I'm nobody, This all started around the time of the '16 election. when I was arguing with a youtube account named (not looking to attract attention so no name, but you know it) for the person who came 2nd.
Thank you for your help. It's a shame it's pooched before solving the issue. But hopefully, the code will be solved.
But any help entering my sim unlock code a different way would be appreciated. But if other carrier sims work, should root be doable while showing s-on?
Thanks a TON!!
squidstings said:
Thank you for taking the issue seriously and not trying to force kool aid down my throat (if carrier was "trust"worthy, THEY would have solved it).
No one's even heard of it, but programmers are known for adding backdoors. If anyone's got a new, s-on unit and feels like trying it, that's about the only way to get an answer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It would seem in your case that it is a setting change that was made and not comparable to other phones. Probably what we are talking about is a connection to a command server. S-on is a protection so that one cannot change the state of certain partitions namely the recovery boot and system however their are ways to get around this. You would need to get a root app to do that.
As a general rule you need to prove something is going on and funny numbers are a indication but nobody in the security community would touch it because it is very open. What you need to do however is
Get a copy of the calls use pcap and
check your firmware with the standard HTC firmware
this will show you what the phone call is doing and will help the android community overall (improved security)
Also programmers do not try to add backdoors they try to have a good product it is the hacking/security teams of _________ that do that. This being a programmer myself.
Hi
To what extent can employers control an android company phone? I'm sure they could just disable the SIM, but will they be able to:
access the device storage (whether internal or external)?
access call logs etc. and contacts? I guess they'd be able to view texts via the phone company?
disable the phone remotely so that it doesn't turn on?
Thanks for any advice
BLu8i said:
Hi
To what extent can employers control an android company phone? I'm sure they could just disable the SIM, but will they be able to:
access the device storage (whether internal or external)?
access call logs etc. and contacts? I guess they'd be able to view texts via the phone company?
disable the phone remotely so that it doesn't turn on?
Thanks for any advice
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Depends on the MDM the IT department is using. I use Google Admin Console. I can remotely wipe and lock my company-owned Android devices. GAC has started playing nicely with Apple devices, so I can do the same to iOS device we own, too. Seeing files, though? Yeah, if they're using some beefy MDM and it has full device permissions, anything goes if it's set up that way. But then again, if it's a company-owned device, there's no expectation of privacy, and all data on the device is the company's.
BLu8i said:
Hi
To what extent can employers control an android company phone? I'm sure they could just disable the SIM, but will they be able to:
access the device storage (whether internal or external)?
access call logs etc. and contacts? I guess they'd be able to view texts via the phone company?
disable the phone remotely so that it doesn't turn on?
Thanks for any advice
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Best bet, just don't use it for anything that you want to keep to yourself.
Sent from my SM-S767VL using Tapatalk
Thanks guys.
I'm not sure if it's related, but my old company phone has recently decided not to turn on. I thought it might be something that was controlled by previous employer. Data hasn't been switched on, so can they actually disable the phone via the sim?
As I said, the phone did not want to switch on, so I decided to charge it for some time. Sometimes, it would power on the splash screen, but just does not go any further. It doesn't boot but just sits on the splash screen for over an hour. I was thinking of buying a replacement battery, but it seems it might not have any effect?
Perhaps it's something to do with the phone's IC on its way out?
I used to work for a major phone carrier as a store manager. And if we wanted our work email on our personal devices we had to grant it admin rights on our device and agree to a long list of things that no one read. I however read it and it literally said if they ever thought my device was comprised they'd remote wipe it without even telling me.
I straight up did not have my work email on my device and I was always taking flack from supervisors that I didn't respond to their emails unless I was in my office. And I always told them why and finally one day I received an email saying that as of X date (like a week later) that no employee could have their work email on a personal device.
I laughed my ass off at everyone who complained about it and asked several bosses what happened... Apparently some really high up dude had his phone get wiped and he lost a ton of pictures of his kids that weren't in the cloud and he raged at IT about it and they changed email permissions
Sent from my OnePlus7Pro using XDA Labs