[Q] Popup from Google asking to protect my phone? - Note Edge Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

I just got a popup, supposedly from Google, asking for permission to protect my phone in some way. I should have taken a screen shot. My back button would not work, and I had to choose between "accept" or "deny". I chose deny, and immediately an app started to automatically download and install. The popup came up again four more time, and I chose deny each time. And each time, a new app downloaded and installed. In order, the apps were S Note, SNS Provider, Flipboard Briefing, Hancom Office 2014, and Evernote. Shortly after that, I got a text message from 6583 stating: "FREE MSG Your Mobile Locate app is configured to record your Location History; info may be viewed at http://mymobilelocate.com Open app Settings to change."
What the hell just happened to my phone?

wel.. the site leads to at&t and the apps you installed are official apps (the names atleast). As far as I can tell you are just fine, wonder what the popups looked like though.

It's no big deal. A while back, Google started offering to periodically search your phone's installed apps to make sure there were no malicious apps you might not know are bad news. This started after they had a few apps in the Play Store that were malware, and Google went and forceably uninstalled those apps from people's devices. Since some people probably complained about it as some sort of privacy violation, now they offer you a choice (i.e. be stupid, or let them save your ass from malware). I always click "accept". It only asks once per set up, so either on a brand new phone or a factory reset.
Google already knows everything I do with my device(s) anyway, so why wouldn't I want them to monitor my apps for Malware? It is especially helpful if you install apps from other sources outside the Play Store, since you never know what you're really getting.

Related

found app that keeps location private from google

found an app called Location Cache Map in market and it seems from what it says that it prevents maps and other apps from setting location data on phone and clears map cache while still allowing full use of GPS functions. i tried it and it worked, though it takes an extra couple seconds to lock on.
seems to work. you can see your stored location data with it even if you dont want to block location cache. interested in hearing from others on if this seems to really be working.
Any aftermarket Rom do this.
Sent from my LG-P999 using XDA Premium App
sure if ya delete maps or something. mine always still saved location data on my phone. this lets you use the functions without phone saving cache data. ive never seen this function on any rom ive used. but if so id like to know how and save some time.
Has anyone else tried this?
Google has always kept this type of information---even before android. It's in their terms and conditions. Honestly, anyone who doesn't want to give Google access to this information, shouldn't use their phone.
aczarney said:
Google has always kept this type of information---even before android. It's in their terms and conditions. Honestly, anyone who doesn't want to give Google access to this information, shouldn't use their phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You should, at minimum, have the choice to turn it off and delete the data that is stored on your phone readily.
Let's get real, corporations have too much freedom when it comes to using us as pawns. It should be an option to opt out period. I use google stuff cause I like the way it works, they don't need my location for that.
Sent from my HTC Vision using XDA App
Google's been collecting information rather openly for years. I just don't get why people are surprised they are collecting it with their phones too. It was never really a secret. There's no option to turn it off simply because that's the terms and conditions for use of the phone--that Google is entitled to access to your location as well as other information regarding how you use your phone. It honestly is like they're watching your every move. If you don't want access given to Google for this information, don't use the phone. That's literally your only option, and legally, Google is completely backed up on that. Now apple, that's a different story. But Google has been doing these things ever since Google as a company was created, its actually part of what has allowed them to grow. To know how their services are used and how their users function more or less.
I could really care less. Ask yourself. What is Google going to do with your information besides direct ads based on you interest. As long as Google execs aren't going to come track me down, I could really care less what data they collect. If your worried about people collecting your data then don't ever buy anything off the internet or for that matter, don't ever use a credit card to make purchases.
read this. its a rant but its how it REALLY is.
Grammer and spelling errors warning!!!
its doesnt matter what they are going to do with it. i have a right to privacy. the more you look into your specfic settings for your google and gmail account, the more you'll see that a lot of what they ask for they don't tell you. they allow you to turn it off.... if you even know how to where to find it, or if you even know they are collecting it.
they keep much more than just location and basic data for ads. im not going to get into all of it because theres too much. go look for yourself.
basically these days to have a phone thats fun (smartphone) you are forced to choose iOS or Android. Both are bull**** when it comes to privacy. THATS WHY THEY ARE DEFENDING THERE ASSES IN COURT!!! Just the fact that it has gotten to the point of major national news shows that it isn't just nothing. $500 million lawsuits aren't to be taken lightly.
And it's not just my privacy. Many MANY apps and services including googles require access to many things that the app has absolutely no reason to have. theres a dev in the market called FREE WING go download his persmissions apps named after specific permissions example: READ_PHONE_STATE, it shows you some of what that permission pulls from your phone such as your name, device ID, phone number, contacts, and more. SMS permission had not just the ability to "tell if i get a text" but has, and records, everything that was said, who sent it, and their numbers. or go get an app called "Denied permissions" it will show you how many each app has and break them down and explain a little of how they work. then use it to look at Google Docs app permissions. it shouldn't have the ability to change,delete, modify my account passwords, and that's just one of its BS permissions.
any facebook app that uses facebook to as an alternative log in gives that app by DEFAULT the ability to read my contacts, status, my FRIENDS status and apps they are using, where they also go, their photos, mine, and more (go to the apps privacy settings on facebook to find this stuff). my friends apps one THEIR phone have access to MY personal information, just because we are associated in facebook. NOT COOL! Facebook just told its game devs a couple days ago that they had like a week or something to change their games to prevent 3rd party apps that are associated with their games from accessing or keeping their patrons information while they play their games.
basically it comes down to my information can be accessed by places i didn't give the OK to or even have heard of. google shares information with apps. try reading the privacy polices for apps sometime (go read AppPack's - Highlight app and T-mobile Mall's app privacy policies). its like the fine print that no one ever reads in contracts or car advertisements. its there but no one takes the time.
google used to be a damn search engine. now they own android, google, Google Chrome OS (just came out), admob, and more. im ok with ads. and them having info i know i asked them to hold on to. I can't imagine what dirt someone could find on someone running for president in 10 years. dirty pics from when someone texted them when they were 25, 18, 16. or their online diary they kept for some reason. things they said on a forum, damn i couldn't imagine my old myspace stuff. some of that could get me in to trouble. i was a party animal at the time. ya see where i'm going? wouldn't have posted that stuff 10 years ago if i had known what i know now.
theres enough info of ours unintentionally online and accessible. go google yourself. they don't need my location to boot
don't believe any of this then take some time to read what you are saying ok to. some privacy policies are like when in those cartoons (devil and daniel mouse) the devil asks you to sign a contract in your own blood, but you forgot their was stuff written on the back page.
But you don't have a right to privacy.....you agreed to the terms and conditions of Google's use when you began using your phone. You signed those rights to privacy away when you signed that Google account into your phone (which, in fact is where the agreement to the terms and conditions lie). You installed Google docs and said "yeah, its okay if this app has access to these things." You update your Google apps every release of a new version. Apple is having issues with this yes, but that's because it was never previously a part of their terms, and they were doing it without customers knowledge. Google is not having issues, will not have issues, and presented all that information to you upfront when you signed up for your Google account, well within your buyer's remorse. Likewise, they do have an option to opt out of "Location services" during most device's initial setup procedures. I bet if anyone sued Google, they wouldn't even prepare a case. They'd refer the judge to the terms of your Google account or those permissions you were okay with.
Bottom line, Yes you have your right to privacy. But you can't give away those rights away to Google or Facebook or whoever then complain about it. Those terms and conditions aren't just there for show, they create them for these specific reasons. It'd be like If I gave you my social security number, checking account number, and address and then was shocked when my identity was stolen and went to file a police report. Working for T-Mobile, I hear these types of arguments on a daily basis, but let me just say it hasn't once changed a thing. Once you agree to them, you can't change your mind until the terms are changed and presented to you again.
I've said it before and I'll say it again. If you like privacy, DO NOT USE A SMARTPHONE. You see, I use a smartphone because I could give two ****s less what Google has access to in my phone. There are only 9 numbers I don't want anyone having access to and lets be honest. I highly doubt Google is stealing our SS #'s.
A link to google and it's work it does for the NSA and CIA. They are more than a company pushing Internet mobile ads. Do not do anything with your phone that you do not want recorded and handed over to the government.
http://www.pcworld.com/article/188581/the_googlensa_alliance_questions_and_answers.html
Remember what google and others did to to people yearning for freedom in China.
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/02/15/technology/15cnd-internet.html

If you want Google to let you to remove apps from your market account tell them

I have seen a lot of people with the same issue I have. I download an app from the market, and it sucks so I uninstall... but now It's tied to my account forever.
When I flash, or get a new device, I like to use the web based market to re-install my apps. But I have pages and pages of apps I will never use again.
I proposed the following to Google to fix this.
If you agree that this is a good idea and would like to see this feature.. or if you have a better idea, please let Google know. They will only change this stuff if enough people request it to be changed.
I submitted a request here:
https://support.google.com/androidm...tact_type=market_phone_tablet_web&paginated=1
This was my request:
There needs to be a way to remove unused applications from our market accounts. I have many applications that I tried, dont like, and will never install again. Every time I get a new device or do a factory reset, I have to search through tons of unwanted applications just to find the apps I'd actually like to install. I understand giving the user the ability to delete apps that were paid for and the possibility of accidental deletions can become a support nightmare. To solve this I’d like to propose an “Archived Apps” section. Users can Archive applications they do not use. The application is then moved into a special Archive section where it can remain tied to the users account without being “In the Way”. Applications in the Archive section should have a “Restore” (button rather than install) that when pressed, would move it back to the users regular account and become active and installable again. When searching in the market mobile app, these apps will also show with the status Archived rather than purchased or installed. Selecting the app will give the option to “Restore” it to your active applications at which point it can be installed.
i actually have an open ticket with them regarding this problem
google tech support says it's a known issue, and they have no way to fix it yet.
AllGamer said:
i actually have an open ticket with them regarding this problem
google tech support says it's a known issue, and they have no way to fix it yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Awesome!
It's a lot of work for them to fix, and my concern is that it wont be on the radar unless it's highly requested.
Same thing with Amazon's store. I chatted with a rep, and they said there was no way to remove them, but they are aware people are interested in doing this.

App Manager in Google Play still useless, any idea?

I have searched this forum and the web, still surprised about the poor integration of multiple devices in Google Play.
Can anybody tell me if there is any easy and fast way to transfer most of your app's to a new device?
I am amazed the lack of usability in this matter? Why is there not a column based page with all your registered devises from left to right and all the app's downwards, then a box to "tick" on each device to install or delete multiple app's in one go??? How hard can it be???
I know you can use Titanium but you need to be rooted and still go by each app individual or take all in one go, this do not make any sense since a newer device might not need all the app's.
On Google Play I can see all my app's and then install them one by one with a confirmation box for every one? long and boring task.
A column based set-up where you choose which app's to be installed on what device you have registered seems like a "no-brainer" to me but I have not been able to find anything that resembles that??
Does it exist and am I a knob or is this a major oversight by Google???
All suggestions are welcome.
Robert
The key here is you need to tell Google to restore your phone once you install an OS. If you did this, the Play Store automatically downloads all your previously installed apps.
Also, in Titanium you have the checkboxes on the side as you're asking for, you just deselect the checkboxes besides the red apps pretty much...

[Q] Perhaps A New Android Virus Discovered? Anyone Else Seen "Plåÿ Störé One Two"?

[Q] Perhaps A New Android Virus Discovered? Anyone Else Seen "Plåÿ Störé One Two"?
No idea how it could have installed itself on my phone (the last app I installed was WO Mic, from the Google Play Store. I have this on another phone but it didn't get this virus from it). Just woke up today, and found it on here. It seems to have replaced the actual legit Google Play Store. I looked in the /system/app directory, the app is called Phonesky.apk. I looked this up online, one other person has/had my problem. He said even the Verify and Install option is infected, showing "Verify and Install one two three", but I can't confirm if that is on my phone because my phone never had Verify and Install to begin with, and even when I select to install an APK it does not appear.
Besides factory reset, is there anything I can do? I will try to put some sort of antivirus on the phone, but the other guy I saw who had this problem said his Norton Mobile Security didn't pick anything up.
I will soon be uploading both the Phonesky.apk as well as the Phonesky.odex file, just in case any of you devs want to tear down the package and look at it or analyze it or whatever. In the meantime, here's some pictures I took of it. Please refer to attachments to see them.
Sent from my MB855 using XDA Free mobile app
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EDIT: Here is the download link for Phonesky.apk:
http://s000.tinyupload.com/index.php?file_id=10545304012778252420
And for Phonesky.odex:
http://s000.tinyupload.com/index.php?file_id=82284699703301985381
I probably don't have to say this, but just as a warning, UNLESS YOU KNOW WHAT YOU'RE DOING, I'D SUGGEST THAT YOU DO NOT INSTALL ANY OF THESE FILES ON YOUR PHONE SINCE IT PROBABLY WILL INFECT YOUR PHONE IF YOU DO IT.
Also, I've noticed that this virus imitates Google Talk as well. No, not Hangouts, the old Google Talk. I did not have Talk installed on that phone before this virus came around. I don't see a Talk-like app in the app drawer, however I do get notifications of messages in the notification bar. The messages it notifies me for are actually legitimate messages I've received. I'm having a Hangouts conversation on my primary phone, and every time I get an incoming message from my friend, it shows up on the infected phone as well. When I try to actually press the Talk notification to see if it opens a fake Talk app or anything, it doesn't actually open anything.
EDIT 2: I uploaded a picture of fake Gtalk. Also, Zoner Antivirus did not detect anything wrong, even though I saw that it scanned over something called "Google Play Store one two three".
It's been a while, but I just wanted to say that factory reset did get rid of it for me. Others have said that the system language switched to Deutsch, and they switched it back to English and everything was fine. However for me, my phone remained in English the whole time. It also seems weird that this only happened on phones running Gingerbread...
Sent from my LG-D415 using XDA Free mobile app

[Nougat] What is "zdemo" app? Could it be malware?

Hi Everyone,
Long time no see, but I'm back with a quick question: I've noticed an unknown (to me) application on my Leagoo T5c running Android 7.0 called "zdemo".
It doesn't appear in my app drawer (I use a launcher called Rootless Pixel that I like a lot, because it's extremely light and easy on the eye), only in the Application list in Parameters, and I've uninstalled it, but I suspect it could have been malware, because all of a sudden, I've started to get unwanted popups in a few application, Blue Mail among them, so I suspect it could come back.
Do any of you know of this app? I Googled it and got nowhere.
It happens to me too. I have another one named media provider or something like that, it has a fake Android logo and it can be desistaled.
Yeah, I managed to uninstall it... Twice, which means it's coming back at more or less regular intervals. I suspect it's a malware, but MalwareBytes didn't find anything wrong on my phone, so I'm a bit stumped.
I suspect those malware were bundled with Rootless Pixel Launcher, because since I've uninstalled it, they're gone and haven't returned...
Zdemo appears in conjunction with System Input Method. I think the former is a trojan and the latter adware. I keep stopping and uninstalling the apps just to have them return. I think the gallery app is the culprit but haven't figured out how to clean it yet because its a system file.
Hi Donna,
Do you own a Leagoo phone too? I've had issues with rotten ROM from that brand before, but I thought that was a thing of the past.
If the Gallery app is indeed the culprit, then there must be a bad picture or video in it that you imported, maybe a cover from a music album you downloaded?
I for one know that all the music on my phone doesn't come from CDs I ripped...
The funny thing is, before I installed those two launchers I mentioned, I had no issues whatsoever. The Rootless Pixel Launcher contacted me via Play Store and defended himself from injecting any bad code into his launcher, and says that CPL Launcher is based on his own Rootless Pixel launcher, so it could be that the repository where the APK is stored has been compromised, and the malware is added to the files before it's made available to the Google Play store, but I can't be sure.
For reasons unknown, my first reply got lost somewhere, and I don't feel like rewriting it word for word. Do you have a Leagoo phone too? If so, which ROM do you have installed on it (mine was released in March 2018)?
I suspect those two malware come bundled with the launchers I mentioned, but the dev for Rootless Pixel launcher assured me his code is clean, and I tend to believe him. I think the repo where his code is stored could have been hacked, but I have no way to prove it, of course.
EDIT: my first reply finally made it to the thread. Sorry for the double post...
UPDATE: I finally did a factory reset, reinstalled all my apps (minus a couple I never used anyway) from the Play Store, put my music back on the device (not my pictures though, because I want to sieve through them first), installed Rootless Pixel Launcher again, and so far, so good, no malware in the applications list.
I'll give it a day or two, just to be on the safe side, then I'll modify my incendiary comment on the Play Store about Rootless Pixel Launcher...
Somebody created this code to bug people, had probably nothing to do uses your ip to track and install his popup window.
If I disconnect my wifi and use my phone without an internet connection zdemo and system input method don't come back. I should try on another wifi or in another country. Wonder if it could be tracked and maybe interesting to see where it leads. Could it be stashed on google play store? It seems curious that there is little info on the web about this problem as if somebody in a key position really f...-up
Yeah, I too find it hard to believe that those two malware aren't better documented on the Web. However, if you scan your device with MalwareBytes and look up the entire name of both, you find ***partial*** references, stating that they aren't "real" malware, just PUPs, which I find intriguing too.
On my phone, I've noted unwanted popups that were hard to close when they were installed, but nothing untoward once I got rid of them, so they're definitely adware, either separately, or working jointly, I don't know.

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