Avoid being recorded without his knowledge - Security Discussion

Hi,
Are there apps warning us if an app is recording us without our knowledge ?
Thanks in advance for your answers.

Yep, XPrivacy. You have ondemand popups to allow/restrict access.

Primokorn said:
Yep, XPrivacy. You have ondemand popups to allow/restrict access.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks.
I was not specific enough in posing my question.
Effectively, XPrivacy is a very good answer and I appreciate it every day on my smartphone. I try to convince people around me to use it.
But for people who didn't root their smartphone, are there apps to comply with this objective ?

you can cover both front and back camera with something.
the next thing you need to worry is your gps and your mic.
if you worry about this then there is no real software protection, the surveilance is planted at hardware level and its not user detectable.
the only way you could trust your phone is when everything is free software not free as in cost but free as in "open source". to the moment we dont have such thing, mediatek, qualcomm and samsung/apple dont release real source

Zedgor said:
the only way you could trust your phone is when everything is free software not free as in cost but free as in "open source". to the moment we dont have such thing, mediatek, qualcomm and samsung/apple dont release real source
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't say this to Sir Stallman lol
Actually the right expression is “free” as in “free speech,” not as in “free beer”.
https://www.gnu.org/philosophy/free-sw.en.html
https://www.gnu.org/philosophy/open-source-misses-the-point.en.html

Related

Privacy Concerns - Google Firmware

I am concerned that Google has their tentacles all throughout the OS, and I want to take all measures to stop that. I particularly don't like their search query tracking (I use ixquick) and their nav app, as their privacy policies are atrocious.
Before someone accuses me of being a hacker or criminal, I am simply not willing to hand over my 220 year old Constitutional rights for a transient fear campaign manufactured by The Machine. And I do not want my information used for profit without permission. I used to be a cracker, and know what is possible. I'll not respond to those who call me 'paranoid'; they are oblivious.
Of course I'll not be using the apps of that-search-engine-everybody-uses. Removing them forthwith, in favor of whatever GPL open-source apps there are available for various functions. Using self-contained nav software like CoPilot or TomTom.
So, have any devs investigated whether Android phones home at any interval? Have measures been taken to privacy-enable the Android firmware?
I hear that HTC has some sort of 'phone home' function. How to neuter that?
What good is Wifi? Is it that you can use that when available, not using up 3G bytes? I am asking what use it is on a mobile in consideration of mobility and the security problems -- what uses can this be put to, and how to secure the phone?
Where is the best place to find open-source apps?
I'm curious about this as well, not so much from a privacy standpoint, but how the hell can I stop the mysterious data that is flowing out of my phone when everything like background syncing and all data connections are turned off.
http://source.android.com/
This is all you need - you could remove/modify anything you want, so... what's your problem? And actually Google apps aren't in the Android sources, so you won't have them after compiling. Yeah, two birds with one stone.
Also you could disable WiFi if you don't like it.
Tachikoma_kun said:
how the hell can I stop the mysterious data that is flowing out of my phone when everything like background syncing and all data connections are turned off.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Errr... what ROM and how many apps do you have installed? There is no "mysterious data" on clean system, but 25% of apps use data connection for various reasons.
I'm on the stock 2.1 ROM for the Samsung Galaxy S. I turn all the background syncing, email, and stuff like that off, and overnight it can use about 1MB of data.
I don't have any "free" apps running that might download new banners or anything like that.
The background syncing does not turn anything off as far as I know.
To my knowledge it allows 3rd party apps the ability to check if the user has flagged this, but they do not have to respect this flag.
Tachikoma_kun said:
I'm on the stock 2.1 ROM for the Samsung Galaxy S. I turn all the background syncing, email, and stuff like that off, and overnight it can use about 1MB of data.
I don't have any "free" apps running that might download new banners or anything like that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Syncing is just... syncing. But there are many other things, that apps do. Spare Parts -> Battery history -> Network usage.
Brut.all said:
http://source.android.com/
This is all you need - you could remove/modify anything you want, so... what's your problem?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What's my problem, LOL? I am a 52yo real estate developer, not a coder. This is why I'm asking the question.
Quantumstate said:
What's my problem, LOL? I am a 52yo real estate developer, not a coder. This is why I'm asking the question.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i think he meant either put up or shut up, which is a pretty reasonable statement.
IMO it's anonymous user data.... let them build cybernet
otherwise say no to the T.O.S that is your constitutional right if you have "privacy" concerns
Brut.all said:
Syncing is just... syncing. But there are many other things, that apps do. Spare Parts -> Battery history -> Network usage.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, will give that a try.
themapleboy said:
i think he meant either put up or shut up, which is a pretty reasonable statement.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I meant we all have access to the sources, so we don't have to "investigate" what Android exactly does - we just know, that it doesn't do any "mysterious" things. There are many people working with these sources for many months, I doubt there are some undiscovered things.
Brut.all said:
I meant we all have access to the sources, so we don't have to "investigate" what Android exactly does - we just know, that it doesn't do any "mysterious" things. There are many people working with these sources for many months, I doubt there are some undiscovered things.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
u know what they say about assuming...... it always makes you look like a jackass
Yeah, I mean we're not playing with iOS4 or anything.
In all seriousness, Android's been out for quite a while now and has been looked at by a LOT of people. Not saying that it's *impossible* but it's highly unlikely that anything nefarious is going on.
If you're still concerned, I suppose you could always opt not to install the Google Apps, but you'd be a bit limited, functionality-wise.
Sent from my Droid using XDA App
themapleboy said:
let them build cybernet
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
O' little do you know... many years ago I did work in Eastern Europe. You have no idea the paranoia a society can endure. For an idea, watch the old TV series Danger Man. Or the movie 1984.
If most young people share your view, it is a dark future. I'm glad I'll be dead.
herald83 said:
In all seriousness, Android's been out for quite a while now and has been looked at by a LOT of people. Not saying that it's *impossible* but it's highly unlikely that anything nefarious is going on.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Understand. I just can not believe though that Google is not harvesting some sort of information, as that's their business model. They never discard any info they receive, and you can build a shockingly accurate portrait of someone from their searches over time. Google's CEO recently said, "If You Have Something You Don't Want Anyone To Know, Maybe You Shouldn't Be Doing It", echoing the Bush Doctrine of a Police State.
Maybe Android is innocuous for now, and I'm sure it's been examined. But I'm wondering what the results were? Why are ppl seeing data outflows?
I smell a rat...
Quantumstate said:
...Before someone accuses me of being a hacker or criminal, I am simply not willing to hand over my 220 year old Constitutional rights for a transient fear campaign manufactured by The Machine. And I do not want my information used for profit without permission. I used to be a cracker, and know what is possible. I'll not respond to those who call me 'paranoid'; they are oblivious...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Quantumstate said:
What's my problem, LOL? I am a 52yo real estate developer, not a coder. This is why I'm asking the question.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A 52yo real estate developer, whose not a coder, but used to be a "cracker" and knows what is possible? Anyone else here think this doesn't make a bit of sense?
It's funny, but it sounds like someone is trying to stir up some FUD by making claims that Android is somehow doing an "All your data are belong to us...". I hope Apple aren't paying your cheques!
@perpetualmotionuk: Be advised that there is a difference between mathematics and decryption, and coding. Yes I can do some coding, but not at a level necessary to analyze and modify an operating system.
If Apple were paying my 'cheques', wouldn't I come in with some sort of proof that monitoring is taking place? Rather than asking what others have found?
Now, rather than trying to tear people down, why don't you use that considerable nose to investigate this yourself?
No one's seen anything about info leakage?
Quantumstate said:
Understand. I just can not believe though that Google is not harvesting some sort of information, as that's their business model. They never discard any info they receive, and you can build a shockingly accurate portrait of someone from their searches over time. Google's CEO recently said, "If You Have Something You Don't Want Anyone To Know, Maybe You Shouldn't Be Doing It", echoing the Bush Doctrine of a Police State.
Maybe Android is innocuous for now, and I'm sure it's been examined. But I'm wondering what the results were? Why are ppl seeing data outflows?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Most of that data is pulled from search history, I suspect. Which you can disable, if I recall. Don't have my phone on me at the moment to confirm.
I just did a very simple test on an emulator: after ~15 minutes of running system there was 0 (zero, null) of network packets. Now I want to do the same on a device with clean system, but I think results will be the same or similar (SDK system is just normal Android - very similar to these from devices).
I have a feeling that even if I will catch zero packets as well, you will be asking whether Google send something mysterious through... errr... bluetooth? Some hidden antenna?
If you're worried about Google tracking your info...root the phone and don't install the Google apps. What do ya know...problem solved.
If you're still worried that people are tracking what you are doing see steps below.
1) Flush phone or give to a homeless guy to throw them off.
2) Destroy Computers.
3) Liquidate everything you own.
4) Walk into the woods and live off the land.
5) Kill self shortly after because they already have a file on you.
You say you're a 52 year old real estate developer...guess what...they're already tracking you. You're already helping to build "cybernet" just by living and breathing.
And if you are really worried about your "220 year old Constitutional Rights" then go read the Patriot Act and discover that you don't have ****.
I'm normally not one to flame...but you are an absolute idiot.
I'm not an English person, excuse for the syntax/grammar/... mistakes I'd could make.
hedjemunkee said:
I'm normally not one to flame...but you are an absolute idiot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't understand WHY this person could be considered as "an absolute idiot" by ASKING if some 'data' are sent over the network through the phone.
Facebook, with it's ad system is sending information for each ad displayed (not alot, but still some !)....
ADS.GOOGLE do you have any idea about what's behind !?
I don't have the number (nobody have it) of webpages using it but it's huge. with this you can track navigation of people, establish profiles, link to a physical person. Without your consent.
I understand the concern of the "OP" here. I don't think the data sent are easy to "catch", or are systematically sent... maybe there is no, and you are paranoid. But it "COULD". So easily. I'm from the young tech generation.
And to quote
Quantumstate said:
If most young people share your view, it is a dark future. I'm glad I'll be dead.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
People who don't ask themselve the question, or wich refuse to be open minded enough to consider the right to ask this question ... could be surprised very soon. I'm not directly affraid of "google". I'm affraid of those 'blind' people.
You'll be dead in less than 10years !? I hope we can share some of the darkness you're talking about. your parent's generation started it, you continued it.
Anyway, back to the topic.
Why in my pocess list i've : (app id number) com.ap.SnapPhoto:remote
even when I do not use the camera !?
...when I notice my battery is being used more than usual I check the process list and I find this...
What's this "remote" !?
Maybe "remote" refers to "another app wich launch this app"... ? Otherwise... wow.

anti virus? any point?

why would you get anti virus on your phone. I have never heard of anyone being hacked on there phone.
the only reason I can see it is if you do online banking.
avast (which I use on my computer) just said they released an android av app.
who hacks phones? lol.
umirin said:
why would you get anti virus on your phone. I have never heard of anyone being hacked on there phone.
the only reason I can see it is if you do online banking.
avast (which I use on my computer) just said they released an android av app.
who hacks phones? lol.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Antivirus like Lookout scans all your apps on your phone, if you ever install any 3rd part apps that you didn't get from the Market, might be useful.. then again, don't know how reliable the AV scanner really is scanning apps, or how it works.
Not worth it imo. Be smart about what you install and you'll be fine.
takes up to much system ram and cpu for me kills battery faster
nod 32 is a prettly good antivirus
xstokerx said:
takes up to much system ram and cpu for me kills battery faster
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agreed! And if you know what you are doing and you have disabled option "Install Applications From Unknown Sources" in setting there are really tiny chance to get viruses.
But if you have risen this question then more likely you need Antivirus
ledlauzis said:
Agreed! And if you know what you are doing and you have disabled option "Install Applications From Unknown Sources" in setting there are really tiny chance to get viruses.
But if you have risen this question then more likely you need Antivirus
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually, due to no market security, most of androids viruses go on the market.
I feel that Google would clamp down faster than these antivirus companies if a virus were to arise.
tejrl said:
I feel that Google would clamp down faster than these antivirus companies if a virus were to arise.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Viruses on android are currently increasing exponentially...
Don't download anything stupid and you'll be fine. Make sure and check what exactly the app is accessing.
slapshot30 said:
Don't download anything stupid and you'll be fine. Make sure and check what exactly the app is accessing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agreed. I do use the odd off the Market download, but I always read the comments from others and also check what permissions it wants. Better same then sorry.
That's great advice for the power user, but the average user is going to say, "Free guitar hero? Awesome! *download*. The important thing to remember is that we're oftentimes more capable than the target audience. My Grandma still believes she's the one-millionth visitor.
z33dev33l said:
That's great advice for the power user, but the average user is going to say, "Free guitar hero? Awesome! *download*. The important thing to remember is that we're oftentimes more capable than the target audience. My Grandma still believes she's the one-millionth visitor.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What is all this "we" stuff? There is no such thing as a "power user" with a Lumia...
lowandbehold said:
What is all this "we" stuff? There is no such thing as a "power user" with a Lumia...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Incessant, off-topic trolling even when I'm not pinpointing the flaws in your OS. Please try to stay on topic.
z33dev33l said:
Incessant, off-topic trolling even when I'm not pinpointing the flaws in your OS. Please try to stay on topic.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well stop talking down on the average user when in fact that is what you are. The average user knows to a point what to download and what not to download. Is it really a surprise that "sexy girl puzzle" might be malicious? Any user can figure that out.
lowandbehold said:
Well stop talking down on the average user when in fact that is what you are. The average user knows to a point what to download and what not to download. Is it really a surprise that "sexy girl puzzle" might be malicious? Any user can figure that out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My platform of choice does not make me an average user. You've contributed absolutely nothing to any conversation, something at least the other people who dislike me do, and see yourself as higher purely based on your choice of platform. At least when I do what one might consider, "trolling." I make a point and attempt to remain on topic.
z33dev33l said:
My platform of choice does not make me an average user. You've contributed absolutely nothing to any conversation, something at least the other people who dislike me do, and see yourself as higher purely based on your choice of platform. At least when I do what one might consider, "trolling." I make a point and attempt to remain on topic.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you not see the point that the average user knows what to download and not to download? Plenty of my friends are "average users" and have never gotten a virus on their cell phone. Is that enough of a point?
Antivirus for Android is pointless. There are NO Android viruses. Don't think of Android in Windows terms. It's not Windows and so does not have the same vulnerabilies as Windows.
Antivirus companies depend on the fear and ignorance of their customers. Companies peddling antivirus for Android (or Linux) should at least be honest that it is only useful for scanning files to be transferred to Windows machines.
This doesn't mean there is no Android malware - there is. And a virus is a type of malware. But not all malware is a virus.
Sent from HTC G2
lowandbehold said:
Did you not see the point that the average user knows what to download and not to download? Plenty of my friends are "average users" and have never gotten a virus on their cell phone. Is that enough of a point?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The free guitar hero app got a couple hundred thousand and the viruses are ever-increasing.
---------- Post added at 08:10 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:08 PM ----------
Crashdamage said:
Antivirus for Android is pointless. There are NO Android viruses. Don't think of Android in Windows terms. It's not Windows and so does not have the same vulnerabilies as Windows.
Antivirus companies depend on the fear and ignorance of their customers. Companies peddling antivirus for Android (or Linux) should at least be honest that it is only useful for scanning files to be transferred to Windows machines.
This doesn't mean there is no Android malware - there is. And a virus is a type of malware. But not all malware is a virus.
Sent from HTC G2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So, the point is that you feel they should change the name from virus scanner to malware scanner?
umirin said:
why would you get anti virus on your phone. I have never heard of anyone being hacked on there phone.
the only reason I can see it is if you do online banking.
avast (which I use on my computer) just said they released an android av app.
who hacks phones? lol.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are a lot of application tht can steal your phone information something like spywere and can compromise phone performance ... but anyway if you take care of what app you install in your phone is hard to take viruses or malicius software ... imo you don't really need an anti virus for phone device

[conspiracy theory] the government can tap phones even when on stand by....

Few days ago I was involved in a conversation where couple of people were sure that the government can tap our phones even when not in conversation but when they are actually in stand by on the table.
I tried to argue that when in stand by, android for example has very minimal processes going on, just enough to keep the time and realize when the power button is pressed or send notification.
The counter-argument was that there might be backdoors in the ROM for example which enables the authorities to get sound from the mic directly without the need of the OS as an interface.
I don't see how this can be done, but you as developers might want to provide some solid, technical arguments which would set the discussion once at for all
I guess if you're really that worried about it, there's always airplane mode.
Sent from my HTC PH39100 using xda premium
Worried about monitoring using a google/facebook/twitter device?
Pull some foil off your hat, and wrap it around the phone. Problem solved.
Just do what Eric says "Do no Evil" and who cares if the gummint is watching you!
I'm not worried at all as should be obvious if you actually read my post :>
Fking1 said:
I don't see how this can be done, but you as developers might want to provide some solid, technical arguments which would set the discussion once at for all
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, I'm no developer but if you are going to lurk deeper on backdoors, you'll soon find out that bigger corporations than Gooogle have implemented backdoors in their systems.
Still, this doesn't tell you how it's done, but proofs that has been done and afaics is no problem to do it again.
If I remember correctly some time ago Indian government tried to force BlackBerry to backdoor their devices for Indian market.
So judge it for yourself, but don't think that this is some Atlantis conspiracy but is actually happening all over the place..
B33zal said:
Well, I'm no developer but if you are going to lurk deeper on backdoors, you'll soon find out that bigger corporations than Gooogle have implemented backdoors in their systems.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Care to elaborate?
Also it will be enough if someone says why it's impossible to pull audio from the mic when the phone is on standby
In all actuality if the gumment wanted to monitor you they already are....
Fking1 said:
Care to elaborate?
Also it will be enough if someone says why it's impossible to pull audio from the mic when the phone is on standby
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's not impossible. Don't brick your head with such things. And why is that question anyway? Do you affraid that you can get caught?
If you are not doin anything against the law, after a while they would not even listen to you
chaki- said:
It's not impossible. Don't brick your head with such things. And why is that question anyway? Do you affraid that you can get caught?
If you are not doin anything against the law, after a while they would not even listen to you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well to be honest, i'm big time criminal in my country, so the answer to that question is critical to me :>
Fking1 said:
I tried to argue that when in stand by, android for example has very minimal processes going on, just enough to keep the time and realize when the power button is pressed or send notification.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just because a listening device is not always on doesn't mean it doesn't exist. A single push notification can activate a hidden app or feature, should a government have installed it.
Indeed, there are "lost phone" apps on the market that let you do similar things (though I'm not sure about listening in per se, more like gps, alarm sound, take photos).
so, it's technically possible?
Fking1 said:
so, it's technically possible?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is possible and google patented an ad technique that involved using the microphone to listen for background noises and words to produce better more personalised ad results but haven't implemented it yet.
Also you can remotely activate phone features as well as push data to a phone so yes it could be done but they would need at least an app installed on your phone to do so.
So unless you allow someone to install hidden apps on your phone there's no chance of it.
Dave
( http://www.google.com/producer/editions/CAownKXmAQ/bigfatuniverse )
Sent from my LG P920 using Tapatalk 2
Interesting.
What if the government forces Google, Apple and Rim to leave such backdoors accessible by them?
Android is open source but the kernel is not as far as i know?
Fking1 said:
Interesting.
What if the government forces Google, Apple and Rim to leave such backdoors accessible by them?
Android is open source but the kernel is not as far as i know?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
even if thats the case: just flash an own kernel like we all do.
i don't think there's something in android, because it's open source. someone would see that..
and the kernel problem is solved when you flash another one i guess
but those normal ppl out there.. the weird ones who doesn't flash their devices, they are ****ed then. xP
but are the kernels we flash open source? I guess even with custom ROM you use the default google kernel, since if it haven't been open source in the first place, i don't think anyone has written it from scratch.
The more important question is, can something like this be hidden in the kernel, or it needs to run in the OS as normal, but hidden app?
Fking1 said:
Care to elaborate?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
NSAKEY. I'd post links but I can't.
B33zal said:
NSAKEY. I'd post links but I can't.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
NSAKEY?
post them sripped or PM me
Is it possible? Yes is it likely? No. At least in the US they would need to prove you were a threat to national security to get a judge to sign off on it.
The android kernel is open source completely.
As an example there is a root binary that grants root access without user prompt or notification of any kind. So while it can be done I would not worry about it much.
FEMA chip anyone?
Sent for a corner cell in Arkham
dmhdogpro said:
In all actuality if the gumment wanted to monitor you they already are....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bingo
I do not worry about my Government, if they want me they
will come and get me (and I won't be able to stop them)
It is my fellow citizens whom scare me the most.
B33zal said:
Well, I'm no developer but if you are going to lurk deeper on backdoors, you'll soon find out that bigger corporations than Gooogle have implemented backdoors in their systems.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is true and some EULAs even suggest that there is no privacy on the data commited to the systems. Simple software we use daily (specially in the MS Windows world) is gathering info about what data you search, what you download, what kinda documents you type, etc. Even cloud storage services have a EULA that guarantee you no privacy (Box, Dropbox, Google drive, etc)
As for Android, I highly doubt the problem lies in the operating system, since it is open source and anyone can take a look at it.
Now if you want a conspiracy theory, then read on...
Have you guys noticed how many of the browsers in Play Store are from chinese developers? Specially Dolphin, which many of you adore. Who can tell it isn't secretly sending your browsing habits to the Chinese government? How many people have been sniffing traffic to/from Dolphin (using tcpdump, for instance) to make sure it isn't doing other things?
Chrome (and Chromium) is another example: most people simply have to access their google accounts from these browsers. These browsers effectively send private user data to google. The question here is: how is google making use of such data and who is it sharing it with (for a profit or not)???
It's almost a paradox that in the information age we are more and more willing to have privacy but we have never shared so much of their personal lives with so many as we do now. Take, for instance, Facebook, Google+, Twitter,
I could go on and on... but I gotta some wifi sniffing to do right now and some wardriving later.

Security of your app, preventing nulled copies

always someone out there trying to get something for free, hacking and nulling your apk's ... what is the best ways to prevent it for good?
anyone ?
Simple. Dont publish it. People will always find a way to crack it
Wayne Tech S-III
zelendel said:
Simple. Dont publish it. People will always find a way to crack it
Wayne Tech S-III
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I been contacting the down stream ip providers and within 48hrs the sites get dropped off
zelendel said:
Simple. Dont publish it. People will always find a way to crack it
Wayne Tech S-III
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not true. Make your app authenticate against a server then serve the assets needed by your app. Force your users to update their apps if a new version is available. In fact I would even build an app with all its functionality built in files served remotely every time.
There are more aggressive methods with permissions. Some gullible users will install anything, even apps that read their SMS.
So yes, you can protect your app. The question is: is it worth the time you will spend developing the protection? And even if it is, will you charge just pennies for it? or will you charge $150 for it like this one but nobody will ever buy it?
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mobilesigma.mobilesqlservermanager
mauro1970mvr said:
Not true. Make your app authenticate against a server then serve the assets needed by your app. Force your users to update their apps if a new version is available. In fact I would even build an app with all its functionality built in files served remotely every time.
There are more aggressive methods with permissions. Some gullible users will install anything, even apps that read their SMS.
So yes, you can protect your app. The question is: is it worth the time you will spend developing the protection? And even if it is, will you charge just pennies for it? or will you charge $150 for it like this one but nobody will ever buy it?
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mobilesigma.mobilesqlservermanager
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks im forwarding this to the dev ..

The samsung Knox app screams "NSA BACK DOOR"

So loving my note 3. I haven't rooted it yet or anything. As I want to see how the stock rom is for a month or so.
Something has been bugging me ever since I have started caring about my privacy and security. as every App I want to install wants to read my call log, control SMS's record conversations ect. when the app doesn't need to. for instance my favorite radio station. Thinks it needs the permission to know who I've called! What the hell for?
It's the reason I've begin to fall in love with Paranoid android ROM. I had it on my note 2. granted I couldn't use the S-pen at all as it didn't use touchwiz. but I found the ability to edit each apps security settings. worth the sacrifice!. (if anyone reads this. is there a way to put that into any ROM? the permissions editor?) I'd love to install it. but onto the pressing issue.
Samsung includes this magical service with the note 3 called Knox. now it's supposed to give you enterprise security.
When all it does. is constantly give me notifications that it's stopped certain programs from running.
when this morning I clicked the right button which too me to the permissions that Knox gets here they are
read phone status and identity
read, edit SMS's
full network access, ability to change network conns
retrieve running apps
prevent phone from sleeping
directly call phone numbers
Take pictures and video
Record audio
approximate location. Pinpoint location
Modify call contacts. read call log
add read or modify calendar events
read all web history, bookmarks ect
Modify or delete usb storage
Disable screen security
complete account control
Read dictionary terms
pair with any bluetooth
there is also lots of other non essential stuff. This is Freaking Alarming at the minimum. if no one is worried about this then its very sad! This screams NSA back door!
jjbk said:
This is Freaking Alarming at the minimum. if no one is worried about this then its very sad! This screams NSA back door!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know a couple of CIO's that are wetting themselves over KNOX and they (and the DOD, CIA, and NSA for internal use) are the primary audiences. I'd like to assume that people in charge of protecting corporate data are smart enough to investigate the tools they are using to do that pretty thoroughly. My assumption is that the boatload of permissions KNOX requires are all tied to administering, monitoring, protecting, archiving, and deleting data off of devices being policed with MDM. Based on Huawei and Lenovo being cut out of acquisition opportunities and lucrative Western networking contracts because of their ties to the Chinese and "spying" I'd say the quickest way for Samsung to put themselves out of business and take Korea with them is to do what you're suggesting.
The KNOX is truly crap!
I had disable all KNOX after ROOT.
Samsung doing this KNOX thingy is full to crap! extremely useless!
jjbk said:
It's the reason I've begin to fall in love with Paranoid android ROM. I had it on my note 2. granted I couldn't use the S-pen at all as it didn't use touchwiz. but I found the ability to edit each apps security settings. worth the sacrifice!. (if anyone reads this. is there a way to put that into any ROM? the permissions editor?) I'd love to install it. but onto the pressing issue.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can do this now with an unrooted Note 3. It's a sort of hidden feature of Android 4.3, but you just need access to an 'activity' called App Ops. There is a handy app in the Play store that creates this link for you:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.appaholics.applauncher
Knox is also a device administrator and to work correctly it needs pretty much all permissions.
That's normal.
Sent from my SM-N9005 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
jeromepearce said:
You can do this now with an unrooted Note 3. It's a sort of hidden feature of Android 4.3, but you just need access to an 'activity' called App Ops. There is a handy app in the Play store that creates this link for you:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.appaholics.applauncher
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. I got it. and started using it can't wait till paranoid brings out a good ROM. or something with full S pen funtionality. and then just install this on Thanks Once again
All this knox talk is funny. What are you really scared of?
NSA? No problem unless you're trying to hide something you should not be doing. If they want to see my search history or see my pics and read my emails, then go for it.
I just simply rooted and removed Knox, lots written about it - the secret agenda is nonsense.
jjbk said:
here is also lots of other non essential stuff. This is Freaking Alarming at the minimum. if no one is worried about this then its very sad! This screams NSA back door!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Of course Knox needs all these permissions - it is, essentially, a virtualised phone OS within a real phone OS.
Without those permissions, it simply wouldn't work!
Regards,
Dave
There is always this conspiracy theory :laugh:
Ppl need to cool down and chill.
foxmeister said:
Of course Knox needs all these permissions - it is, essentially, a virtualised phone OS within a real phone OS.
Without those permissions, it simply wouldn't work!
Regards,
Dave
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There's no question KNOX is a nightmare for enthusiasts. But enthusiasts make up 5% of the market. XDA being the biggest enthusiast site on the web has 5M members; Samsung will sell 250M smart devices this year. The corporate market is probably 25-30% of annual smartphone sales. That's who KNOX is for and so far it's been extremely well received. I know of one company that's issued a mandate that all employees must use Samsung phones equipped with KNOX whether supplied by the company or via BYOD. If that happens enough Samsung's hit a home run with KNOX even if all 5M XDA members buy other phones. KNOX has been so successful LG's doing something similar.
http://www.engadget.com/2013/10/01/lg-gate-enterprise-security/
So ladies and gentlemen, KNOX and its ilk are here to stay.
weedahoe said:
All this knox talk is funny. What are you really scared of?
NSA? No problem unless you're trying to hide something you should not be doing. If they want to see my search history or see my pics and read my emails, then go for it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your mentality sucks. Surely i can expect some kind of privacy on a personal device. Wether im doing something i shouldnt be or not.
BarryH_GEG - is completely right its aimed at Corp users and its very useful. - those that slag it off has no idea what it is and what its used for.
KNOX - is Samsung's version SELinux, since its now standard in Linux Kernel, all variations of Linux will have this feature and Andriod is an variation of Linux.
So if you dont like SELinux you better switch from Andriod smartphones as this will be standard soon no matter which OEM you choose.
weedahoe said:
All this knox talk is funny. What are you really scared of?
NSA? No problem unless you're trying to hide something you should not be doing. If they want to see my search history or see my pics and read my emails, then go for it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Putting KNOX aside, I want to understand your perspective on privacy.
Here's my perspective:
I have nothing to hide nor am I working in politics.
But with this backdoor technology, it IS a serious concern for journalists and honest politicians running against the current corrupted elite establishment.
Who (in the sex obsessed American public eye) will take their cause seriously after the establishment (with the help of NSA DB) releases a phone-sex tape or pictures of drunken high school pics?
In 2008, NSA workers told ABC News that they routinely eavesdropped on phone sex between troops serving overseas and their loved ones in America.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Who's to be the honest watchdog of the establishment if all journalists can be blackmailed with their personal info before they release their reports of establishment corruption?
This is not about something to HIDE.
It's about freedom and democracy.
Do you want your children to inherent a world where they can MAKE A DIFFERENCE or one where THEY CAN NOT??
You do know that Samsung is a Korean company - and a strongly nationalist one to the extent of a General Electric or. General Motors - right?
perosredo said:
You do know that Samsung is a Korean company - and a strongly nationalist one to the extent of a General Electric or. General Motors - right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What does that have to do with whether it will comply with the laws in the country it wants to do business in?
Google a US COMPANY had to comply and censor results in many countries at the request of the foreign gov.
Twitter had to censor the posts of Arab Spring supporters at the request of their govs
BlackBerry a CANADIAN COMPANY had been pressured into releasing encryption keys to the Indian gov to spy on comms.
Samsung wants to do business in your country, does it not?
weedahoe said:
All this knox talk is funny. What are you really scared of?
NSA? No problem unless you're trying to hide something you should not be doing. If they want to see my search history or see my pics and read my emails, then go for it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agreed........... I deliberately take regular photos of my untrimmed white bits just for them.... :laugh:
jonlewi5 said:
Your mentality sucks. Surely i can expect some kind of privacy on a personal device. Wether im doing something i shouldnt be or not.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You better get off the internet now and any social site you might have ever been on. Lots of engines index everything you put out there so even though you think you delete it, its still there......somewhere
klau1 said:
I want to understand your perspective on privacy.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Anyone here's perspective on privacy really doesn't belong on XDA. It's one thing to talk about the impact of KNOX on device development, how to use (or not use) its functionality, and what its impact is to privacy and another to have general privacy discussions that belong on Reddit.
OP's question was asked and answered. KNOX's sweeping permissions are required for it to function. If people feel that KNOX could impact their privacy disable it or send Samsung a message by not buying their products. Just like Samsung's reaction to the negative coverage of Region Lock was to ignore it you can pretty much assume that'll be their position on KNOX too. I use KNOX so if there's some sort of nefarious activity it performs or my data gets compromised I'll report back. That's assuming I'm not captured by the CIA and renditioned to a foreign country and water boarded.
klau1 said:
But with this backdoor technology, it IS a serious concern for journalists and honest politicians running against the current corrupted elite establishment.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What backdoor technology? KNOX?
Unless you are running your own version of a mobile OS, compiled from source and having reviewed all the code to remove any backdoors, you are potentially vulnerable to all sorts of backdoors that Google, Samsung, HTC, Microsoft, Apple, or any other company may have inserted the ROM build you are running. KNOX changes none of this.
Privacy is an illusion, and always has been!
Regards,
Dave

Categories

Resources