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Verizon Remote Diagnostics is running on my phone. Why?

Hello, hoping someone can provide some help. I have been noticing my phone - A Droid Razr - slowing down, acting up, homescreen error requiring restart, etc. I saw a program called "Verizon Remote Diagnostic" but didn't think much of it at first. I did a factory reset and things stayed the same. I looked into this App as it is consistently running in my processes. Apparently, the app is a remote desktop that gives Verizon employees ability to access your phone. The list of permissions includes everything, from reading SMS and media, call logs, GPS, the whole works. However, Verizon has stated that it is not a monitoring tool, requires explicit user permission, etc. Here is a brief rundown from a Verizon spokesperson:
“It is a piece of the new software and cannot be removed, but it does not run in the background. It only runs when a customer calls support and gives permission to use it . . . The tool will not run unless a customer gives explicit permission during a call with customer support. If customer support suggests using the tool as a way to diagnose a problem the customer will see a notification on their device after customer support initiates the Verizon Remote Diagnostics tool. A customer will then see a permission request directly on their device along with “terms and conditions” and an “Accept” or “Reject” button. A customer will need to select “Accept” in order for the tool to run. Customers are free to select “Reject” and the tool will not run.
Customers will also be given a 4-digit PIN by customer support and that PIN must be entered in the device by the customer in order for this to work. . . it does not run in the background. It only runs when a customer gives permission to use it.” - I can't post the link to this as I am a new member, but it is available at the droid-life website
I have never called in, never gone into the store other than to purchase the phone, have never given any permission in any way to any Verizon employee, have never even asked a question to Verizon online, in person, over the phone, etc. I have never had an outside tech look at it or send it off for any repairs. So my question is - Why is this app running on my phone? To be clear, it is not just on my phone, I understand that the App is listed in the all apps list, but why is the app actively running on my phone when it is not supposed to without my permission?
The person who set my phone up about a year ago was very creepy and asked me if I had any nude pictures on my phone, or if I wanted to transfer any nude pictures from my old phone to my new phone. When I told him no, he sad "Damn, that ruins me day!" and the other employees laughed and said "damn," Then he spent about 20 or minutes setting it up and making calls on the phone. My concern is that this sleezy rep gave himself access to my phone, because I most certainly did not.
Curiously, the program stops running shortly after I discover it in the running apps list. However, I will check later and it will be running again. This is very concerning. Is there anyway to get more information on this app and why/how it is running? How about a history showing times it was accessed, by what IP address, etc.? I have searched the forum and the internet extensively, but no one else seems to have the program running on their phone. I have a screenshot available if it would help.
Also, and possibly unrelated, is an running app called "Data Offload." I am not sure what it is doing either. Thanks so much for any helpful answers!

yeah this is on my phone as well. had s3 since day it was released but recently replaced the cracked-screen device through Asurion. about to begin the root process and I had to research what this new APK installed was and found your post first. thanks for all the extra detail!

Security to phone, computers, email, entire network is compromised

My question or rather my pleed for answers does not just pertain to android os but I have relied on this site for many answers and have always found a solution just from searching around on here so I know there are very capable members on this site that can help. My problem began over 4 months ago when my home computers were compromised. I assumed it was just a simple virus but soon learned that someone had actually hacked into my home network for what I believe is or was an attempt to retrieve trade secrets. Shortly after i realized that data was being sent to someone through the fax system on my pc and data distribution software had been installed along with a large amount of .dll and legacy items, The admin rights were taken from me and the registry was completely modified which disabled me from having any permissions and kept me from doing anything on the pc. I went out and purchased a new router, got out an older pc, and I put a password of around 20 mixed numbers and letters. 5 minutes after I had set up the new router and pc I noticed through the network map that there was someone else on what I assumed was a secured network. The router was a netgear. First thing I done was change the default password and block any remote access in the network wizard. My next step was to pay the so-called experts (Geek Squad) to solve the security issue. I purchased their 1 month special that entitled me to 1 month of tech support and 3 free pc fixes. after purchasing a windows 7 restore disk I took 3 pc's to a local Geek Squad location to have them restore the Pc's and install what was suppose to be a hack proof software. They only fixed 1 pc, told me the software would keep the hacker out. 5 minutes after i logged into my network here comes all the windows updates (around 50) along with numerous programs. Needless to say I lost my admin rights within an hr. Here we are now, only using cell phones on my network and I am sure the hacker is retrieving my data off of my g vista d6301. My new email that I set up and have only used from the vista has been compromised and although no logins appear in the history but my vista, someone had enabled POP on Dec 28th. I have enabled the developer mode on my phone which allows me to view the process stats. It states that google play service runs 100% and Google Cloud Messaging runs 100%...I have never used any cloud service on this phone. Another thing is that certain system apps that I have never activated are accumulating a decent amount of data. This phone is used only for wifi and has no service plan attached. bluetooth, email, qrtunnel, near field communication all turn on from time to time. Google play also shows something called clearcutlogger running but was unable to find any info on that. I also installed a mic block that has a "spying app catcher" that logs when a app uses your phones mic while the phone is in sleep or idle mode. when the app is on block mic then there are no problems but when I unblock the mic I get countless log entries that an app with net access has gained access to my mic. Its always the same few apps that show up as a potential culprit so I cant pinpoint exactly what app is using the mic. not sure if any of this has anything to do with someone messing around with my phone, just trying to think of some of the things that could help. There is no doubt that this phone along with a pile of now useless computers have indeed been compromised. What I really need help with is how to get this bastard out of my life and secure my network before the new semester begans b/c there is no way I can have my daughter use her new pc on the network knowing its just going to end up like the rest of computers in my new pc graveyard. I know there are quite a few other sites I could have reached out to but there is something about the comradery on this site that has always drawn me to it. 1 more thing fellas, how bout that one touch root for the LG G Vista D6301's? that sure would come in handy right now lol. My apologies for the long read. Any details you need to know to try and help me figure things out, I would gladly assist as long as my knowledge permits.

I understand that the question or article that I posted is quite vast so I will start off with this simple question. Is there a server that I can disable in the LG hidden menu to stop unauthorized use of my GCM, or any other way than simply just disabling Google Play? I have read a couple of recent articles on how hackers are utilizing gcm to gain access to personal info. I just was curious about the server b/c I see many different server acc in the hidden menu such as ATTLABa, Cingular, Mformation, and Funambol. I wasnt sure if these servers or acc could possibly help or be a potential threat.

Sent from my LG-D631 using XDA Free mobile app

Pr1n6/of\Jerusalem said:
My question or rather my pleed for answers .........
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Pr1n6/of\Jerusalem said:
I understand that the question or article ............
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First thing you have to be sure that no one has physical access to your gadgets. Second, find a router suitable to be modified with new firmware from http://www.dd-wrt.com/site/index or https://openwrt.org/.
In case you can buy a hardware network firewall and with proper installation and settings you should be able to keep away any threat.
A good idea would be to use a good VPN service, that way you can add a layer of security on your networking habits.
Lastly, check this thread http://forum.xda-developers.com/general/security/tuto-how-to-secure-phone-t2960077 and if you have any question, ask there.
Good luck

I believe my phone was hacked

I own an Alcatel onetouch 10.16D phone.
I believe my phone was hacked, because it automatically dials some numbers and sometimes I hear it ringing, but there's no one calling me. The phone is new and I haven't used it alot. The phone is not tied to a mobile operator company, it was bought from a regular store, brand new. Is there a way to fix this problem and find out if it was hacked?

whois345 said:
I own an Alcatel onetouch 10.16D phone.
I believe my phone was hacked, because it automatically dials some numbers and sometimes I hear it ringing, but there's no one calling me. The phone is new and I haven't used it alot. The phone is not tied to a mobile operator company, it was bought from a regular store, brand new. Is there a way to fix this problem and find out if it was hacked?
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It may not be hacked just some fault. What numbers is it dialling? Just random from your phone book or only premium numbers? If premium numbers then yes likely a malicious app or you are hacked. Check your bill. But if you only download from Google apps should be pretty safe, so unlikely, but if you have got them from some random website, it's far more likely a bad app. Or do you have to get apps from Alcatel as it's now owned by TCL, some Chinese manufacturers are known to install suspect system apps and update apps remotely without notification, but not sure if Alcatel is one, also Chinese app vetting on their app stores is generally not up to Google standards.
Easiest option, as it's new is probably take it back to the store and claim under warranty if possible, don't mention hacking, just say it's not working properly, which could actually be the case. If they agree say you will bring it back later after you have encrypted & factory reset it (to delete your personal data).
If you really think it was hacked then you should change all your passwords that may be compromised, incl Google and other accounts, as well as any other app ones, preferable from another clean device before entering into your new phone. Also your wifi & router admin passwords etc.
Alternatively you could look for possible signs of hacking. Install & run a good antivirus to check apps. Install an app that shows internet addreses you are connecting to, any suspicions ones? Check your settings, are any apps listed in Device Administrators? Look at what processes are running. Run a root checking app. Unfortunately even if nothing shows none of this guarantees you are not compromised. The easiest way to get rid of some nasties is to do a factory reset (it will delete photos, chats etc). But this may not be enough so best way is to reinstall the full stock rom from Alcatel using your PC, and change all passwords of course as per above. See why I said just change it under warranty if possible :silly:

IronRoo said:
It may not be hacked just some fault. What numbers is it dialling? Just random from your phone book or only premium numbers? If premium numbers then yes likely a malicious app or you are hacked. Check your bill. But if you only download from Google apps should be pretty safe, so unlikely, but if you have got them from some random website, it's far more likely a bad app. Or do you have to get apps from Alcatel as it's now owned by TCL, some Chinese manufacturers are known to install suspect system apps and update apps remotely without notification, but not sure if Alcatel is one, also Chinese app vetting on their app stores is generally not up to Google standards.
Easiest option, as it's new is probably take it back to the store and claim under warranty if possible, don't mention hacking, just say it's not working properly, which could actually be the case. If they agree say you will bring it back later after you have encrypted & factory reset it (to delete your personal data).
If you really think it was hacked then you should change all your passwords that may be compromised, incl Google and other accounts, as well as any other app ones, preferable from another clean device before entering into your new phone. Also your wifi & router admin passwords etc.
Alternatively you could look for possible signs of hacking. Install & run a good antivirus to check apps. Install an app that shows internet addreses you are connecting to, any suspicions ones? Check your settings, are any apps listed in Device Administrators? Look at what processes are running. Run a root checking app. Unfortunately even if nothing shows none of this guarantees you are not compromised. The easiest way to get rid of some nasties is to do a factory reset (it will delete photos, chats etc). But this may not be enough so best way is to reinstall the full stock rom from Alcatel using your PC, and change all passwords of course as per above. See why I said just change it under warranty if possible :silly:
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Hello and thanks. This is a standart mobile phone, not a smartphone. It has no GPS/GPRS, blutetooth or internet. It dials two-digit or one-digit numbers, for example: 9, 82, 83 etc. My bill doesn't look suspicious. The phone has an option which states "Return to factory settings". I did that and the phone is still under warranty. The OS is proprietary. I think it's pretty hard to hack a phone like this, but I could be wrong.

whois345 said:
Hello and thanks. This is a standart mobile phone, not a smartphone. It has no GPS/GPRS, blutetooth or internet. It dials two-digit or one-digit numbers, for example: 9, 82, 83 etc. My bill doesn't look suspicious. The phone has an option which states "Return to factory settings". I did that and the phone is still under warranty. The OS is proprietary. I think it's pretty hard to hack a phone like this, but I could be wrong.
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LOL! I actual have that phone too! (though probably slightly earlier version from about 4yrs ago) still use on occasion when visiting certain countries for instance, I had forgotten it is also a One Touch.
Yes, harder to hack but still possible & not much data to steal from it!
I would now say it's almost certainly a hardware issue as these numbers in one area of keyboard, maybe just some moisture in there or more corrosive contamination from manufacturing eg flux from soldering. So return under warranty.

Unknown activity HTC ONE M9

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!
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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?
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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).
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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.
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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.

Question Active hacker in my phone and this computer Help me

So far he has deleted all the bookmarks that I saved from this site. The phone RCS doesn't work anymore. They can listen to phone call and terminate them and spoof incoming calls. I sent one phone to Samsung to be reviewed. At the end of 3 week review they sent me a check for the phone and I bought another one from ATT and I still have this problem. So I would appreciate it if someone could give me some direction for this Flip 3. I like the phone. I am a engineer and designed a few devices using ESP32's. So I know how to flash. I just need to lock this phone down and I will deal with the computer problem later...

Infections across multiple platforms is almost unheard of... what did Samsung find?

It isn't an infection. They are exploiting both devices. I run Norton 360 on both systems. It only slowed them down. And they are 24/7 on me like ex NSA. They haven't stolen anything but they are malicious. Samsung never said. The only thing that said is to buy a different phone. ATT has a open fraud case open because they saw the Tag phone and I changed the phone number several times like some drug dealer with different sim cards.

I feel like I am in the movie Enemy of the State except I am Will Smith and Gene Hackman rolled up into one.

cjdee1 said:
It isn't an infection. They are exploiting both devices. I run Norton 360 on both systems. It only slowed them down. And they are 24/7 on me like ex NSA. They haven't stolen anything but they are malicious. Samsung never said. The only thing that said is to buy a different phone. ATT has a open fraud case open because they saw the Tag phone and I changed the phone number several times like some drug dealer with different sim cards.
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AT&T has an open fraud case on you... or "them"?
Did malicious things? Losing bookmarks is pretty common and usually has nothing to do with being hacked.
Change Google account and password.
Reset all other accounts the same way on a clean Android. Allow no one physical access to the device and most importantly be careful what you install and download.
Most users don't need a hacker to stalk them; they do it themselves by careless installs and downloads. I'll remind you that XDA is a site filled with hackers... mostly peaceful.

I'm sorry for your troubles, most days hacking isn't needed. Really to get into someone's account these days you need personal information which is freely givin on social media and whatnot. You should get with Google and do a massive security checkup. Change password turn on 2FA...the whole swizzle. If all else fails, create a new account completely separate from the affected account/device and start fresh

I opened the Fraud case. They provided the documentation. This has been going on since last year. There was a white paper that came out in November how the media player was being use to hack in. I deal with this problem every day. One would think they would give up. I have another 20 computers in my office that I am replacing once I get my end under control.

Hmm... maybe move all your info to a new account (make the account on a different IP address so like have a friend make it maybe) cuz from my understanding- the hacker finds you on even a new phone? delete the accounts that are being hacked and uh- idk what else really
delete the apps that are being infected

Purge everything from everywhere and start fresh. Honestly Norton and other programs for virus protection aren't really helpful anymore. I do not see a point in using them when Microsoft does a great job just on their own. It's possible that it could be the cause most of the time anti-virus programs that aren't part of the main OS are the problem

Also another note, anything with a Snapdragon and made for the US is locked down. Means no flashing no anything. Best bet for a device us find a good old phone that has a lot of support and flash anything on it

Dr.Lost said:
Also another note, anything with a Snapdragon and made for the US is locked down. Means no flashing no anything. Best bet for a device us find a good old phone that has a lot of support and flash anything on it
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If you go below Android 9 you will introduce a slew of high risk vulnerabilities including some the worst rootkits. If you're really concerned use the latest version of 12 with fully active scoped storage and the mess that it is...
In general don't use wifi on Androids.
Keep bluetooth off if not using.
Install only vetted apps. Scan with online Virustotal.
Keep all downloads in the download folder until vetted. Scripted malware jpegs, pngs are real and may evaded conventional detection. If they get into a database they will raise hell until deleted; open all jpegs in download folder before transferring them and check for changes in that folder
Keep all email in the cloud, avoid downloading any attachments unless absolutely necessary.
If malware is suspected, delete it or factory reset within 2 hours. Reset passwords.
Time stagger backups so they don't all get infected if there is an incident. Backup redundantly to 2 or more hdds that are physically and electronically isolated from each other and the PC. Use only a known clean PC to access those backups... cross platform malware jumping is rare, cross drive jumping is not.

blackhawk said:
Infections across multiple platforms is almost unheard of... what did Samsung find?
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Click to collapse
Unheard of? Absolutely not, rare on a cell phone, maybe? I don't know really but it is possible especially if OP pissed off the government
Good luck OP

When it comes time to switch to a new phone, ATT should be moving you to a new account with a fresh SIM. Don't transfer anything. Install anything you had fresh and set it up fresh. If they are giving you a new SIM or attaching the new phone to the same account and someone gained access to the account, they're still being fed every new number and IMEI.
As for pictures and stuff, get a USB-C compatible hard drive. Move it to that. Make sure your virus scanner on the computer is updated and either yank the LAN cable or turn off the router before connecting and scanning it. Once it's clean, connect the drive to the new phone and not the computer.
Sounds like someone cloned your ESN and SIM based on what they were doing. Synced items could be manipulated through a PC hack and one good run of the right software with your phone on the same network made it a phone issue.
Oh, and if they didn't or don't already do it, make sure ATT logs your previous devices "lost or stolen" to blacklist the IMEI. That should also make a clone useless for as long as it's a clone.

if you are suspecting a hack, then report to samsung members app > get help > error report asap for help from samsung's hacking issue team

luigi90210 said:
Unheard of? Absolutely not, rare on a cell phone, maybe? I don't know really but it is possible especially if OP pissed off the government
Good luck OP
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Click to collapse
If you download malware files a PC is suspectable to, yes, but generally an infection on an Android doesn't cross platform infect a PC.
It's important to nip any malware in the bud and to isolate that device immediately to limit damage. Any device with malware that I can't erraticate completely within 1 to 2 hours gets nuked, data and all, factory reset. Data is restored then via offline backups.
My PC never has internet access and that's one less huge vector for infection. Even then my backup data drives are isolated from the PC unless in use... multilayered security.
If the DOD, AEC, FBI etc are interested in you, you'll never know it unless they want you to know. When on stake out they always operate as teams. One team is high exposure to gain maximum information and maybe detected but a second picket fence approach team is already in place if the primary team is exposed. Of course they share all knowledge gleaned. The second team you will likely never detect.
Fun fact; field FBI Agents blend in, can be wearing blue jeans, orange vest, 3 piece, anything but low key and drive midrange priced cars that are slightly dirty. The way you ID them is by their behavior and at times location.
If you're not on their menu they may even have a benign friendly conversation with you. They are interesting to chat with.

There is an app on the phone com.qualcomm.atfwd Is that a valid program for this phone. I got my old CDMA phone up on t mobile I had the data turned off because it was useless to me. I came back home and I saw the 2 forks moving. The data was turned on and Norton firewall blocked entry and I had the wifi in airplane mode on the computer. Now I have skills, the average person would never know. This is why I need a phone that I can lock down.
I believe it started with the phone and then I used samsung pc software which hacked the computers that I used. I have all the 25 zip files from one phone before it got a change to load. Anybody interested in them?
The phones have 422 files installed.

cjdee1 said:
There is an app on the phone com.qualcomm.atfwd Is that a valid program for this phone. I got my old CDMA phone up on t mobile I had the data turned off because it was useless to me. I came back home and I saw the 2 forks moving. The data was turned on and Norton firewall blocked entry and I had the wifi in airplane mode on the computer. Now I have skills, the average person would never know. This is why I need a phone that I can lock down.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
WiFi Screen mirroring.

cjdee1 said:
There is an app on the phone com.qualcomm.atfwd Is that a valid program for this phone. I got my old CDMA phone up on t mobile I had the data turned off because it was useless to me. I came back home and I saw the 2 forks moving. The data was turned on and Norton firewall blocked entry and I had the wifi in airplane mode on the computer. Now I have skills, the average person would never know. This is why I need a phone that I can lock down.
I believe it started with the phone and then I used samsung pc software which hacked the computers that I used. I have all the 25 zip files from one phone before it got a change to load. Anybody interested in them?
The phones have 422 files installed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Interested in potentiality infected files?
Wanna do malware jpeg swap?
Seriously... scan them with online Virustotal.

I guess that could start over as a last resort. The funny thing is I don't do anything illegal. Who ever it is will be wasting time and costing me time. I am sure they are getting screenshots but I don't think that they do it live. On the PC I have zero'd out the drive but the bios is another way. It started when I backup the phone using different computers on my network.

cjdee1 said:
I guess that could start over as a last resort. The funny thing is I don't do anything illegal. Who ever it is will be wasting time and costing me time. I am sure they are getting screenshots but I don't think that they do it live. On the PC I have zero'd out the drive but the bios is another way. It started when I backup the phone using different computers on my network.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is the router updated and secured? Lock it down even if you need help to set it up.
On the PC you should try to ID what the malware is and make sure the databases are clean of it before reloading. Protect all backup drives until the PC is known clean.
The bios can easily be reflashed.