Sorry for the shameless self promotion. But my Security app Root Defense has been thoroughly tested on the Nexus 7 and unlike any other security app out there, it will allow you to continue to track your phone even if it gets wiped or a hard-reset by a thief.
It's almost impossible to lose your phone and it's completely free.
It requires that your phone be rooted (as most peoples are on XDA)
Please try it out and rate and comment on Google Play if you like it.
The Google Play page can be found here:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.unfairware.rootdefense&feature=search_result#?t=W251bGwsMSwyLDEsImNvbS51bmZhaXJ3YXJlLnJvb3RkZWZlbnNlIl0.
The XDA homepage can be found here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1775488
chetstriker said:
Sorry for the shameless self promotion. But my Security app Root Defense has been thoroughly tested on the Nexus 7 and unlike any other security app out there, it will allow you to continue to track your phone even if it gets wiped or a hard-reset by a thief.
It's almost impossible to lose your phone and it's completely free.
It requires that your phone be rooted (as most peoples are on XDA)
Please try it out and rate and comment on Google Play if you like it.
The Google Play page can be found here:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.unfairware.rootdefense&feature=search_result#?t=W251bGwsMSwyLDEsImNvbS51bmZhaXJ3YXJlLnJvb3RkZWZlbnNlIl0.
The XDA homepage can be found here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1775488
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does it try to connect to every available wifi network around it? Like if it's not connected after being stolen and detects a wifi network will it connect to it and send data?
atticusmas said:
Does it try to connect to every available wifi network around it? Like if it's not connected after being stolen and detects a wifi network will it connect to it and send data?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, but thanks for the suggestion. It currently caches data offline and as soon as a WiFi or cellular connection is made, the application uploads the data.
This is fantastic
Would it be possible to log which apps are used on the device?
I'm currently trialling Airwatch for a project I'm working on for a fleet of phones and tablets. From what I've tested so far, I'd like to recommend a switch to your solution.
Looks pretty cool. I just bought Cerberus, but would give this a go if I hadn't done that.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2
I'm still a fan of lookout
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2
This looks very impressive!
What I want to know is HOW does it work??
Billy
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2
looks like a good product. Will give it a try. Contrary to what you have said, other apps CAN survive a system reset or wipe of the phone. you can also embed Cerberus in the rom so that it survives a system reset and you can also hide it and make it look like a system app in the tasks list.
What i like about this product though is how it can track calls, and sms etc. Though this does obviously raise some privacy concerns with all this info being stored on a third party server.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium
---------- Post added at 11:10 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:06 AM ----------
Jeepfreak, It embeds itself in the system so that it is treated as if it is a program that came with the phone or tablet. In effect, it injects itself into the rom of the phone (hence the need do root to install). this way out will still be they if you reset the phone.it will not survive the rom being replaced though i assume, which is the same limitation on other apps of this type.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium
Im a fan of lookout, had no problems but my trial is running out and not sure how good the free version is.
uberNoobZA said:
does obviously raise some privacy concerns with all this info being stored on a third party server
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd rather have my device stolen and wiped than trust a third party.
At £200 the N7 is almost disposable.
Looked at the title and thought... Avast... happy with it, and have no plans on losing something this big. I have mine in an auto on/off case. If the secret code isn't entered in 15 seconds, my N7 starts smoking and disintegrates.
New version just released, check our main thread for details.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1775488
Version 3.1 released!
Change log includes:
* Fix for calls not being recorded bug
* Fix for auto-update can cause auto-uninstall of itself.
* Fix for phones not attaching after install
To ensure your auto-updater is working probably and you weren't affected by the auto-uninstall of program from update bug, please download the latest version from our first post or directly from the market.
Cerberus does the same and has longer history.....so many features....
maysider said:
Cerberus does the same and has longer history.....so many features....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No it doesn't, Cerberus tries to save money by not having a database store your information. This is one of the major differences.
What this means to the end user is the following:
If your battery is dead or the phone is off, you cannot see where your phone was a little while ago or see any of your logs. The map will show the location of the last time you manually told it to check and logs will only pull if the device is on.
Root Defense Keeps a copy online and automatically updates background info. This means you'll be able to see where it was right before the battery died or was turned off. Also, all the logs would still be available to look at.
Another major difference is that Cerberus only sends a copy of your SMS or calls logs where Root Defense records them in real time. This is pretty major because if I have Cerberus on my kids phone and they call or text someone they shouldn't, they just have to delete the message of call log and Cerberus would never know. With Root Defense logs can't be wiped.
This is useless, unless your N7 is taken back to a wifi hotspot you have previously allowed it's not going to report back.
Nice idea but only useful for phones
If I stole a N7 the first thing I would do is wipe the rom.
This will only catch a complete idiot and you would be one too for letting your N7 out of your sight.
No security software of this type will be any good unless CWM finally gets password locking.
Shame on the OP for spamming his app when he's already got a dedicated thread for it.
hoosbude said:
This is useless, unless your N7 is taken back to a wifi hotspot you have previously allowed it's not going to report back.
Nice idea but only useful for phones
If I stole a N7 the first thing I would do is wipe the rom.
This will only catch a complete idiot and you would be one too for letting your N7 out of your sight.
No security software of this type will be any good unless CWM finally gets password locking.
Shame on the OP for spamming his app when he's already got a dedicated thread for it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is pretty harsh, the OP can post anywhere it is appropriate.. and this is one of those places. Also, you overestimate the intelligence of criminals- half of the people on XDA can't flash a rom, why would a random criminal know how? How to go into settings and perform a full wipe maybe.. but that would leave the software on the device.
Eventually they will connect to internet.
Cerberus and avast (and other apps I am sure) can also survive wipe / hard reset. As long as the rom is not flashed, the app stays installed. Cerberus stores very little data which is why it has a once off cost only.
Different pricing models provide different services. At their core, all of these types of apps do pretty much the same thing, but let's try and stick to the facts when saying which can and which can't do things.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium
Related
In my previous Samsung Galaxy S phone, there was a great feature where you can enable mobile tracking so if your phone gets stolen, it can track the location of the phone and I think locks it/wipes it/etc
Unfortunately, this galaxy nexus doesn't seem to have that option (though its by samsung!).
I know of a few mobile tracking app, but anyone recommend a good one? preferably something that a simple wiping of the phone won't stop it (not hopeful on that one, but thought I ask!)
Thanks
SeekDroid is what I have installed and it works quite well. It's not going to survive a hard reset (there seems to be a way mentioned around to change it to a system app, and it might survive the factory restore, but I've not tried it), and it certainly won't survive if someone flashes a new ROM. I'd say give it a shot though, it's worked well from my admittedly limited testing.
I use prey on all my devices. Simple and easy
http://preyproject.com/
jvvpc said:
I use prey on all my devices. Simple and easy
http://preyproject.com/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1
10 chars
Last night I noticed Play asking me to update an app called Smart Device Manager. Having no idea what the app was, or why it was on my phone, I read the description:
OVERVIEW
Smart Device Manager is an app that runs on the “child” phone in order to power two family safety services on the Sprint Network, Drive First and Mobile Controls. These services allow parents to automatically lock a phone when driving or to prevent phone usage during school hours.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
With a bit more searching, it looks like it's a background utility that comes preinstalled on our phones. It's a helper for parental controls to manage what your children (or employees, I suppose) are doing, as well as lock your phone when you're driving to discourage talking or texting while driving. Accomplishing this requires some pretty nasty permissions. Granted, it's obviously not CIQ, and it shouldn't be doing anything at all unless you activate and pay for the appropriate services, but I still don't want it on my phone, if for no other reason than it may be using up some juice.
It appears there was some sort of bug with the change to Google Play that prompted many (everyone?) with the app to update it, even though you have no reason to update it unless you're actually using the service(s) (Source). As it's a system app, you can uninstall it with Titanium if you are rooted. I've done so and it hasn't hurt anything thus far.
Just figured I'd let a few people know what was up, in case they get the notification as well. And if it's already common knowledge, *shrug* I guess I wasted a few minutes of my life
interesting...
Just read about this.
http://phandroid.com/2012/03/28/spr...are-to-android-devices-heres-how-to-avoid-it/
Thank goodness for custom roms and their bloatware removal.
What's weird is that I'm running Blazer Rom, have never installed this service and google play is reminding me every day that I need to "upgrade it."
Somehow must have been left in Blazer.....
wotan2525 said:
What's weird is that I'm running Blazer Rom, have never installed this service and google play is reminding me every day that I need to "upgrade it."
Somehow must have been left in Blazer.....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think it's a Sprint/Google agreement that is going to show up in our market suggestions no matter what ROM we run, the key is just ignore the suggestion and don't install.
Thanks for the info. I missed this one when I was getting rid of the bloatware. Even if it's not activated on my end, I'd rather not give them one more route of easy access to controlling my device. I suppose it's a good feature for parents/employers, but can you imagine if service providers started shutting down your phone (essentially airplane mode) if your were traveling over a certain speed?
You can delete this from system/app and it will stop alerting you in the market. Its actually labelled smartdevicemamager.apk in system/app.
Edit: Pointless post. Sorry.
When i had this app on it would give me slow data then i disable it and now i have full speeds
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium
Sycobob said:
Last night I noticed Play asking me to update an app called Smart Device Manager. Having no idea what the app was, or why it was on my phone, I read the description:
With a bit more searching, it looks like it's a background utility that comes preinstalled on our phones. It's a helper for parental controls to manage what your children (or employees, I suppose) are doing, as well as lock your phone when you're driving to discourage talking or texting while driving. Accomplishing this requires some pretty nasty permissions. Granted, it's obviously not CIQ, and it shouldn't be doing anything at all unless you activate and pay for the appropriate services, but I still don't want it on my phone, if for no other reason than it may be using up some juice.
It appears there was some sort of bug with the change to Google Play that prompted many (everyone?) with the app to update it, even though you have no reason to update it unless you're actually using the service(s) (Source). As it's a system app, you can uninstall it with Titanium if you are rooted. I've done so and it hasn't hurt anything thus far.
Just figured I'd let a few people know what was up, in case they get the notification as well. And if it's already common knowledge, *shrug* I guess I wasted a few minutes of my life
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
updated it last night as well running blazer 4.0, didn't know what it was just don't like "updates available" popping up on boot
Sent from my SPH-D710 using XDA
I just deleted it through titanium backup
Sent from my SPH-D710 using Tapatalk
Codename havent ever seen it lol
Sent from my SPH-D710 using XDA
More info here:
http://community.sprint.com/baw/thread/87271?start=0&tstart=0
Sprint reps said the service has always been on the phone but the recent Google Play Store update caused the update to show up. Supposedly Location Labs (the company created the software) is looking into why it is showing up as an update....
Link is already in the OP
So I left the office to walk to the train station, with my phone in my pocket. The phone is completely stock, unrooted, with a pin lock screen, per corporate IT standards.
I pull out my phone at the train station, and notice it is rebooting. Weird, I think, but it's happened before so I didn't think much of it. But when it finishes booting up, I notice that the lock screen is different with no pin pad. I unlock, and see that the phone has done a hard reset, and wiped everything. I have now lost a bunch of important text messages and call logs, as well as all my settings.
I am beyond livid right now, and honestly feel like ripping someone at Samsung and/or Sprint's head off.
That being said, I am afraid to touch anything, in case there is a way to undo this. I tried doing some searching, but couldn't come up with anyone with the same issue on this phone.
Can anyone speak to why this happened and if I'm totally screwed?
sometimes when phones are stolen the original user if they have the right apps installed they can do a remote wipe.... although I have no explanation of what happen to your phone though
Sent from my SPH-D710 using Tapatalk 2
im0rtalz said:
sometimes when phones are stolen the original user if they have the right apps installed they can do a remote wipe.... although I have no explanation of what happen to your phone though
Sent from my SPH-D710 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well I bought this phone directly from a Sprint store, so can't imagine that would be it... I thought maybe for some reason the Good app (what I use for work) could have been used to initiate a remote wipe, but there's no good reason that tech would have done that without consulting me.
Chief85 said:
Well I bought this phone directly from a Sprint store, so can't imagine that would be it... I thought maybe for some reason the Good app (what I use for work) could have been used to initiate a remote wipe, but there's no good reason that tech would have done that without consulting me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Check with your IT folks and make you're an isolated case. If you are, then they, or Sprint need to provide an answer.
We set those permissions on personal devices (not company owned) , and if the user agrees to access company resources, and if you haven't subscribed or installed a third party app for your own protection, then it narrows it down.
There are documented restarts on the Sprint active issues page but not seeing any hard resets on its own..
MoHoGalore said:
Check with your IT folks and make you're an isolated case. If you are, then they, or Sprint need to provide an answer.
We set those permissions on personal devices (not company owned) , and if the user agrees to access company resources, and if you haven't subscribed or installed a third party app for your own protection, then it narrows it down.
There are documented restarts on the Sprint active issues page but not seeing any hard resets on its own..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just gave them a ring, and they said that absent me reporting the phone stolen/missing, or termination of employment, they would never initiate a remote wipe without first consulting me. God help the Sprint person that has to deal with me in 5 minutes.
you could have a bug in your software do a factory reset.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using Tapatalk
---------- Post added at 11:53 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:51 PM ----------
no way you could bring it back unless you had software backuping to your sd card or a server. So start using something like evernote and dropbox and ect..... .
Sent from my SPH-D710 using Tapatalk
actually if your sms were being stored on your internal storage you might be able to retrieve it with sms recovery for windows
I recently thought I had lost my phone but I had just misplaced it at home. Because I had powered it off I was unable to locate it by making it ring and I thought it had been stolen.
Unfortunately, I hadn't set a lockscreen pin or installed a security app to help locate and control my phone remotely so my phone was totally unprepared for the situation.
I hurridly set about changing sensitive passwords using my laptop then I tried to remotely install a security app called "Android Lost" and when I eventually found my phone the app was automatically installed but did not work because it needs to be run and activated.
So, I have learned my lesson from this experience and I have now set a lockscreen password PIN and installed and registered "Android Lost".
Now if I really lose my phone I am not completely helpless and I will not power it off unless it is on charge.
I hope my experience acts as a warning to others who have not taken phone security precautions.
Yeah that's basically the first thing I did with the Nexus 4, I ended up going with Cerberus which was about $4aud for a account which I can use on my two previous phones and tablet should I decide to take it away since the Nexus doesn't have USB OTG support.
Does basically everything, my most wanted feature was the invalid pin/pattern photo, where if you put the wrong pin/pattern in it'll take a photo & Email it to me.
Thankfully haven't needed to put it into action but I make sure to test it after each ROM upgrade just in case it doesn't work.
I think the app "Plan B" will work in that situation. Never tried before though.
Using "Wheres my droid" myself.
parker09 said:
Yeah that's basically the first thing I did with the Nexus 4, I ended up going with Cerberus which was about $4aud for a account which I can use on my two previous phones and tablet should I decide to take it away since the Nexus doesn't have USB OTG support.
Does basically everything, my most wanted feature was the invalid pin/pattern photo, where if you put the wrong pin/pattern in it'll take a photo & Email it to me.
Thankfully haven't needed to put it into action but I make sure to test it after each ROM upgrade just in case it doesn't work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your informative reply. I've switched from "Android Lost" to Cerberus which looks better.
Cerebus, Android lost or where's my droid?
I tried Cerberus because of all the positive comments I had seen on xda. I can personally say it is by far the best one out there. I've used seek droid, where's my droid and nearly all of them but Cerberus just seems to do more
Sent from my Nexus 4
ltylty123 said:
I think the app "Plan B" will work in that situation. Never tried before though.
Using "Wheres my droid" myself.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Plan B doesn't work on 4.0+
I use Cerberus.
parker09 said:
Yeah that's basically the first thing I did with the Nexus 4, I ended up going with Cerberus which was about $4aud for a account which I can use on my two previous phones and tablet should I decide to take it away since the Nexus doesn't have USB OTG support.
Does basically everything, my most wanted feature was the invalid pin/pattern photo, where if you put the wrong pin/pattern in it'll take a photo & Email it to me.
Thankfully haven't needed to put it into action but I make sure to test it after each ROM upgrade just in case it doesn't work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I use Cerberus as well (got it for free quite some time back when the developer was having a "free for life" weekend special). Also, it's worth mentioning that once bought you can use it on up to 5 devices (which is great if you have multiple phones).
In addition to doing what is quoted above it also lets you do all kinds of things in the web interface. From locking the SIM to tracking the phone's location over a given time period to being able to pull up call and text logs. All of that in addition to the usual features of locating your phone (via GPS) and setting off an alarm (that is insanely, and occasionally scary, loud).
I highly recommend it to my friends and family members. Definitely think you should give it a go. If I hadn't gotten it for free I would gladly have paid for it. Never had to use it (beyond showing off its capabilities to people looking for a security app), but it gives me peace of mind knowing it just works (and does so after ROM flashing).
Also, if you have root and enable it as a device administrator it'll do quite a bit more. From locking your phone to remote wipes to uninstallation protection (of course a complete wipe from recovery will beat that, but there's only so much you can do or not do in that case).
I like the way Cerberus can take a picture of someone trying to crack the lock screen pin and email it. I wonder how difficult it is to get past a screen lock pin?
How big is the impact of Cerberus on battery life guys?
Lexus fan said:
How big is the impact of Cerberus on battery life guys?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Almost no impact at all
Anyone using avast?
I just got my Nexus 4 and have yet to setup a security app. I used Prey on my last phone and it seemed pretty good. Anyone know how it compares to these other apps?
Lexus fan said:
How big is the impact of Cerberus on battery life guys?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No impact at all. Since the app doesn't run until you manually send commands from the web interface. And even then the app doesn't really "run" per se. There's no visibility at all it's even there, minus the icon in the app drawer. (And you can even hide the app and make it so it's only accessible by dialing a certain code from the phone dialer.)
i want to install these 'lost my phone' apps but dont they really drain the battery and you have to turn on gps and location settings on? also if the thief who steals your phone will read up on how to reflash and wipe the phone? it will render these apps useless
I've been using Cerberus for some time now and it's absolutely perfect! Every part of it functions just as it's intended to and the app has practically no impact on battery life. Great stuff!
elbel86 said:
I just got my Nexus 4 and have yet to setup a security app. I used Prey on my last phone and it seemed pretty good. Anyone know how it compares to these other apps?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was using prey, but thanks to this thread I just switched to Cerberus - much better deal, interface, and functionality - plus a couple extra features if rooted. Totally worth the USD4.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium
Leaving my GN3 in a cab sucked.
I want to make sure that I take every measure to prevent this from happening again - the best app to track it, scary message engraved on the case - ANYTHING that will help me hold onto this thing for longer this time. I had it for less than 5 months.
I am very open minded.
Remember those chain wallets from the 90s? Should find a case like that.
Sent from my SM-G900T using Tapatalk
Karma will give the justice on your lost GN3.
noobtoob said:
Remember those chain wallets from the 90s? Should find a case like that.
Sent from my SM-G900T using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
lol. I gotta get one of these.
What is the preferred app for this kind of thing, something paid, or am I good with the Android Device manager?
GOTYA best app
Sent from my SM-G900T using Tapatalk
GOTYA not bad, costs $3
chuko303 said:
GOTYA best app
Sent from my SM-G900T using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nice! Thanks I needed that
Avast Anti-Theft / Android Lost / Cerberus / Tencent Security are very good too.
And also there's an app that alerts you if the phone lost connection to a pre-set bluetooth device (for example your headset), unfortunately I don't remember the name.
If you got your phone on Jump it already comes with Lookout advanced for free.
There are a variety of accessories which go in your wallet or on a keychain that connect to the phone via Bluetooth LE. If your phone is separated from the Bluetooth device, then the phone and or the device will sound an alarm. This way you'll realize immediately when you are separated from your phone.
It's a more expensive option, but you can setup the same thing with pretty much any smartwatch.
---------- Post added at 12:45 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:37 PM ----------
I'm not sure if it would require root, but I'm sure it would be possible to set it up so that upon losing the Bluetooth LE signal, the phone locks and immediately starts broadcasting it's location to a server. That would maximize your odds if recovery...
I know that lookout will ping the phone's location when it's battery is low. The great thing about Android is that pretty much anything you can think up is possible, so I'd be surprised if someone somewhere hasn't already setup exactly what I mentioned.
I use Lookout. It's found my phone more than once, and has a lot of great features, but you know Google has a phone finder built into Android, so I would use that by default. Just make sure it's enabled under Security, Device administrators, Android Device Manager. You can track/locate it from here: https://www.google.com/android/devicemanager
I have avg mobile antivirus it has an anti theft feature that allows you to send yourself a text to lock phone you can log onto a web browser and track phone if someone replaces sim with new one it can be set to lock pjone and request pin to unlock it as well as sending you an email with sim card serial number and I think telephone number etc.. read up on it I installed it to each one of the phine in my home.
Sent from my SM-N900T using Tapatalk
avg security feature looks good
best bet is cerberus and intalled as a system app so if people do reset the phone the app wont get delete