Develop Bugs

Track lost phone with GPS?

I know that Android based phones have applications where you can track your phone through GPS software should it ever get lost. Is there such an application for our phones? I'd hate to lose my phone that has GPS capability and not be able to find it. And the thought of losing it and someone else finding it, hack it, and use it for their own personal use would be very more irritating.
And I know that the Motorola CLIQ even has the capability to erase all your stored information on the phone should you lose it to prevent someone from hacking into the phone and retrieving your sensitive information. Again, is there any software for our phones also?

Im Packing said:
I know that Android based phones have applications where you can track your phone through GPS software should it ever get lost. Is there such an application for our phones? I'd hate to lose my phone that has GPS capability and not be able to find it. And the thought of losing it and someone else finding it, hack it, and use it for their own personal use would be very more irritating.
And I know that the Motorola CLIQ even has the capability to erase all your stored information on the phone should you lose it to prevent someone from hacking into the phone and retrieving your sensitive information. Again, is there any software for our phones also?
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Click to collapse
Sprite Terminator:
http://store.spritesoftware.com/?page_id=280

Search the forum, there are already two threads on this subject:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=479257
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=469415&highlight=anti+theft

i personally prefer remotetracker.
i lost my phone b4. n it works fine. i able to track bak my phone.

[email protected] said:
Search the forum, there are already two threads on this subject:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=479257
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=469415&highlight=anti+theft
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Click to collapse
I always do use the "Search" function, but even with sifting through posts I didn't come across the two you listed. Thank you. Maybe I'm trying to be too technical with my searches...

Free web services (and Beta), with "Find" and "Erase" functions, among others:
www.flexilis.com
www.mobiwee.com

I just tried the Maspware GuardsMobile and ended up locking my phone up. It recommended disabling balloon pop-ups and a soft-restart. I allowed that then it gave me errors loading some related tracking.exe file. I tried to enter the default pin and it didn't work. Gave me 3 attempts. After the 3rd attempt the phone was locked! Searched around and came up with nothing. There's not even a guide explaining what happens.
So now I'm forced to reflash the phone and restore my PIM. I do not recommend this program for anyone with cooked ROMs.
I'm going to now play with Ultimate Theft Alert.

Can't find any command lines for Ultimate Theft Alert V35. I don't think I really like it a whole lot as some of the others...think I'll try my luck at Maspware GuardMobile again.

Ok, reinstalled GuardMobile. Activated it (fingers crossed). It recommended disabling the SMS bubbles again and a soft-reset. I let it and amazingly my phone didnt lock up this time when entering the demo password "1234".
I feel much more comfortable trialing this program than Ultimate Theft Alert as they list the commands on their website, and you don't get ANY commands list until you've purchased UTA. So without having any commands to trial the program I will not be purchasing UTA.
Time to play around with MaspWare GuardMobile now...

Ok, just tried to exit GuardMobile and I got the freaking error again!
"An unexpected error has occurred in GuardMobile_TS.exe.
Select Quit and them restart this program, or select Details for more information.
Luckily this time I didn't leave it active while testing. Reset phone and it works. But everytime I try and test the locate or monitor it fails to send SMS. Then I exit the program and it crashes. I'm going to uninstall and forget this program...AGAIN!

Sprite Terminator seems to work so far. Only exception is that I can't use the "Alternate GPS" It doesn't give me a lock on my position and comes up with all ZEROS. Going to keep playing with this.

Had you tried any of the web services I've posted?
They both work fine for me. And they are both free (at least, for now, at Beta stage...).

there's a program called WIMP, i havent tried it yet though

Sprite Terminator works, BUT when it intercepts the SMS code it doesn't text back.
vmiguel said:
Had you tried any of the web services I've posted?
They both work fine for me. And they are both free (at least, for now, at Beta stage...).
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Click to collapse
Haven't tried them...yet, but I've already downloaded the programs and thank you for the suggestions.
moukun said:
there's a program called WIMP, i havent tried it yet though
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Click to collapse
Wimp didn't work receiving SMS codes.

Do any of these programs have a "explode and burn the face off the thief who stole my phone" option?

illmurs said:
Do any of these programs have a "explode and burn the face off the thief who stole my phone" option?
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Click to collapse
Only in the professional edition.

illmurs said:
Do any of these programs have a "explode and burn the face off the thief who stole my phone" option?
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Click to collapse
Well, Flexilis have a "Scream" command, that will make the phone starts playing a rather anoying horn sound, for 30 seconds.
Handy to find a lost device, at least. And to get some atention on a stolen one, but the thief can just turn it off...

Kaspersky Mobile Security 8
Looks like no one has mentioned or tried this software yet.
I've already tried the 1 month trial version and then purchased a 1 year plan which I believe is worth every penny.
It's an anti virus, anti spam, sms and phone blocker and phone locater.
link:
http://www.kaspersky.com/kaspersky_mobile_security?thru=reseller=kmssidebanner3
Features:
Block access to contacts, photos or files on your phone if it is lost or stolen
Get the GPS location of a lost or stolen phone
Encrypt sensitive personal and business data
Remotely wipe your smartphone if necessary
Block unwanted calls and SMSs
Cybercrime and your smartphone
Stop cybercriminals hijacking your smartphone to make money
Block the sending of data to third parties
Prevent corruption of personal data
Hope this helps!

jpijper said:
Only in the professional edition.
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Click to collapse
vmiguel said:
Well, Flexilis have a "Scream" command, that will make the phone starts playing a rather anoying horn sound, for 30 seconds.
Handy to find a lost device, at least. And to get some atention on a stolen one, but the thief can just turn it off...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm might be at least a bit useful like you say - maybe a password to turn off sound will be better?

Well, they are in Beta, so accepting ideas and feature requests... why don't you send them an e-mail?
I'm going to give kaspersky a run, it sounds good.

Mobile security avast beta

Best mobile security for android phone
Description
Full-featured Antivirus and Anti-Theft security for your Androidphone.Protect personal data with automatic virus scans and infected-URL alerts. Stop hackers by adding a firewall (rooted phones). Control anti-theft features with remote SMS commands for: history wipe, phonelock, siren activation, GPS tracking, audio monitoring, and many other useful tools. Your ‘invisible’ app hides itself, making it extremely hard for thieves to find and disable.A standalone yet tightly integrated component of avast! Mobile Security, avast! Anti-Theft is the slyest component on the market. Formerly known as Theft Aware, theAnti-Theft portion of avast! Mobile Security has been recommended byleading industry experts that include T-Mobile, N-TV, AndroidPIT,and Android Police
.avast! Mobilesecurity
Antivirus
Performs on-demand scans of all installed apps and memory card content, as well as on-access scans of apps upon first execution. Options for scheduling scans, virus definition updates, uninstalling apps, deleting files, or reporting a false-positive to our virus lab.
Privacy Report
Scans and displays (grid) access rights and intents of installed apps, identifying potential privacy risks, so you know how much info you arereally providing to each app.
SMS/Call Filtering
Filter calls and/or messages from contact list using set parameters based on day(s) of the week, start time, and end time. Blocked calls redirect to voicemail, while blocked messages are stored via filter log. Also possible to block outgoing calls.
App Manager
Similar to Windows Task Manager, it shows a list of running apps and their size (MB), CPU load, used memory, and number of threads and services – with an option to stop or uninstall.
Web Shield
Part of the avast! WebRep cloud, theavast! Web Shield for Android scanseach URL that loads and warns you if the browser loads a malware-infected URL
.Firewall
Add a firewall to stophackers. Disable an app’s internet access when on WiFi and 3G and roaming mobile networks. (Works only on rooted phones.).
avast! Anti-Theft
App Disguiser
After downloading avast! Anti-Theft,user can choose a custom name that disguises the app (e.g. call it “Pinocchio game”) so that it is even harder for thieves to find and remove.
Stealth Mode
Once anti-theft is enabled, the app icon is hidden in the app tray, leaving no audio or other trace on the target phone – the app is ‘invisible’, making it difficult for thieves to detect or remove.
Self-Protection
Extremely difficult for thieves to remove (especially on rooted phones), Anti-Theft protects itself from uninstall by disguising its components with various self-preservation techniques. On rooted phones it is able to survive hard-resets and can even disable the phone’s USB port.
Battery Save
Anti-Theft only launches itself and runs when it needs to perform tasks. This preserves battery life and makes it very difficult for thieves to shut it down.
SIM-Card change Notification
If stolen and a different (unauthorized) SIM card inserted, the phone can lock, activate siren, and send you notification (to remote device) of the phone’s new number and geo-location.
Trusted SIM Cards List
Establish a ‘white list’ of approved SIM cards that can be used in the phone without triggering a theft alert. You can also easily clear the trusted SIM cards list, to leave the one present in the phone as the only trusted one.
Remote Settings Change
A setup wizard guides the user through the installation process on rooted phones. No command-line knowledge is necessary to install Anti-Theft rooted. Also supports upgrading
.Remote Features
SMS commands provide you the following REMOTE options for your ‘lost’ (or stolen) phone:Siren, Lock, custom Display properties, Locate, Memory Wipe, covert Calling, Forwarding, “Lost” Notification, SMS Sending, History, Restart, and more.
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.avast.android.mobilesecurity

best? never ever. read tests and reviews on the internet. most free antivir software for android is useless because the recognition rate is very poor. 1-3 out of 120 threads were found with the best free anti virus app. I would use a paid version like kaspersky

theq86 said:
best? never ever. read tests and reviews on the internet. most free antivir software for android is useless because the recognition rate is very poor. 1-3 out of 120 threads were found with the best free anti virus app. I would use a paid version like kaspersky
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Poor? Really?
It's the only full mobile security suite that offers working root features. There is a STEALTH option for the app to survive a hard reset, disable usb debugging, siren, GPS, message, forwarding, control and lock the phone all using the anti-theft remote feature.
advanced firewall, virus scanner, web guard, privacy advisor, app management..
It's lightweight on the memory and it looks appealing. What's poor about it?

what's poor? as I said, the recognition rate of viruses and malware. I just read it and saw a documentation in tv. although avast might be not that bad. I use avast for my pc, too and I like it

I've been using Avast on all of my desktops and laptops that i've used for the last 8 years and it never let me down..
I installed it on my phone as well a couple of months back..and it's never let me down too..till me phone wasn't rooted, the firewall option was disabled, but now even that's open..tried it out and i can definitely say its in par with its desktop counter part and way ahead of its paid android competitors..

This is boss.
Sent from my HTC Wildfire S using xda premium

I tried it, and it is the best thing since sliced bread. It does not make my phone lag at all, anti theft works wonderfully, and the detection rate is (apparently did not try it myself ) also very high. If you are like me and you download many APK's from the net, it could just save your phone, or your bank account xD.

koeniekoenie said:
I tried it, and it is the best thing since sliced bread. It does not make my phone lag at all, anti theft works wonderfully, and the detection rate is (apparently did not try it myself ) also very high. If you are like me and you download many APK's from the net, it could just save your phone, or your bank account xD.
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Click to collapse
What he said.

SomeDudeOnTheNet said:
What he said.
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It is a shame that I cannot find the source anymore, but the detection rate was somewhere in the 90%.

I'm sure Avast will have a great detection rate, the problem come in the time between the malware being release and it being detected by the AV software. All companies/products will be affected by this and in that window your phone/computer/whatever can be harmed. Having said that I place my trust in a company with a very good track record of creating AV software and the anti-theft features make it a no-brainer for me. Avast Rocks.

best protection is making nandroid backups every 7 days or so ... and if something goes to hell, just revert, and adio ...
though i have never seen a virus for android, and i hope won't in close future ...

this is a good apps, but unfortunately i need to uninstall it since its blocking connections of viber..

I use avast for my pc!

[Q] Best app to track lost phone?

Hi Guys,
I wanted to know what any of you find to be the best app to find a lost phone. I wanted to know what the best app is to date since things can change over time, and I havent used this type of service for over a year. Some features I'd like are GPS tracking but little to no battery drain, and the ability to sound an alert even when the phone is silent or on vibrate. Thanks for any and all input.

Just me but I use the one that comes with 'Kaprasky Security', it is very accurate in my country of Canada so just try that or wait for other responses
Sent from my HTC Incredible S using xda premium

Cerberus is by far the best.

This is what I use and is the best and has lots features highly recommend.
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.myboyfriendisageek.gotya
Sent from my GNex {GSM} T-Mobile

RogerPodacter said:
Cerberus is by far the best.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I second this. No monthly or annual fees. Just pay $4 one time and it covers up to 5 devices.
Here's some of the features:
It has three ways to protect your device:
- Remote control through the website www.cerberusapp.com
- Remote control via text messages
- SIM Checker (for devices that have a SIM card): you will automatically receive alerts if someone uses your phone with an unauthorized SIM card
Remote control allows you to perform many operations on your device, like:
- Locate and track it
- Start a loud alarm, even if the device is set to silent mode
- Wipe the internal memory and the SD card
- Hide Cerberus from the app drawer
- Lock the device with a code
- Record audio from the microphone
- Get a list of last calls sent and received
- Get information about network and operator the device is connected to
- And much more!
Cerberus automatically enables GPS if it is off when you try to localize your device (only on Android < 2.3.3) and you can protect it from unauthorized uninstalling - more info in the app configuration.
The app works even if the device does not have an internet connection thanks to remote control by sms messages. Also, the SIM Checker feature allows you to know the new number to send texts to, if the SIM card is changed. Texts received and sent for Cerberus remote control will not start any notification and will not appear in the Messages application.
Cerberus does not drain the battery because there is no background service running: it will activate only if there is a remote control request and will stop afterwards.
More features for rooted devices: complete uninstall protection (a thief will be able to delete Cerberus only by flashing another ROM), GPS auto-enabling even on Android > 2.3.3. More info on the website in the Help section.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Check it out.
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.lsdroid.cerberus&feature=search_result#?t=W251bGwsMSwxLDEsImNvbS5sc2Ryb2lkLmNlcmJlcnVzIl0.

ddpacino said:
Hi Guys,
I wanted to know what any of you find to be the best app to find a lost phone. I wanted to know what the best app is to date since things can change over time, and I havent used this type of service for over a year. Some features I'd like are GPS tracking but little to no battery drain, and the ability to sound an alert even when the phone is silent or on vibrate. Thanks for any and all input.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Android Lost can do everything you want and more. Best of all, no fees!

GreatBigDog said:
Android Lost can do everything you want and more. Best of all, no fees!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I used that to find my wife's phone. Did a remote install too as I didn't have it on the device. .. Amazing.
I've heard a lot about Cerberus, but it needs to always be running on your device from what I can see. Can you remote install and configure it only when you need it? If not, that's a pretty dangerous app to allow basically all functions of your phone to be accessed online...

I use avast! Mobile Security. You can install the application and then enable Anti-Theft. Once it's set-up and installed, you can uninstall avast! Mobile Security. (I'm unable to provide links, but they have a webpage that describes the necessary steps better.)
You can then use a bunch of different commands via text message to locate/lock/unlock/etc. your phone. You can specify two phone numbers to be the only phones that can communicate with your device, or you can leave it open. (Commands sent to your device must contain your pin code and then the command.)
The FAQ for the app says it does not run in the background and is only activated when a text command is sent to the phone. (I think this program only works if you're able to receive text messages to your actual number. Not via Google Voice.)

avast mobile security is awesome!

I use cerberus...they have features such a remote recording of video and audio which I don't think is available on SeekDroid which I was on before
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk

I've tried Lookout mobile security, but like Prey a bit better

Another vote for androidlost here!

Phonelocator pro hands down beats them all - check it out
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.rvo.plpro
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium

ddpacino said:
Hi Guys,
I wanted to know what any of you find to be the best app to find a lost phone. I wanted to know what the best app is to date since things can change over time, and I havent used this type of service for over a year. Some features I'd like are GPS tracking but little to no battery drain, and the ability to sound an alert even when the phone is silent or on vibrate. Thanks for any and all input.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can buy a ball of yarn at the hardware store for a few cents. Tie one end to the phone, one end to your wrist.
Never lose the phone.

Avast can get location even if GPS, wifi, mobile data and location service are turned off, if you are rooted. Cerberus can't.

B1ny said:
Avast can get location even if GPS, wifi, mobile data and location service are turned off, if you are rooted. Cerberus can't.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Pretty sure if you allow Cerberus administrator privileges, it can turn on GPS/Wifi/Data on by command...

Pretty sure it can't.
anton2009 said:
Pretty sure if you allow Cerberus administrator privileges, it can turn on GPS/Wifi/Data on by command...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

B1ny said:
Pretty sure it can't.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay... I just tested it now with Cerberus dashboard (online website where you can send commands from) with my phone unlocked right in front of me. Sent command "start tracking" and saw with my own eyes the WIFI and GPS toggles go from OFF to ON. Wifi and GPS still on... Sent command "stop tracking" and WIFI and GPS toggles went from ON to OFF.
---Edit---
Sorry, I was wrong about the administrator privileges, by enabling that, it will allow you to erase your data/sd card remotely. To get WIFI and GPS to turn on when you send the tracking command, you have to push Cerberus to /system/app

I see a flaw in all of this:
Factory reset = GG

convolution said:
I see a flaw in all of this:
Factory reset = GG
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cerberus help page, and I quote:
"I have a rooted device. Can I get additional features?
Yes! If you have rooted your device you can integrate Cerberus into your ROM and get two additional features: complete uninstall protection (Cerberus will even survive a wipe/factory reset) and GPS auto-enabling even on Android 2.3.3 and later. To have these features uninstall Cerberus, then download cerberus.zip, put it on the sd card and install it from recovery. Cerberus is also available on ROM Manager."
Taken from avast! Mobile Security app page, and I quote:
"Self-Protection
Extremely difficult for thieves to remove (especially on rooted phones), Anti-Theft protects itself from uninstall by disguising its components with various self-preservation techniques. On rooted phones it is able to survive hard-resets and can even disable the phone’s USB port."

Security in case of theft etc

What method to ensure you recover your mobile are you using in case of theft etc..?
In my case I lock settings with a pin code by means of an app so that no one can switch off 3G/wifi or erase data whilst I track with android device manager.
Give me your opinions please?

Question How much should i worry about stolen device?

First of all never have lost/stolen phone , but with the new lineageOS on my poco f3 i worried about losing my phone and leting easy access to the thiefs.someone who finds it . Is the lineageOS encryption decent enought? Dont really know how to do the basics for not leaving too easy but i want to know if the default acomplishes that without more tinkering

Can't comment on the security of lineage over other roms, I'm guessing they much of a muchness with encryption.
But, if you're that worried have you thought about an anti theft app such as Cerberus? There may well be other, cheaper options... Cerberus is 5EUR per year. Once installed its a very powerful app, or at least was when I used it years ago. You can hide the app from the app drawer and take other measures to prevent uninstall. Once it's on your phone you can remotely control your device or track it, even take pictures of the person trying to unlock your phone and forward those pics to a backup number or email. You can trigger alarms, lock the device or... Worst case scenario you can remotely wipe the device after logging into your account on cerberus website. I think even if they insert another sim the app being buried/hidden on your phone can email you the new number etc etc. There's a number of commands you can do /send.
Just to add, I'm not affiliated to the app in any way. I used to use it but like you have never lost a phone so gave up on it.
https://www.cerberusapp.com/

thanks for the info , been out from custom roms for a while and i forgot that app for complete

LineageOS uses a decent encryption as long as you choose a strong password. I would't worry as long as your not the target of a government
A decent password is very important tho!