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Best Android Security App?

tommy_ed

Android Expert
Feb 26, 2010
1,004
145
Just installed Mobile Defense. It's pretty cool, but I'm wondering if there are any better ones out there? I have a couple problems with it:

-You can remotely lock the phone, but when I do and it prompts me for the lock pattern I set up, I can just tap the screen or do any random pattern and it unlocks? I don't like having to do the pattern for everyday use

-The tracking map is obviously very innacurate when GPS is turned off, but I don't like keeping it on because I feel like its a battery drainer. Anyone know of a way to remotely turn on GPS without being rooted?

I would like to see both of these features and possibly something that can display my name and a contact number on the lock screen. Any ideas?
 
Mobile Defense seems weak since the lock patter, as you stated, can be unlockedd by just tapping it.
I use Lookout. It can also track your phone, and also has the option for a virus scanner (which you can disable if you dont like), and it will backup your pictures, call history, etc.
And I found the GPS to be more accurate than Mobile Defense.

-The tracking map is obviously very innacurate when GPS is turned off, but I don't like keeping it on because I feel like its a battery drainer. Anyone know of a way to remotely turn on GPS without being rooted?

This is from Mobile Defense. Dont know how accurate it is... but it got me to leave my GPS on...

For the best location accuracy we recommend enabling both Wireless networks and GPS. Contrary to popular belief, enabling the GPS doesn't actually mean the GPS is consuming any power. GPS will not start looking for signals unless a GPS enabled application is running. This is drastically different from other things such as 3G, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Those three constantly try to seek out signals, and thus consume battery power even when they are not used.
 
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It is true that GPS is only used when called up by an app. My battery usage is the same whether I have GPS turned on or not.

I messed with Mobile Defense yesterday, and it was accurate to within 7 feet. Not sure if you can get more accurate than that with GPS. I'll have to check up on being able to beat the lock pattern. If that is the case, it's time for me to check into others.
 
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how exactly do I go about doing that? lol

I think he just meant to do something like in Microsoft paint, for example, you can do a simple text with your info and save it as an image. Then set as lock screen wallpaper.
Of course, you'll probably want to get more creative so it looks nice.

can I enable the lockscreen remotely with lookout? just downloaded it but I dont see an option for this

No. Lookout doesn't have this option and I don't know of any apps that do. But since Mobile Defense's remote lock screen is pretty useless, that's why I recommended Lookout.
 
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No. Lookout doesn't have this option and I don't know of any apps that do. But since Mobile Defense's remote lock screen is pretty useless, that's why I recommended Lookout.
Okay...just saw this under support:

Due to security changes implemented in Android 1.5 (aka Cupcake), you must set an unlock pattern then use the browser to disable and enable the lock. Otherwise, the phone will accept any unlock pattern.

Gonna try this and report back.

Edit: I got it to work correctly but you have to follow the instructions in the following link to a T. Not sure that the average user would realize this needs to be done.

http://support.mobiledefense.com/viewtopic.php?id=38
 
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I'm pretty sure I did this and it still unlocked by just tapping it.
But let us know if it works for you.

It worked for me when I followed the directions in the post above. You have to follow them exactly as written though.

I use wavesecure. Works well. better on root too.

I'll have to check this one out.
 
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I'm pretty sure I did this and it still unlocked by just tapping it.
But let us know if it works for you.

just followed the directions to a "t" and works perfectly! I've been keeping my GPS on to see if there was a battery difference, seems to be using no more power than usual. The map is accurate as can be, I did satellite view and it showed a blinking dot on top of my house! hahaha man I almost wish someone would steal my phone just so I could catch them! :D this app is f***ing awesome
 
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just followed the directions to a "t" and works perfectly! I've been keeping my GPS on to see if there was a battery difference, seems to be using no more power than usual. The map is accurate as can be, I did satellite view and it showed a blinking dot on top of my house! hahaha man I almost wish someone would steal my phone just so I could catch them! :D this app is f***ing awesome

It's also a great app if you want to keep up with a child or just want to piss off your girlfriend/wife. I was bored one night and decided to activate the alert on my girlfriend's phone. I took an ass beating for that one, and I laughed so hard that I couldn't turn it off. Was worth it! :D
 
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It's also a great app if you want to keep up with a child or just want to piss off your girlfriend/wife. I was bored one night and decided to activate the alert on my girlfriend's phone. I took an ass beating for that one, and I laughed so hard that I couldn't turn it off. Was worth it! :D

LOL that sounds fun but unfortunately my girl has a "dumbphone" so there's not much shennanigans to be had
 
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just followed the directions to a "t" and works perfectly!

It worked for me when I followed the directions in the post above. You have to follow them exactly as written though.

Ok, so it'll work even if i dont use the lock pattern on a daily basis? (sorry, i just quickly read the link)
 
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I would like to see both of these features and possibly something that can display my name and a contact number on the lock screen. Any ideas?

Tommy,

I think Wave secure is definately what you have been looking for... even though you guys figured out mobile defense.

It uses it's own lockscreen... and you can put any message on it you like. Which is what you were looking for. By default, it says this on the screen when you lock it: This phone is being tracked. The owner of this phone will get in touch.
But you can change it and put your personal information for them to contact you.

And in the event that you know the phone is not coming back to you, then it has a wipe feature.
It will wipe all your pictures, contacts, etc. Hopefully I'll never need it:eek:

So far, I'm liking Wave Secure
 
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Tommy,

I think Wave secure is definately what you have been looking for... even though you guys figured out mobile defense.

It uses it's own lockscreen... and you can put any message on it you like. Which is what you were looking for. By default, it says this on the screen when you lock it: This phone is being tracked. The owner of this phone will get in touch.
But you can change it and put your personal information for them to contact you.

And in the event that you know the phone is not coming back to you, then it has a wipe feature.
It will wipe all your pictures, contacts, etc. Hopefully I'll never need it:eek:

So far, I'm liking Wave Secure

thanks cableguy, i'll give it a shot today!
 
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