Deleting my google account

[Android Central Question]

I’ve lost my phone for good now. I’ve accepted that lol. But to avoid information being hacked, I’ve stored sensitive files in my secure folder. It’s locked with a keypad pattern. I’ve also remote data wiped my phone and left it a few days before logging back into my google account an deleting the account. I was under the impression that would delete everything associated with my phone including all that’s in the secure folder? Am I right I’m thinking that? Thanks in advance

 

[mustang7757]

Hi, welcome to Android Forums

I'd like to recommend creating a account so me or other members can assist you, as guest have limitations in replying here and if we need further Information to communicate with you.

I'll provide a link to register, please come back to your post so we can further assist you . Thank you

https://forums.androidcentral.com/showthread.php?t=409154

 

[mustang7757]

Yeah it's like a factory reset , plus if someone tries to use it it's still security locked to your Google account.

 

[rs89]

Okay. But if I have deleted the google account that will just erase everything? So it’s unhackable now?

 

[mustang7757]

Okay. But if I have deleted the google account that will just erase everything? So it’s unhackable now?

Yeah your good

 

[rs89]

Great! And lastly. What if the person never turns the phone on but instead tries to connect it to some hacking device to pull all the data off? Is that a thing?

 

[mustang7757]

Great! And lastly. What if the person never turns the phone on but instead tries to connect it to some hacking device to pull all the data off? Is that a thing?

If they could accomplish that , buy them a beer

 

[rs89]

Perfect. It’s amazing that something so secure is available to the general public in this day an age. You’ve been great

 

[mustang7757]

Perfect. It’s amazing that something so secure is available to the general public in this day an age. You’ve been great

Your welcome, welcome to the forums!

 

[Mooncatt]

Deleting the Google account alone isn't likely to erase anything on the phone besides logging out of Google related apps. Someone else wouldn't be able to get into gmail, for instance, but would still have access to files stored on the phone (if there wasn't a screen lock) and SD card.

If I'm understanding correctly, you had files in a password protected folder plus did a remote wipe before deleting the Google account. "Secure folders" may or may not be truly secure, depending on the app used to control it. A lot of third party apps only do something like rename the files and put them in a hidden folder but don't actually encrypt them. That would take about two seconds for a hacker to find. Since you did the remote wipe, I still wouldn't worry, as that would not only erase the phone but also enable factory reset protection.

Deleting your Google account was likely overkill, as FRP wouldn't allow anyone to access the phone until your Google account info was entered during the next setup to verify ownership of the phone. And if that wasn't enough, phones today have their internal storage encrypted by default, so there would be no recoverable data even if FRP was not enabled.

As you may have guessed by now, there's a down side to deleting your account. If you happen to find your phone again and FRP is enabled, it may not let you back into it due to not having an account anymore. That's not a situation I've seen addressed before, but hopefully one of the other members can fill us in on your options in this situation.

 

[rs89]

Yeah the files were in Samsung’s own secure folder, which I’m told is fully encrypted with “Knox” a military grade encryption folder. The google account is already deleted anyway and I’ve no chance of getting the phone back lol. But sounds like whoever has it won’t have a chance at getting any information. Even an experienced hacker?

 

[mustang7757]

Yeah the files were in Samsung’s own secure folder, which I’m told is fully encrypted with “Knox” a military grade encryption folder. The google account is already deleted anyway and I’ve no chance of getting the phone back lol. But sounds like whoever has it won’t have a chance at getting any information. Even an experienced hacker?

Your definitely good..

 

[Mooncatt]

Yip, should be fine.

 

[rs89]

Thanks guys. Just my luck I’ll get the phone back after all and have lost everything. oh well, it was only nuclear launch codes haha joke lol

 

[mustang7757]

Your welcome!