ROOT Security

[lyoung2010]

I just read a article about rooting and how accounts' passwords are vulnerable to a hacker. I also have Superuser app and Lookout Mobile app on my phone. Am I ok with monitoring what app has root permission with Superuser and detecting malware with Lookout Mobile? Or do I need more?

 

[jdbower]

Detecting malware is never good enough, by the time it's in anti-virus software it's out in the wild and has already infected countless systems (whether they're phones or computers). Some tips to stay safe:

1. Don't rely on Lookout to protect you. This doesn't mean uninstall it, but don't assume you're safe just because it's running.
2. Pay attention when an application is asking for permissions. Internet access and location are pretty standard for ads, but can a game send SMS messages? Can a wallpaper app make phone calls?
3. Why are you rooted? Do you need to be rooted? Do you need to be rooted all the time? If you don't need to be root, don't do it. If you do need to be root, pay very close attention to the apps that request it. A game should never do so, and only a handful of apps really have a good reason for it.

 

[terpitude71]

the biggest thing is to make sure you know what is being installed on your phone. when you install an app from the market, the market shows you everything that app will be able to do on your phone. read these. if you are sideloading an app, make sure its a reputable app that is trusted amongst the community if it is an app you are unfamiliar with.

 

[lyoung2010]

thanks! really appreciate the tips..
#3 tip from jdbower is interesting. You asked do I need to be rooted all the time..well I use z4root and was wondering since it has an option to easily unroot my phone, should I and is it safe to keep rooting and unrooting my phone only if needed?

Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk

 

[terpitude71]

thanks! really appreciate the tips..
#3 tip from jdbower is interesting. You asked do I need to be rooted all the time..well I use z4root and was wondering since it has an option to easily unroot my phone, should I and is it safe to keep rooting and unrooting my phone only if needed?

Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk

in all seriousness, there is absolutely no need to go between rooting and unrooting constantly. its not like leaving your phone rooted is the equivalent to leaving your front door open. only apps that need root access take advantage of your root capabilities.

 

[jdbower]

in all seriousness, there is absolutely no need to go between rooting and unrooting constantly. its not like leaving your phone rooted is the equivalent to leaving your front door open. only apps that need root access take advantage of your root capabilities.

Only if you assume zero bugs in the Superuser application and no accidental click-throughs when people dismiss the popup window. That said, I don't bother to unroot when I don't need it but I also pay closer attention to the permissions I grant my apps than most.