Security issue with Car home mode and screen unlock

instrmntuvdeth

New member
Dec 5, 2009
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I use the screen lock pattern to keep buttons from being activated while the phone is it's holster and to keep people from getting into my phone if I lose it. I have found that when my phone is sitting horizontally either in the holster or on my desk it activates car home thereby by bypassing the security lockout. I've found that I only need to hit the home icon to get into my phone.

Is there anyone else with this problem or is it a flaw with this version of android?
 

mjones73

Well-known member
Dec 28, 2009
106
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Strange mine always gives me the security screen when I put it in the actual car dock.

Also sounds like you have magnets in your holster because the screen shouldn't be coming on while it's in it normally.
 

prometheus

Well-known member
Jan 5, 2010
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I know security is a major issue for many people. I don't mean to discount your concerns. However, I think the whole security screen default is rather annoying. I do not like the idea of needing to enter a security pattern, or for that matter even a swipe to "unlock". In fact, I hate having the phone locked. Especially when trying to silence an alarm or notification quickly.

I don't like that The Android OS by default locks the screen and requires a swipe to unlock. I downloaded a third party app to disable this function. It's called "mylock" if anyone's interested.

There is also software available that can remotely diable your phone if it is misplaced. I use "Mobile Defense", it's in beta and could use some improvement. But, it is free. Also, a quick call to your carrier can render a phone virtually unuseable if it is lost.

I do see someone's point that even 5 minutes with an unlocked phone before loss or theft is determined could compromise a lot of sensitive data.

Again, not to discount your valid and appropriate security concerns - but, really - I think security is waaaay overrated when remote disabling software exists and one is mindful of not leaving the phone laying around where security would be compromised, what is the reason for the screen lock at all?

My Droid is either:
1. in my hand
2. in my pocket
3. plugged in on my nightstand right next to me inside a locked house.

The number one security step one can take is to just keep the phone on their person - problem solved. Unless someone actually grabbed it out my hand and ran down the street, I don't see how my data would ever be compromised. AND, if it was grabbed out of my hand, the screen lock would most likely already have been bypassed by me. Why would I EVER want the screen locked?

RE buttons being accidentally pushed: Is this really an issue? Push the top power button to put the device in sleep mode before pocketing or putting in holster. If you do this religiously and do not rely on the screen timeout to engage sleep / lock mode - you'll also benefit from extended battery life as the screen is on for shorter periods of time.
 

mjones73

Well-known member
Dec 28, 2009
106
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My friend made the mistake of leaving hers in a bathroom in a bar for less then 5 minutes, she had sat it down to wash her hands, it was long gone when she went back to get it.

Doesn't take long to have it disappear on you if you inadvertently lay it down somewhere.

Mobile Defense at this point only has the ability to lock your phone (which probably won't work cause you're bypassing it) or set an alarm off on it so you can find it, it can't disable your phone. If you're rooted and install the latest version as a system app, it can also turn on the GPS remotely to help locate it...

You also need quick access to a web browser to use it.
 
Last edited:

prometheus

Well-known member
Jan 5, 2010
675
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My friend made the mistake of leaving hers in a bathroom in a bar for less then 5 minutes, she had sat it down to wash her hands, it was long gone when she went back to get it.

Doesn't take long to have it disappear on you if you inadvertently lay it down somewhere.

Mobile Defense at this point only has the ability to lock your phone (which probably won't work cause you're bypassing it) or set an alarm off on it so you can find it, it can't disable your phone. If you're rooted and install the latest version as a system app, it can also turn on the GPS remotely to help locate it...

You also need quick access to a web browser to use it.

I agree that mobile defense IS basically useless at this point. But, the concept is good and I know it will improve.

True - immediate access to the web is needed in order to make Mobile defense worth anything. Also, without being able to remotely enable GPS location (if it was lost or stolen with GPS off) will NOT help you locate the phone - this is the number one drawback of the app.

Sorry, OP we got off subject there... I think your issue was magnet in the case.
 

PJnc284

Well-known member
Nov 6, 2009
2,163
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move the back of your droid along the front of your case. If the case has a magnet, it'll enable car-mode or home-mode depending on where it's placed. If not, sounds like your phone is a little buggy and may need a factory reset.

Also noticed that security app I'm using (WaveSecure) will prevent you from doing anything. Goes into car or dock mode and hitting the home icon just takes you back to the wavesecure lock screen. It allows remote backup, lock, tracking and wipe. And I believe it's free until the end of January. Phone gets lost, just login to the webapp to send a text message to the phone to lock. You can also make it sound this really annoying alarm.
 
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mjones73

Well-known member
Dec 28, 2009
106
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You think it's a magnet?

The only way one of those modes would come on automatically is if you hit the proper part of the back of the phone with a magnet, that's what the docks have in them to enable the features when you dock the phone.
 
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xliderider

Well-known member
Nov 13, 2009
876
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If the problem is caused by a magnet, download the free app Dock Blocker from the marketplace. I use it with my horizontal leather pouch with a magnetic closure. The Droid will go back into standby after a second or so with Dock Blocker when a magnet comes in proximity of the Droid.
 

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