Ask Slashdot: How Can I Protect My Android Devices From Hackers?

A reader writes "My Android phone (an unrooted OptimusV running 2.2.2) and my Android tablet (Arnova 7g3 running 4.1) have been subjected to hacking via either 'forced Bluetooth attack' or through the Wi-Fi signals in the home where I currently rent a room. I got an Android phone at the start of this year after my 'feature phone' was force Bluetooth hacked hoping for better security, yet I still have major security issues. For instance, my Optimus's Wi-Fi again shows an error, although I am sure that a hack is causing this since when I reset the device when it's out of range from this home's signal the Wi-Fi works fine. And now the tablet (as of recently) can't access this home's open Wi-Fi, though it works fine when at other outside hot-spots. So, my question is: Are there any good (free?) security apps out there that would actually prevent this from occurring? It's not like I'm doing nefarious things on the internet, I just want to keep it private."

open WiFi?

[Anonymous Coward]

if you don't use bluetooth turn it off; as for wifi there are lots of reasons why it won't work (overcrowded airspace, microwaves that interfere, etc). If you are not using WPA2; then you need to upgrade. I would try changing the channel your wifi is on as well (e.g. if it is 6 now, go to 1 or 11)

A few tips....

[abhi2012]

1. Put bluetooth in invisible mode unless you require somebody to find it. 2. Don't put the devices you add on auto send/receive. 3. Try putting an antivirus with a firewall. There are quite a few on the market. 4. Ask the network admin (of the WiFi at your home) to disallow listing of devices on the network. I suppose that should get you started.

Some tips:

[kiriath]

Be wary of "any ol' bob's" android distro. Try to stay mainstream and stay up to date. If you're not using bluetooth, turn it off. If your vendor's version of Android isn't as secure as it could be complain with much loudness, if you don't get satisfaction switch vendors.

Your Wifi issues seem to me to be related more to your AP than the devices themselves. Perhaps try a different AP/Router?

I'm not sure how you could be sure a hack is causing a Wifi error. Even if it popped up and said "Hi! Your wifi is disabled because we're haxoring you" I'd be skeptical. You should try some of the mainstream android support forums with that and see what they say.

Good luck!

Short-range attacks

[Anonymous Coward]

If the vectors you're being "hacked" through are BlueTooth or WiFi, it would seem that they're both occurring from fairly close to your physical location. Maybe you should figure out which of your housemates is hacking your devices and take appropriate action.

You're blocked.

[drakaan]

Correlation is not causation.

You assume that since you were hacked via bluetooth before at a particular place (maybe) that since your connection to an unsecured wifi hotspot (!!! seriously? you're *really* worried about getting hacked but you're connecting to an open wifi connection?) doesn't work, it must be because of hacking.

Most routers have the ability to allow specific MAC addresses to connect, and to deny connections to MAC addresses not in that list. My guess is that's what's going on...hard to say, since you didn't mention whether you spoke to the person who pays for the internet connection associated with the previously-mentioned wireless access point.

Umm...

[Anonymous Coward]

I think your problem is the "Open WiFi" in your house instead of your device. Maybe it's too overloaded to actually provide service with everyone using it.

Ask your housemates to secure the wifi connection or don't use it.

blocked MAC adresses

[backwardMechanic]

Maybe he's being blocked because it's not his access point?

Re:Try..

[Lumpy]

Knowing the phone and the OS level, It's not being hacked. it's the craptastic phone and out of Date OS.

2.2.2 had MAJOR problems with wifi. the phone needs to be sold and buy a unlocked nexus from google.

Dos and don'ts

[tero]

Doesn't sound like you're hacked really.
But generally:

don't: ..run old versions of android (upgrade your devices - upgrade hardware if you can't run latest software) ..install apps from non-appstore sources, be vary of malicious appstore apps as well (read reviews, do research before install, generally avoid "freebie" versions of paid software). ..surf on strange pages, click strange links or scan QR-codes ..have bluetooth/wifi/nfc on when not needed ..connect to unsecure free wi-fi, ever. ..don't use public USB loading stations (airports, malls etc). ..have sensible information on your phone/tablet.

do ..use encrypted device / sd-card ..use passphrase to lock the device screen ..use remote wipe/anti-theft service (most AV-vendors offer this) ..keep backups ..consider using a VPN service for those moments you can't avoid connecting to unsecure wi-fi.

That's it for starters.

Re:Try..

[Lumpy]

you have a junk phone with known problems running a very out of date OS. you at LEAST should be upgraded to 2.3.3 to fix most of the problems you are seeing.

Re:Try..

[Mister Transistor]

I'll second this. I have an old crummy original 'drioid Motorola A855 and that still runs 2.2.3. There was never any further updates for it from .2 to .3 and the unsecured WiFi is completely unusable. It works passably on WEP and WPA2 but unsecured never worked right. If it ever would connect, it would time out or lock up after a few minutes of operation. Totally suck-tastic.

Re:Try..

[nevermore94]

You have an original OG Droid and you are still complaining about it now? The phone is ancient and should have been replaced a long time ago. That being said, it is also completely unlocked and one of the easiest phones to upgrade the OS on. Check out Cyanogen Mod or Project Elite for a whole new experience on the phone and repurpose it as a useful WiFi based media device.
http://www.droidforums.net/forum/project-elite/ [droidforums.net]
http://rootzwiki.com/forum/205-projectelite/ [rootzwiki.com]
http://www.cyanogenmod.com/devices/motorola-droid [cyanogenmod.com]

Re:Why are you a target?

[murder_face]

I remember splicing some speaker wires together for a friend with scotch lock clips, and his (unknown at the time) bi-polar schizo wife tried to stab me because she said I was bugging their house.

Comment removed

[account_deleted]

Comment removed based on user account deletion

how did this dumbass get this posted on /.

[LodCrappo]

WTF.

The OP obviously is not "hacked". That doesn't make the first bit of sense. Even if the problem wasn't presenting on *two different devices*, why in god's name would any 'hacker' disable your WIFI (and only at your own home). What is the possible motivation for this imaginary criminal mastermind who has invested their time in ruining your WIFI when you are at home? Is he perhaps funded by The Others in a plot to steal your mind waves???

Or maybe... just maybe... (and I know, I'm reaching here)... YOUR ACCESS POINT IS BROKEN, OR HAS BEEN CONFIGURED TO BLOCK THESE DEVICES??? It's just a theory based on the fact that two different devices work fine with every other access point, but not this one. Wild, I know.

How did the editors not notice that this is complete ignorant crap?

PS
the entire question is retarded.

thank you