My brand new 3T just arrived and I see it's already encrypting it's contents.
The only point is that I don't know the encryption key.
I would like to unencrypted and re-crypt with my very password.
Any hint or suggestion on how to do it?
Tia.
[UPDATE] There seems to be no unencrypt option in the settings!
Hi,
When u configure your phone for the first time, configuration ask u to set your fingerprint reader and, for this, u have to enter a password... This password is your encryption password too... So, wipe your phone to factory default or try to configure your fingerprint reader, but in that way, i don't know if it will work...
Cheerz
Sent from my OnePlus3T using XDA Labs
I didn't put any fingerprint nor pin nor sequence.
Decrypting the device is available only by running the format data from fastboot or recovery twrp, encryption works from the phone settings
Sent from my Darkside of Oneplus 3T
OK. So, I how can I use my very own encryption password?
Uqbar said:
My brand new 3T just arrived and I see it's already encrypting it's contents.
The only point is that I don't know the encryption key.
I would like to unencrypted and re-crypt with my very password.
Any hint or suggestion on how to do it?
Tia.
[UPDATE] There seems to be no unencrypt option in the settings!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I also had that moment.. ; . It was solvable without changing much. I had been on fingerprint & pin entry from locked screen. I could get into TWRP because it wouldn't accept my PIN as password. I tried to change the PIN to a password, then rebooted and TWRP let me in with that password, worked fine, so I tested backup & restore.
The next boot, I changed the password back to my PIN, and from then on TWRP used my PIN for entry. Apparently their system needs a kick of some sort to rewrite the encryption header. Mine was encrypted throughout and I left it that way.
I am on stock system. No TWRP, no supersu.
Uqbar said:
I am on stock system. No TWRP, no supersu.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Doesn't matter, same way. Try to configure your fingerprint reader... Configuration will ask you to set in first a password or pin code or diagram...
Easy way to do it imao...
Sent from my OnePlus3T using XDA Labs
satanas17 said:
Doesn't matter, same way. Try to configure your fingerprint reader... Configuration will ask you to set in first a password or pin code or diagram...
Easy way to do it imao...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It didn't work like that.
The encryption was effective since the very first boot, according to the "Security" sub menu.
Then I configured a fingerprint and no PIN or password was asked.
Uqbar said:
It didn't work like that.
The encryption was effective since the very first boot, according to the "Security" sub menu.
Then I configured a fingerprint and no PIN or password was asked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So your phone differently booted up first time then my...
Yes, encryption is effective immediately, and again imao, it's a great thing.
Have you tried to go in "security" to set a password?
Sent from my OnePlus3T using XDA Labs
satanas17 said:
So your phone differently booted up first time then my...
Yes, encryption is effective immediately, and again imao, it's a great thing.
Have you tried to go in "security" to set a password?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First, there's no such a thing like "set password" or "set encryption password".
There's only, in the very bottom of the menu, a "Encrypt the telephone" menu item. The current value is "Encrypted".
There's nothing else and neither tapping, nor long tapping nor double tapping gives any option.
It's just an informative item.
When my phone booted for the first time it took about one minute before giving me the home screen.
Then I skipped all the questions (GMail, etc.) in order to go to the firmware update.
Once rebooted in the updated version, I walked though all the menus (I am coming from 6+ years with CM) and found
that the storage was being already encrypted by default.
Then I configured my gmail account, updated all the apps and then added a fingerprint.
But still no PIN nor any password has been asked to me.
I am not arguing about encryption itself.
I am trying to gain control over it with my very own encryption key.
@Uqbar
Android is encrpted by default with a default password named "default_password". When you set a PIN or password for your lockscreen, you have an option to use this pin/password for device startup and the encryption is "active". This means android is now asking for password/PIN. When you only use the PIN/Password for your lockscreen, android never ask for it when the device starts. Without defining a password/PIN android uses the default password and no startuplockscreen is shown. That's the reason why android is telling you your phone is encrypted.
If you want to use a password different to the Lockscreen, you can set your own encryption password by using the "Cryptfs Password" app fom Playstore, but Oneplus has changed something on this and the app will not work at the moment. The app says that my currrent password is wrong, when i try to change it. There seems no way at this time, I guess.
* I hope my text was understandable, because english is not my native language *
This is an old thread, I know, but I just used it to find the answer to a similar problem. OxygenOS gives the option to use the PIN for startup. If you select that option the password will be required to boot into both the main system and recovery. To get there, in OxygenOS 5.0+ at least, go into the Security menu, select Screen Lock, and then the PIN option. This will give you a menu that enables requiring the PIN to start the device. Do that and your future boots will be protected by the same PIN you choose for screen unlock.
Given the situation that I needed to unlock bootloader and install TWRP inorder to be able to do full image backup (i.e. Nandroid), I have been wondering what are the underlying security issues to be faced after unlocking and installing TWRP (without moving onto root) in a specific situation where the device is lost or stolen?
Lets say if I am on stock OOS with encryption enabled + Fingerprint and password/pin set on lock screen + USB debugging disabled + locked bootloader + stock recovery, in the unfortunate event where my device were to get lost or stolen, I can expect my personal data to be safe from prying eyes since the person who has gotten a hold of my phone will have to do a factory reset to get into the phone or unlock bootloader which all meant my personal data will be wipe. So that's a good outcome in an unfortunate one.
But let's say if now I were to (i) unlock my bootloader and (ii) install TWRP (but retaining it as read only without system modification), (iii) restore all app, data and settings, and go on to (iv) perform a nandroid backup. And after that, proceed to (v) disable USB debugging and (vi) re-enable encryption and (vii) set fingerprint and password on lock screen. And I shall stopped there without rooting or flashing dm verity. Can I still expect my personal data to be safe from prying eyes in the event of lost or stolen? Meaning that whoever gets a hold of my device will likewise need to wipe it clean before he/she is able to use it? Is this the case or can the person access my data using some hacks now that the device runs custom recovery?
An interesting guide I had came across contained various means of accessing personal data (read - https://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2620456) by bypassing android password, patterns, etc set on the locked screen, and some methods required USB debugging to be enabled while some required custom recovery installed.
To be sure if I am still able to protect my personal data when device is stolen/lost with an unlocked/TWRP installed device, my curiosity took me on an investigative path using an old Samsung Note 3 to unlock bootloader and install TWRP, then proceed to enable encryption and disable USB debugging and set lockscreen password. And now for the next couple of days where I can find free time, I will try out all 7 methods to see if an unlocked Note3 with TWRP is susceptible to these security compromise. I will come back to this thread later to update my findings.
I really welcome any information or inputs too!
To summarize, the state of my old Note 3 used in this investigation is as follows:
1) Bootloader unlocked
2) TWRP (3.0.2) installed as "read only" without system modification
3) ROM (CM13) encryption enabled
4) Locked screen password set
5) Device not rooted
6) USB debugging disabled
When I boot into TWRP, I realized that even if I set it to read only, any person who has gotten hold of my device can set it to system modification since TWRP is not password or pin protected. Therefore setting to "read only" is sort of irrelevant in this investigation to find out how vulnerable the device is right now.
The second thing I realized, is TWRP will ask me for android password to mount my internal sdcard since my ROM is encryption enabled. This is a good thing, since in this case TWRP internal file manager will not be able to access my device internal sdcard containing some of my personal data.
The 1st method I tried is:
METHOD I
Solution For Everyone With Recovery (Cwm, Twrp, Xrec,Etc...) Installed:
INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Download this zip Pattern Password Disable (Download from attachments) on to your sdcard (using your PC, as you cant get into your phone, right )
2. Insert the sdcard into your phone
3. Reboot into recovery mode
4. Flash the zip
5. Reboot
6. Done!
Note : If You See The Gesture Pattern Grid Or Password After Restarting, Don't Worry. Just Try Any Random Pattern Or Password And it Should Unlock.
The steps I took:
A) Set TWRP to system modification
B) When TWRP asked me for password to mount partition, I choose "cancel" since I am trying to imitate the person who has gotten hold of my device won't be able to guess my password
C) Flashed the pattern password disable zip file
And voila!... my password on locked screen is still intact. Meaning that entering any random password does not gain access into android. Only the original password can.
Good news certainly. Don't know why this hack doesn't work, probably it is outdated or probably due to my system is still encrypted when I flashed the hack zip file.
As to the 2nd method, I didn't try out as I don't know how to use Cygwin...
METHOD 2
Solution For Everyone Without Recovery Installed - ADB :
What You Need:
=>A computer running a Linux distro or Windows+Cygwin
=>USB cable to connect your phone to the PC
=>Adb installed
How to install adb:
1. Open Terminal
2. Type:
Code:
sudo apt-get install android-tools-adb
Hit [Enter]
3. Follow the instructions until everything is installed.
INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Connect you (turned on) Phone to the Computer via USB.
2. Open a terminal window.
3. Type:
Code:
adb devices
adb shell
cd data/system
su
rm *.key
4. Done...Now You Just Have To Reboot.
Note : If You See The Gesture Pattern Grid Or Password After Restarting, Don't Worry. Just Try Any Random Pattern Or Password And it Should Unlock.
Method 3 is irrelevant to this investigation therefore it has been omitted.
METHOD 3
Solution For Everyone Before Lock Accident :
SMS Bypass - Download Link - Install It On Your Device (Download from attachments)
This App Allows You To Remotely Bypass Your Phone's Screen Lock By Sending A SMS.
It Removes Your Gesture Pattern Or Password After Receiving A Preset Keyword Along With A Secret Code Via SMS.
SMS Bypass App Requires Root.
INSTRUCTIONS:
1.First, make sure you give permanent root access to the app.
2.Change the secret code to your preferred choice. The default password is : 1234
3.To reset your screen lock, send the following message from another phone:
Code:
secret_code reset
Example:
Code:
1234 reset
Note 1 : There is a space between your secret code and reset. Also the secret code is case sensitive.
Note 2 : There is an option available to change the preset keyword. Default is : reset - Your phone will restart and your lock screen will be reset.
Note 3 : If You See The Gesture Pattern Grid Or Password After Restarting, Don't Worry. Just Try Any Random Pattern Or Password And it Should Unlock.
Given that method 5 is in fact similar to method 2 therefore it has been omitted as well.
METHOD 5
Solution For Everyone Via Adb - File Removal :
INSTRUCTIONS:
=>Type This Command In Your Terminal (CMD Prompt) :
Code:
adb shell rm /data/system/gesture.key
Note : If You See The Gesture Pattern Grid Or Password After Restarting, Don't Worry. Just Try Any Random Pattern Or Password And it Should Unlock.
Method 6 will not work since that hack required USB debugging to be enabled.
METHOD 6
Solution For Everyone With USB Debugging Enabled :
INSTRUCTIONS:
Primary Step for all method:
Download & Extract to anywhere - Bypass Security Hack (Download from attachments)
Open SQLite Database Browser 2.0.exe in SQLite Database Browser.
Run pull settings.db.cmd inside By-pass security Hacks folder to pull out the setting file out of your phone.
Drag settings.db and drop to SQLite Database Browser 2.0.exe program.
Navigate to Browse data tab, At table there, click to list down the selection & selete secure
Instruction To Remove Pattern Lock:
Now, find lock_pattern_autolock, Delete Record
Close & save database
Run push settings.db.cmd and reboot your phone
Instruction To Remove PIN Lock:
Now, Find Or Create lockscreen.password_type, double-click & change it's value to 65536, Apply changes!
Now, find lock_pattern_autolock, Delete Record, If doesn't exist, Ignore
Close & save database
Run push settings.db.cmd and reboot your phone
Instruction To Remove Password Lock:
Now, find lockscreen.password_salt, Delete Record
Now, find lockscreen.password_type, Delete Record
Close & save database
Run push settings.db.cmd and reboot your phone
Note : If You See The Gesture Pattern Grid Or Password After Restarting, Don't Worry. Just Try Any Random Pattern Or Password And it Should Unlock.
I then tried out method 7 using the Aroma file manager however all these 3 versions (Version 2.00 [BETA1]- KACAPI, aromafm-1.91, and aromafm-1.90) does not open up after flashing the zip with system modification enabled on TWRP. Mostly likely these outdated versions of the Aroma file manager are not supported by the latest version of TWRP (3.0.2) since the developers have ceased all work related to it.
METHOD 7
Solution For Everyone With Recovery Installed :
INSTRUCTIONS:
1.Download and Copy Aroma File manager.zip (Download from attachments or http://forum.xda-developers.com/show....php?t=1646108) to your memory card.
2. Open your recovery (press volume Down + Power button or it can be different according to the phones. Generally the phones who have press able button on the middle they have to press all three buttons. Google for you pattern there are lots)
3. There’ll b an option in recovery called “mount”. Go in that option and then mount all the cache and everything it is there.
4. Then select “update” and select “apply update from SD/external” and select aroma file manger.zip file that you downloaded using above QR code above.
5. After Flashing or updating, the aroma file manger will open. Use volume keys for up/down and power button 2 select like you use to get into recovery.
6. In aroma File manager , Go to menu , which is located in bottom strip and then select Settings.
7. Go to bottom n select “mount all partition in startup ” then exit from aroma file manger.
8. Now after exit , re-update that aroma file again and it will open again.
9. Go to data >> and then System.
Then find ‘gesture.key’ (for pattern lock) and ’password.key’ (for password lock) then long touch on gesture.key or password.key and sum option will be prompted , choose delete and delete that file and restart.
Note : If You See The Gesture Pattern Grid Or Password After Restarting, Don't Worry. Just Try Any Random Pattern Or Password And it Should Unlock.
And now onto the last method which is method 4 using SQL command. After starting adb daemon, adb devices are not found and hence the following steps could not be taken. I think this could be due to the device having USB debugging disabled. Hmmm...
METHOD 4
Solution For Everyone Via Adb - SQL Command :
INSTRUCTIONS:
=>Type This Commands Separated In Your Terminal (CMD Prompt) :
Code:
adb shell
cd /data/data/com.android.providers.settings/databases
sqlite3 settings.db
update system set value=0 where name='lock_pattern_autolock';
update system set value=0 where name='lockscreen.lockedoutpermanently';
.quit
=>Now You Just Have To Reboot.
Note : If You See The Gesture Pattern Grid Or Password After Restarting, Don't Worry. Just Try Any Random Pattern Or Password And it Should Unlock.
After going through all these methods, I am inclined to think that personal data is still protected in an unlocked/TWRP installed device as long as USB debugging is DISABLED and ROM is encrypted and fingerprint/password set on lock screen. What do you think?
As long as your data is encrypted, it is safe and not accessible to any 3rd party.
But with an unlocked bootloader, you are open to a new forms of attacks like:
1. someone could steal your phone, modify your system to leak your data / password and then return it to you. Since dm-verity is OFF, you will not know, that your system is compromised.
2. someone could use a remote exploits (to launch his code and gain root privileges) to modify your system and leak your data / password and since dm-verity is OFF, you will not know, that your system is compromised.
+ with the unlocked bootloader, FRP is not working, so a thief can just reset your phone and sell it.
If your data security is a huge concern to you, DO NOT unlock the bootloader.
If you are a potential target to a hacker attacks, DO NOT use a OnePlus phone. Get a Nexus 6P or a Pixel.
Also make sure, that your apps are not leaking your data. Apps with a storage permission and access to the internet could leak your data.
Michalko5896 said:
As long as your data is encrypted, it is safe and not accessible to any 3rd party.
But with an unlocked bootloader, you are open to a new forms of attacks like:
1. someone could steal your phone, modify your system to leak your data / password and then return it to you. Since dm-verity is OFF, you will not know, that your system is compromised.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Many thanks for your response! This is very useful information to me.
Am I right to assume that even if my device is unlocked but with encryption enabled and no root, the person who has gotten hold of my phone will still be able to flash "dm-verity and forced encryption disabler" zip and supersu zip files to root my device in TWRP even when he fails to enter the password prompted by TWRP?
And this force encryption disabler as the name suggest only disable force encryption and it does not decrypt my already encrypted personal data? Which means he still does not have access to my data and after he had done the system modification and returns the phone back to me, the first thing I should do is to wipe clean every partition and restore back my nandroid which would consist of backups to all partitions. So it seems this is an acceptable risk all for the convenience of performing nandroid backup via the unlock/TWRP route.
2. someone could use a remote exploits (to launch his code and gain root privileges) to modify your system and leak your data / password and since dm-verity is OFF, you will not know, that your system is compromised.
+ with the unlocked bootloader, FRP is not working, so a thief can just reset your phone and sell it.
If your data security is a huge concern to you, DO NOT unlock the bootloader.
If you are a potential target to a hacker attacks, DO NOT use a OnePlus phone. Get a Nexus 6P or a Pixel.
Also make sure, that your apps are not leaking your data. Apps with a storage permission and access to the internet could leak your data.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Very good point here. May I ask in what ways are Nexus 6P and Pixel more secure than Oneplus? Pixel seemed quite an attractive phone.
I am on OOS 3.5.3, is there anyway to find out what apps have access to internet and restrict that?
The app permission section of settings only allows changing permission to storage (among others) but I couldn't find any internet access permission.
The main security risk is that it allows anyone to flash something harmful without you knowing on to your system. Your data may be encrypted and protected but they can still flash something onto another partition.
You could be happily using your phone unaware there's a rogue app capturing and sending data to someone.
Zegnalabel said:
Many thanks for your response! This is very useful information to me.
Am I right to assume that even if my device is unlocked but with encryption enabled and no root, the person who has gotten hold of my phone will still be able to flash "dm-verity and forced encryption disabler" zip and supersu zip files to root my device in TWRP even when he fails to enter the password prompted by TWRP?
And this force encryption disabler as the name suggest only disable force encryption and it does not decrypt my already encrypted personal data? Which means he still does not have access to my data and after he had done the system modification and returns the phone back to me, the first thing I should do is to wipe clean every partition and restore back my nandroid which would consist of backups to all partitions. So it seems this is an acceptable risk all for the convenience of performing nandroid backup via the unlock/TWRP route.
Very good point here. May I ask in what ways are Nexus 6P and Pixel more secure than Oneplus? Pixel seemed quite an attractive phone.
I am on OOS 3.5.3, is there anyway to find out what apps have access to internet and restrict that?
The app permission section of settings only allows changing permission to storage (among others) but I couldn't find any internet access permission.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your data is safe, it can't be decrypted, even with an unlocked bootloader And yes, if you wipe every partition, lock the bootloader and got no dm-verity error, after your stolen phone was returned to you, you should be safe.
Both Nexus 6P and Pixel are much safer than OnePlus, because they are getting a complete security patches every month. OnePlus is getting an imcomplete security patches and much later after their release.
You can limit access to internet via app settings. Open "about app", data usage and there you can turn off both access to wifi and mobile data.
Upgrade to OOS 4.0, it cointains important security patches and enhancements.
Michalko5896 said:
Your data is safe, it can't be decrypted, even with an unlocked bootloader And yes, if you wipe every partition, lock the bootloader and got no dm-verity error, after your stolen phone was returned to you, you should be safe.
Both Nexus 6P and Pixel are much safer than OnePlus, because they are getting a complete security patches every month. OnePlus is getting an imcomplete security patches and much later after their release.
You can limit access to internet via app settings. Open "about app", data usage and there you can turn off both access to wifi and mobile data.
Upgrade to OOS 4.0, it cointains important security patches and enhancements.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you so much! Found the data usage setting and updated to 4.0. :laugh:
Michalko5896 said:
As long as your data is encrypted, it is safe and not accessible to any 3rd party.
But with an unlocked bootloader, you are open to a new forms of attacks like:
1. someone could steal your phone, modify your system to leak your data / password and then return it to you. Since dm-verity is OFF, you will not know, that your system is compromised.
2. someone could use a remote exploits (to launch his code and gain root privileges) to modify your system and leak your data / password and since dm-verity is OFF, you will not know, that your system is compromised.
...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Quick question, does the latest systemless SuperSU still leave dm-verity OFF ? It was my understanding that using it you don't need to flash the dm-verity-OFF script, is that true?
xclub_101 said:
Quick question, does the latest systemless SuperSU still leave dm-verity OFF ? It was my understanding that using it you don't need to flash the dm-verity-OFF script, is that true?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For root, you need to unlock the bootloader. And with the bootloader unlocked, dm-verity is not working and thus attacker could modify your system.
Michalko5896 said:
For root, you need to unlock the bootloader. And with the bootloader unlocked, dm-verity is not working and thus attacker could modify your system.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The bootloader being locked/unlocked should have little to do (directly) with dm-verity, dm-verity is only hash-checking the system partition.
That being said after some checking various detailed threads from Chainfire apparently SuperSU is still removing the dm-verity on the system partition since other than rooting in itself most rooted people also tend to touch the system partition with stuff like busybox and so on, so I guess this is it.
xclub_101 said:
The bootloader being locked/unlocked should have little to do (directly) with dm-verity, dm-verity is only hash-checking the system partition.
That being said after some checking various detailed threads from Chainfire apparently SuperSU is still removing the dm-verity on the system partition since other than rooting in itself most rooted people also tend to touch the system partition with stuff like busybox and so on, so I guess this is it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well, google is stating, that unlocking bootloader will turn off the dm-verity.
This is an interesting discussion- I have a Nexus 5X, but I use a custom configuration:
1) locked bootloader
2) verity turned on for the system partition so that I can check the key fingerprint and verify integrity.
3) customized cm recovery - I installed my adb keys so I can connect to it. I also changed the signing keys, so I have to sign any roms that get flashed.
4) encrypted userdata with pattern protection. I think a password would be stronger, but I'm using a larger, complex pattern. Fingerprint unlock is turned on, which has its own attack surface.
I think the fingerprint sensor is the biggest risk. This is mitigated at reboot since the pattern will be required. If I built the recovery properly, the only way to flash anything would be to have access to my signing keys or adb keys. Of course, this is all still vulnerable to any unpatched exploits.
My OP3T has OOs 4.0.3 and I have set it up with fingerprint lock. However when I go into TWRP recovery and connect the phone I can see all the internal storage contents. Does this mean that the phone is un-encrypted?
I want to keep the contents safe so that no one can access them in case it is lost. Not even in recovery mode. Does TWRP also recognize fingerprints?
Should I encrypt the phone? Is it safe / recommended? Would it slow down the phone?
What is the best solution?
Are there any tracking features or apps which can be used in case the phone is lost?
You can check if your phone is encrypted by going into Settings > Security > (scroll to bottom of page).
The phone is encrypted out of the box and will remain so unless you format your /data partition after rooting.
The fingerprint itself is not the encryption key, the key is generated by the OS. While TWRP can find your encryption key and use it to access certain parts of your internal storage that it needs to function, it cannot mount User Storage (/data/media) and retrieve data other than zips/imgs.
TWRP itself cannot access user data, but ADB can. You can turn off USB debugging to prevent someone from pulling data.
Encryption is definitely useful if you want to keep your data safe, though it really depends on individual usage. I personally don't keep any important data on my phone and like to keep it decrypted. By decrypting, you experience fewer problems when flashing different ROMs. The phone also boots a bit faster as you don't have to decrypt each time.
There are services that you can use to track and remote access lost phones. Check out Cerberus Anti Theft, which has some unique features such as being able to install as a system app to avoid deletion via factory reset. For basic tracking, Google actually had built in tracking. As long as your phone is on and has network access, you can use Google Device Manager to locate your phone. You also have the option to remotely lock and erase your phone if needed, though keep in mind that this requires internet access. Services such as Cerberus allows you to send commands to your phone through texts and other means even when data is disabled.
Anova's Origin said:
You can check if your phone is encrypted by going into Settings > Security > (scroll to bottom of page).
The phone is encrypted out of the box and will remain so unless you format your /data partition after rooting.
The fingerprint itself is not the encryption key, the key is generated by the OS. While TWRP can find your encryption key and use it to access certain parts of your internal storage that it needs to function, it cannot mount User Storage (/data/media) and retrieve data other than zips/imgs.
TWRP itself cannot access user data, but ADB can. You can turn off USB debugging to prevent someone from pulling data.
Encryption is definitely useful if you want to keep your data safe, though it really depends on individual usage. I personally don't keep any important data on my phone and like to keep it decrypted. By decrypting, you experience fewer problems when flashing different ROMs. The phone also boots a bit faster as you don't have to decrypt each time.
There are services that you can use to track and remote access lost phones. Check out Cerberus Anti Theft, which has some unique features such as being able to install as a system app to avoid deletion via factory reset. For basic tracking, Google actually had built in tracking. As long as your phone is on and has network access, you can use Google Device Manager to locate your phone. You also have the option to remotely lock and erase your phone if needed, though keep in mind that this requires internet access. Services such as Cerberus allows you to send commands to your phone through texts and other means even when data is disabled.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When I go to Settings > Security > Encrypt it has a button to start the encryption so I guess that the phone is not encrypted. I also am not keeping very important data on the phone. However just in case it is lost I don't want people to see my Contacts, WhatsApp messages, photos etc. Will encryption encrypt all of these? If I press Encrypt, will it retain the data or should I take a backup first? If I encrypt the phone and have a fingerprint lock, does it mean that no one else can access my data? Not even through TWRP? How will I know the encryption key? Once encrypted, can I update the phone?
Thanks for the advice on Cerberus, If there are any other suggestions, I would like to know.
Encrypting the phone will not erase any data, just click the button and it does so automatically. You can't see the actual encryption key, it's maintained by the OS. I believe that if you set a password in addition to your fingerprint, TWRP may ask for the password on boot. I'm not too sure how this works exactly, there'll likely be more accurate sources online somewhere.
Encryption will encrypt all user data, including photos and most appdata. TWRP doesn't have access to user data by design, that's why nandroids can't backup Storage. TWRP itself also cannot see or access any user data in its built-in file explorer.
Keep in mind that while encryption works well, nothing is perfect. You never know when someone will find another exploit, especially if you leave your bootloader unlocked and modify your phone with root/custom ROMS/recoveries/etc.
As for Cerberus alternatives, I've got no idea. I've never really looked into these services and only know about Cerberus due to its popularity.