CODEWITHSUNDEEP
androidsecurity
Arcantos
Arcantos

Reputation: 1072

Protecting files on android

My group and I have an application that will work with protected content files that could (or not) contain pretty sensitive information. So we have to ensure they will not be copied by the user.

This question is specifically about the micro USB port. Is there a way to programmatically block it so that the user will be unable to mount trough it to copy our files?

Any and all help/counsel/answers are appreciated. :)

Additional Information:The application will be pat of a custom home application, so we will have that to out advantage, if that is any help.

Upvotes: 0

Views: 455

Answers (2)

Simon
Simon

Reputation: 14472

The above are correct and to add, suppose you do disable the USB? Then I'll just Bluetooth them off. Ah, you disabled Bluetooth. OK, I'll use ADB shell over WiFi. Damn, you thought of that too. OK, I'll copy them with Root Explorer to my Dropbox folder. Wait, you got me, I'll email them instead...

You get the picture ;)

I am of the opinion that there is no totally secure file in Android. It's just a question of how difficult you can make it to lock out the 99% of "average" crackers.

Upvotes: 1

Mark Roberts
Mark Roberts

Reputation: 1044

There is no 100% safe solution for file storage. If you store the files on the SDCard they will have zero protection. If you store them on the internal filesystem you will be protected by file system permissions, which will generally prevent other apps getting to your files. But if the user roots their phone, nothing will stop them getting the files off the phone. Most phones can be rooted.

If you want to protect the sensitive information from your users, look for a way to store it on the network instead. If you only want to protect against other apps, for users that haven't rooted, the internal filesystem should be good enough.

Upvotes: 1

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