Help Stop Android Pin Code Hack

[Android Question]

Hello,

I work in the Software Industry and not in the Foreniscs field and was of course amused the first time my friend managed to somehow get past my android Pin Screen, of course the 2nd time very much less so.

My question is is there a way I can stop this from happenining?

Many Thanks

DoctorZeus

 

[scary alien]

He might be looking at the smudge marks on your phone left by your fingerprints (that would narrow down the number of combinations he'd have to try).

I'm guessing you've changed your PIN, too?

(Welcome to our AndroidForums, by the way! )

 

[funkylogik]

Although even if you see the fingerprints that only narrows it down to a 4times combination? Still pretty hard to guess

 

[scary alien]

Although even if you see the fingerprints that only narrows it down to a 4times combination? Still pretty hard to guess

+1 funky!

I also wonder if he's been watching the OP do the unlock--could very well glean crucial clues to which number is being selected--i.e., if he knows where your fingers / thumb went (i.e., the order / position / direction on the screen, etc. ) and then knew the digits, that would certainly narrow things down.

 

[funkylogik]

^^^This

 

[Doctorzeus]

Thankyou all for the replies.

Also thankyou for the welcome Scary Alien.

I don't believe its an issue with seeing where my finger prints have been as he gets his iPhone out at the same time so I assume he is looking up an unlock code or something?

Thanks

DoctorZeus

 

[scary alien]

I don't believe there's any kind of universal unlock code for an Android phone, so I'm guessing your friend has some "inside" information about your actual PIN (which I'm guessing you'll be changing soon ).

 

[EarlyMon]

... as he gets his iPhone out at the same time so I assume he is looking up an unlock code or something?

I'd assume he's recorded your motions.

 

[Doctorzeus]

I'd assume he's recorded your motions.

Ok that could be an idea thanks both, feel a little bit stupid now.

Will try changing it and see what he does then and report back.

 

[EarlyMon]

Fake it after you change it, don't let him see you didn't get it open, see what he tries.

If he goes for the new fake code instead of the new code - you caught him, he's either recording, has an accomplice, whatever.

http://abcnews.go.com/US/apple-google-products-public-safety-hazard-fbi-chief/story?id=26251483

The FBI hasn't cracked it yet - I don't think your buddy has.

So far, the only known law enforcement hacks for the passcode require connection to a PC - for a LONG while - and very special software, not available to the public.

As for feeling stupid - boy are you among friends here! Welcome to the forums!

 

[Doctorzeus]

Ok that could be an idea thanks both, feel a little bit stupid now.

Will try changing it and see what he does then and report back.

Ok yes I am guessing he saw it from a picture or something because I changed the code and he couldn't get in..

Thanks for the advice, as also my phone pin is no longer compromised which is a good thing!

Many thanks again all for your help!

 

[EarlyMon]

Cheers!

 

[chanchan05]

You can use six digits for a PIN code on Android. Plus, using the same digit twice makes it a bit more difficult to guess from smudge marks.

 

[Hadron]

So taking that further, a 6 digit PIN with 2 re-used numbers would produce the smudge pattern of a complete 4-digit PIN

 

[funkylogik]

So taking that further, a 6 digit PIN with 2 re-used numbers would produce the smudge pattern of a complete 4-digit PIN

Yup would take MANY more attempts to solve

 

[chanchan05]

Yup would take MANY more attempts to solve

Practically unsolvable since you'd be trying to plug in a 4 digit key in a keyhole for a 6 digit key.

 

[funkylogik]

Yeah if you were dumb enough