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Are ROMs Secure?

L

Larry Page

Lurker
Hello. I was thinking about rooting my Android and installing some custom ROMs on it since Touchwiz is really bad IMO. However, I am a little concerned about the security of my data (i.e. logging into my Google account.) So my main question is can the ROM steal my data if I'm connected to wifi and am signed into my Google account? Are there any other concerns regarding installing ROMS? Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks.

-LP
 
An interesting question, Larry.

The answer is ROM's as a collection of system files and apps certainly can have security risks. However, since rom's are open for inspection and tested quite heavily, any security holes or malicious apps are found pretty quickly. Developer's can't get away with that kind of behavior for long.

If you stick to the popular rom's from legitimate sources, then you will be as safe as if you were running stock. The only place you have to be cautious then is what you install or delete once rooted.

Give us a couple of the rom's you're considering and we'll be happy to let you know any potential risk.
 
Thank you very much for your reply. I was thinking of getting CyanogenMod 10.1, unless there is a stock android 4.2 rom made for the galaxy s3. Thanks again!

-LP
 
With reasonable care there is little to worry about as far as malware being embedded in custom ROMs. However, rooting does increase security risks somewhat since after rooting you are operating your device with full administrative rights. With any OS that is not recommended for good security and is one of several reasons I no longer root my daily driver.
 
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