Lenovo mobile phone spyware

nad12

nad12

nad12

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Joined
13 Dec 2013
Posts
45
Hi,
I have purchased a Lenovo Vibe Z2 mobile phone from a website but it was shipped from Hong Kong. The phone arrived all brand new (wrapping still on it) and I'm happy with it (well it works).
My concern is I have read that Lenovo mobile phones come with spyware pre-loaded, and this spyware can lead people to hacking you or spying on your calls/texts/data usage. Clearly, I don't want this.

1) How can I tell if my phone is loaded with spyware or any malicious content?
2) How can I remove this spyware if it is installed?
3) Do I need to use internet security or anti virus with my Lenovo Android phone?

I'm not a phone geek. I simply would like a clean phone (i.e. no malicious content) to make and receive calls/texts and to browse the net without anyone spying on, or recording what I'm doing.

Please advise?

Thanks.
 
On further reading, apparently the Lenovo Vibe Z2 is a model with spyware built into the ROM.

I have now installed Malwarebytes and 360 Security to hopefully detect any malicious content. The scans reported no threats. I guess that doesn't mean there are no threats but just the scans didn't detect any. Maybe if the malware is built into the ROM (so I've read) then the scans will think it is friendly software, or maybe the scans don't scan the ROM.

Please can someone provide their input to my concerns?? Thanks.
 
hornetstinger said:
How about downloading official firmware, and then doing a ROM install? (wiping existing firmware)
Click to expand...

I do not know what you mean but this (sorry).

1) Is what you suggest the usual way to remove malicious software?
2) Can I be sure it will actually remove the malicious software, or is it a try and hope scenario?
3) Is there a particular official version of firmware I need for my Lenovo Vibe Z2?
4) Is there a link or video that can show me a) where to download a SAFE version of the official firmware b) how to do a ROM install?

I'm willing to give a try if it is the standard approach to removing malicious software but I just don't know how to do it at present.

Please advise?

Thanks.
 
nad12 said:
I do not know what you mean but this (sorry).

1) Is what you suggest the usual way to remove malicious software?
2) Can I be sure it will actually remove the malicious software, or is it a try and hope scenario?
3) Is there a particular official version of firmware I need for my Lenovo Vibe Z2?
4) Is there a link or video that can show me a) where to download a SAFE version of the official firmware b) how to do a ROM install?

I'm willing to give a try if it is the standard approach to removing malicious software but I just don't know how to do it at present.

Please advise?

Thanks.
Click to expand...

1) Sometimes but not always.
2) It's like installing a clean copy of Windows on your PC, so yes as it wipes everything first before installing a clean copy of the ROM.
3) Yes, as each Android phone has different hardware, you need a specific ROM.
4) XDA is the best place for guides and links on flashing the stock ROM on your phone but... I can't seem to find anything for the Z2. There is the Z2 Pro but they are different phones...

EDIT: If this "spyware" is part of the stock ROM though, this won't get rid of it as it's part of the ROM. Where did you read Lenovo phones have this? I remember reading their Windows PC had it but not their phones.
 
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