Android Root Access
Android operating system is based on Linux kernel so it was inevitable that users were interested in gaining full control of system to start tinkering with it. Android Root access allows you to access the Android Operating System files and its code. It gives you write permission to software code on your device or install any third-party apps as a system app. Through rooting, you can change the behavior of your device by modifying its system files. It lets you access the firmware of your device which is responsible for your device to boot and function as it does.
Benefits/Security Implications
Rooting allows you to gain full control of your device where you can add more features or exploit previous ones. You have full access to the system directory and modify how the OS behaves. There are some powerful tools and utilities available with which the help of root, you can change almost anything with your device as long as the software allows it. For example, a popular root app Titanium Backup, allows you to backup or restore the whole system including your device settings, accounts etc. Additionally, you can uninstall any system app you dislike or make any third party behave as system app. There are lot more advantages of having a rooted device which attracts many users such as:
1. Full customization for Android UI and Themes
2. Modification to system behavior such as kernel, performance, memory management etc.
3. Custom ROM’s which lets you update to latest Android OS even if manufacturer doesn’t support it yet.
4. Backup/Recovery Options through custom recovery
5. Boot Animations
6. Access to thousands of community-based apps which tweaks your system for more features/performance.
While rooting does come with lot of benefits if you know what you’re doing, it also comes with its share of risks which can impact your device life. Once someone has full control of system, this can be misused in wrong hands to inject malware or steal sensitive information. There are also lot more security risks it poses while rooting a device. For example:
· Any failure during rooting process may cause soft brick and, in some cases, hard brick your phone.
· Tweaking with system files may result in unexpected outcomes where it can corrupt your data or even reduce your device lifetime.
· Most manufacturers don’t allow rooting so it can also void your warranty.
· It poses a threat to your confidential and sensitive information as any third-party app with root access can steal your data.
How hard is it root your phone?
Earlier rooting your device used to be piece of cake as you only needed to install SuperSU application. However, nowadays, both Google and Manufacturers are trying very hard to make this process a lot difficult for users because of exploits in the earlier year which could potentially leak your information online. Now, manufacturers ship their devices with locked bootloaders which can only be unlocked using a serial code or following their designated steps i.e. only if they do allow you to unlock in the first place. Even then, it’s a tedious process as you need to install various software and spend some time to root your device. Sometimes, unlocking a bootloader alone can take from several days to several months depending on the manufacturer. Once you have unlocked the bootloader, you generally need to install a custom recovery which allows you to install SuperSU app.
Why do Manufacturers lock their devices?
Most manufacturers don’t want their phone users to root their phone as they come with bootloader locked as rooting is general is considered a risky process. Rooting opens up many possibilities where your device can get harmed through tweaking of system files, therefore, manufacturers generally lock their devices to prevent users from this unexpected damage and if it does arise, they rightfully don’t want to be held responsible for something that arise from user error. Additionally, it’s easier for manufacturers to look and debug for issues if everyone is on the same system OS without any modifications.
Are rooted devices more secure and should you do it?
While a rooted device definitely opens up for more exploits and malware when you gain access to the whole system, therefore it isn’t something that will be recommended by most security experts but if you are a tech-savvy person and want to explore more capabilities out of your limited system or know what you’re doing than rooting can come handy for you. However, if you are a casual user who just use their phone for calls and text messages and doesn’t want to take risk of security issues, it’s best for you to use your phone like it was intended to by your manufacturer. This gives you peace of mind from all possible threats and you can maintain your warranty if any issue does come. While rooting can be fun to play around, it’s also important to know the consequences.
References
2019?, The risks of rooting your Android phone, BullGuard, viewed 4 November, 2019, <https://www.bullguard.com/bullguard-security-center/mobile-security/mobile-threats/android-rooting-risks.aspx>.
Whitwam, R 2016, Why you should (or shouldn’t) root your Android device, ExtremeTech, viewed 4 November, 2019, <https://www.extremetech.com/mobile/211314-extremetech-explains-why-you-should-or-shouldnt-root-your-android-device>.