Android. Require user to prompt password to mount sdcard - 【StackMirror】|android|security|operating-system|usb

I need to configure/program my Samsung Galaxy tab so that if anyone plugs a USB cord he will need to input a correct password if he wants to access files (on his computer). If he doesn't have a password he can only charge the device.

I will be lending it to some people (part of a project) and I need to keep some files hidden from them, but said files are needed for my apps to work. Also the files are too big for internal storage, I have to use the SD card.

Edit: Referring to a comment. the tablet will be specially sealed preventing the ejection of the SDCard

Any and all insight appreciated.

2012-04-03 23:00
by Arcantos

Kinda a useless endevour. They can simply eject the card and slip it into a card reader - Sam Axe 2012-04-03 23:07

Thanks for the reminder, but yes, the tablet will be sealed and the SDCard inaccessibl - Arcantos 2012-04-03 23:12

You can't do this without modifying the firmware. Encrypt your files for some protection. Not 100% because the encryption key needs to be in the app for it to work.

2012-04-04 02:31
by Nikolay Elenkov

Nitpick: Modified firmware implies unlocked bootloader, so a malicious user can install his own firmware to access the SDCard - Turbo J 2012-04-10 18:36

If you actually have the manufacturer/bootloader keys, it doesn't have to be unlocked - Nikolay Elenkov 2012-04-11 04:15