Original topic:
Critical security issues
(Post creation time:
09-29-2026 06:34 PM
)
739 Views
M
Members_J2zfQeR
Constellation
I got an A17 and new service a few days ago, and almost immediately it was obvious someone had hacked it. Ive spent days with Samsung & T-Mobile telling me there's nothing they can do or trying to argue that I just turned on/off settings and can't tell normal apps and functions from obvious spyware.
I really need help to:
- know whether factory reset will remove deep persistence malware
- any antivirus sw that can remove extremely embedded, sophisticated remote access viruses
- anyone that has used LEGIT, advanced live support services (I don't trust anyone now)
- where to report this (Samsung, other gov or security orgs) so someone might look into it
This happened before I ever made a call or got messages, or even downloaded updates or a single app. I paid for a new secure phone and have a new serious problem I can't get resolved.
The malware seems to use ai & privilege elevation to create fake interactions & prompts on the fly. It hides from or blocks antivirus results & replicates apps I manage to deny permissions to (Appear on top & install unknown apps, etc).
This is part of an extreme stalking & sabotage campaign and is being used to literally destroy my life. Along with physical stalking they control everything and block internet & calls or intercept messages and lock me out of accounts. No one will help so far... it's a very dark world
Thanks for any suggestions or tips.
PAHelper
Sun
09-29-2026 07:25 PM
in
AAbbott
Honored Contributor
09-29-2026 07:52 PM
in
It's more likely that either your Samsung or Google accounts were hacked and that's why things started happening when you set up your phone and logged into those accounts. Most hacking occurs when accounts are compromised. If your previous phone was compromised and you used Smart Switch to transfer or restored a backup, you likely also reinstalled any malware that was present. Did you ever share your Google or Samsung account passwords with anyone?
Even your router could be compromised, so that when you connected to your wi-fi, malware got installed.
A factory reset should wipe everything, as long as you then set everything up from scratch. Prior to a reset, though, you should change all your account passwords from an uncompromised device/location. Reset your home router and make sure you change the default admin login. I assure you, you did not purchase a phone that was "pre-hacked". You can try bitdefender or Malwarebytes - I believe they both get rid of deeply embedded spyware. I have used Malwarebytes for years, never had a virus or spyware - but, I also never had an account or router compromised, so I can't really tell if I was just lucky or the software was doing its job.
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oldlady86
Astronaut
11-5-2026 08:30 PM
in
Will this keep unauthorized sites from hacking into your phone?
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meself
Honored Contributor
09-30-2026 03:11 PM
in
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cristinaortiz
Constellation
09-30-2026 04:23 PM
in
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cristinaortiz
Constellation
09-30-2026 04:25 PM
in
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cristinaortiz
Constellation
09-30-2026 04:26 PM
in
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AAbbott
Honored Contributor
09-30-2026 05:35 PM
in
Some issues can only be solved by factory resetting your phone. If you are unwilling to do that, then your problems will remain. As always, one is free to take or leave advice. If something in your OS/UI got corrupted, you will still be able to restore your backup, since the OS/UI is not saved in the backup. Another option would be to put in an error report with the developers or head on over to text support and see if they can do anything for you. You can reach both through the support tab of the Members app.
If your permissions disappeared because you feel you were somehow hacked, do not restore a backup, or whatever issue you had would likely come back. Before any reset, take a flash drive and back up any of your personal documents, photos and downloads, that way you can preserve them.
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oldlady86
Astronaut
11-5-2026 08:31 PM
in
I agree
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doe28
Constellation
10-3-2026 08:19 PM
in
doe28
Constellation
10-3-2026 08:23 PM
in
Mi_Hi
Asteroid
10-6-2026 11:43 PM
in
Omg thank you so much you're the first person who has recommended that in 2 years and multiple phones and carriers! Unfortunately, it doesn't make it any easier to get rid of though:(
lesterconstano
Cosmic Ray
10-11-2026 04:15 PM
in
I purchased a supposed Brand new a14 5g, cane with literally 300 hidden system apps which all have capability to install apps from unknown sources. I adb'd many/disabled, etc etc and some still utilize battery and data. i use various apps and the many various things I notice, its a fact this phone was sends out, runs commands etc. doesn't matter if you factory reset, etc... when I received it, after the first update it changed apns,(CSC's) and became a dual sim phone. im always checking on my accounts but sheeesh this is terrifying
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AAbbott
Honored Contributor
10-11-2026 04:28 PM
in
Did you purchase a carrier model? Carriers install things as permitted by your service contract. Other things are part of the system (either Android or OneUI). If you don't know what those apps are, you do not know if they are malicious or SOP. Of course Google and Samsung systems would require some system files to download other apps - if those permissions were not there, you would never be able to download anything other than what came with the phone. Make sure your auto blocker is turned and install from unknown sources is off. Both of these settings can be toggled on and off as you need them. You have a new device why worry yourself by immediately examining system apps and hidden files. There are settings to turn on security, so if anything is there that does not belong there you can block it. A lot of those files may be the AI components, and you can certainly turn AI off. Deleting any of these files when you don't know what they do can potentially brick your phone, and then you have an expensive doorstop.
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