[Security Discussion] iunlock:
My goodness! Finally...maybe I was blind to see, but I've been looking for folks who really care about security....like for real. Thank you guys. You're the kind of folks that I've been looking for.

Upon my research on phone security, 99% of the time I would find mostly what I call, "Half way'ers." where the very people in that, what is suppose to be a security thread are not going the extra lengths to be thorough. They would use one thing that's security related, but completely contradict their security efforts in using something else that leaves them even more vulnerable. For example: using a browser with plug ins for this or that, but at the same time sitting there at starbucks using an open WiFi to do their banking or shopping.....We can't be perfect, but I'm all about doing the best that we can with what we have available.

While we're on this topic, I was hoping you guys can confirm a couple things and to share your input on how to make it better. By no means am I an expert, so forgive me if I'm overseeing something....

My Set Up and Habits:

Encryption: My device is encrypted with a 21 character password that I can type lightening fast.

VPN: I only stay connected via VPN w/ AES-256 Data Encryption, SHA256 Data Authentication, and RSA-4096 + Kill Switch On.

Browser: I use FireFox browser with varies plug-ins and have those random things in settings "unchecked,"....Send Crash Report, Data etc....all Off.

Keyboard: This is one of the most overlooked things! The data that we input! - I've always just stuck with the stock keyboard as I have not found another keyboard that is trustworthy. Do you know of any? Most all of them ask for permissions up the ying yang. Like WTH? Is the stock the best option we have?

Chat Client: I use an encrypted chat client over VPN and the other end uses the same with VPN as well.

Google Crap Gone: I've deleted all the Google CRAP off my phone right after flashing my ROM.

Xprivacy: I have Xprivacy tweaked to my liking. It shoots everything blanks....

Xposed: Adaway and Xprivacy

Firewall: AFWall+:

Passwords: All my passwords are 21+ characters long.

Phone: What do you think about Silent Phone or Red Phone? With the paid version, I think it will encrypt your end of the call (when calling any number) and of course if the other end is using the app, the entire call will be encrypted with the free version.

Picture App: Any recommendations on the best Picture App where you can set a password? There are options, but I've always been curious which one is the best.

Email: K-9 Mail client w/ GPG. The email is on my own dedicated server.

File Explorer: The cleanest one that I've found so far is, Ghost Commander. Any thoughts? I love the dual screen....

Titanium: I have a lot of things frozen...whether that does anything or not, I've just did it in hopes it'll keep it from doing anything....

What are your thoughts on using Google Voice so that you don't have to use your native number? (Yes, I know it's Google, but....for general use what do you think?)

What are your thoughts on using a Password Manager like LastPass, 1Password etc...? (Any one that you prefer over the other?)

What are you thoughts on freezing apps that are not used with Titanium Back Up? Worth it? Or don't bother, it doesn't matter?

Is there a thread or a website that lists all the .jar, xml etc....files that we can delete safely? I know that in this thread there are a list of some stuff, but I was wondering if you would know of a site that has "confirmed, ok to delete safely," list of things.

What version is the best for a combination of privacy and security? 4.3? 4.4? ...My favorite set up was with my Note 3 on 4.3 JB....everything worked flawlessly, VPN stayed connected like a charm...everything just worked. Then came 4.4KK and crap hit the fan for VPN users....

I've noticed a lot of security junkies like us are still on older devices on 4.3...some on 4.2, however, for someone like me who love to have the latest and greatest...what is the best thing to do with my new S6 Edge preloaded with LP 5.0.2? Are you optimistic about the LP update for Xposed so that we can hopefully still use Xprivacy? I don't use much modules in Xposed, only a handful so I'm not worried about having a lot of things working.....as long as Xprivacy works I'd be happy.

What are the best steps to take with my new (unfortunate) LP 5.0.2 loaded S6 Edge?

1. Encrypt the device right away.

2. Transfer over my VPN and Apps files and install all those before connecting to WiFi.

3. Try to install Xposed and Xprivacy and cross my fingers that it works? (Upon the update).

4. Carry on as usual? Any other suggestions?

That's all I can think of at the moment, but I'm sure I'll think of more....

Again, thanks in advance for your help and I hope this information can also be helpful for future security junkies that come across it in the future.

Cheers to: Understanding that security and privacy matters and that people like us DO give a rats about it! :highfive:

---------- Post added at 06:32 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:40 PM ----------

This is why I think all these worthy privacy apps like the obvious ones we know to be World Class acts should be paid apps!

If one is serious about security and privacy, they will pay and THIS WILL WEED OUT THE UNTHANKFUL CRY BABIES! PERIOD.

I'm all for paying. Please keep this in mind Devs for those of us who are on the same page as me who respect your time and effort. If someone isn't serious or a cheapskate then having a price to pay on your hard work will take care of either scenario.