[Security Discussion] minimale_ldz:
First of - I'm just an everyday user of Android device, never interested in hacking or any other "advanced" use of computers and likes. My greatest achievements so far are jailbreaking Iphone, rooting an Android phone and installing stock ROM on it. You can call me a noob. However - I like to improve things I use and I also value my privacy. That's why I installed a software that locks access to certain apps on my phone. I recently found this app actually made an opposite - it made my device vulnerable to identity theft and potential financial loss. I wouldn't really bother telling my story if developers didn't delete my one-star-rating with a brief description of the problem right after I posted it in Play store.

So, to the point. I installed CM Security and app lock app (nearly 14 millions of users and 4,7 rating) and locked some of the "sensitive" apps with it. One evening I was bored enough to try and play "a hacker" who "found my phone" and see what such person could do. Considering "a hacker" somehow managed to unlock the device he'd now encounter my second line of the defense - the mighty app locker. And now, in a few short steps I'll show you how much damage you can do with it:

1. First it obviously asks you for an unlocking password/pattern, but -as you don't know it - you hit in-app menu button and choose "forgot password?" option.

2. It asks you to log in to your Google account in order to reset the password (YES, you can access Google password recovery from inside the app, so even if you lock your device's Settings, your mail client and so on, you can still access the most vulnerable option of your account from "security" app).

3. As you don't know a Google password you hit the "forgot password" link that starts Google password reset process.

4. It will ask you for the "last password you remember", but you can just say you don't know it and then it gives you an option to get a verification code by SMS - chances are it will be sent to the device you're just holding in your hands. And these chances are big.

5. After you get a verification code you're in. You can now set a new Google account password and reset app locker password/pattern.

It's that easy. You not only unlocked an app locker but also got access to Google account which gives you pretty much endless possibilities, including purchase of some apps in the Play Store as it stores your card details and you only need an account password to authenticate the purchase. You can also try to restore Ebay or Paypal passwords or even try to get directly into bank accounts via banking apps. Sky is the limit.

I already deleted CM "security" app and looked for some replacement. I wasn't really surprised it's kind of a standard that when you install them, security apps ask you to give your Google account details just in case you need to recover your password in a future. And they often make you think that giving these details is an integral part of installation process, a must-do that is necessary for an app to install and work. Some apps, like CM "security" don't even ask - they just use your Google account details and don't give you a chance to give up such option.

After all - here's some advice I can give:

1. Don't install any security software that connects to your Google account and gives "password reset" options;

2. Don't give Google your mobile number, even if it seems convinient;

3. Don't use your Google account address as your contact information in "owner info" option of your device.

If you have any other suggestions that may improve security, please share.

Cheers