Add device administrators - how?

[Guest mminghella71]

Hello

I have installed the Modaco custom rom and am really happy with it.

Now, I have given it to our IT techs at work to see what can be done with it as regards using it as a device in lessons. They want to know how to add device administrators. We can find the option to do it, but the message is that there are "no available" device administrators and there are no options to add one :)

Can anyone help

On a personal note, I am loving the Vega now it has had its potential unlocked!

[Guest simonta]

Hello

I have installed the Modaco custom rom and am really happy with it.

Now, I have given it to our IT techs at work to see what can be done with it as regards using it as a device in lessons. They want to know how to add device administrators. We can find the option to do it, but the message is that there are "no available" device administrators and there are no options to add one :)

Can anyone help

On a personal note, I am loving the Vega now it has had its potential unlocked!

I guess your techs are Windows guys. Android Device administrators are NOT like Windows administrators. Android is not a multi user system. There is just one user (you) who is either a root user (like a Windows admin) or not. Device administrators are remote users who can control security protocols like those provided by Microsoft Exchange. One of the things a device administrator, using the Exchange security protocol, can do is remotely wipe your machine so that if it's lost or stolen, the juicy bits can be cleaned up. The Android API enables devs to write security administration apps that can be remotely controlled by these device admins.

[Guesswork]

Never done this, hence the warning. If you install an Android security aware app such as an Exchange email client specifically written to use the security functions, AFAIK there are none currently, then you could add [email protected] with a password. Joe would then be able to remotely wipe your Vega. The option to add administrators will only be enabled if you have such an app.

[/Guesswork]

Cheers

[Guest mminghella71]

I guess your techs are Windows guys. Android Device administrators are NOT like Windows administrators. Android is not a multi user system. There is just one user (you) who is either a root user (like a Windows admin) or not. Device administrators are remote users who can control security protocols like those provided by Microsoft Exchange. One of the things a device administrator, using the Exchange security protocol, can do is remotely wipe your machine so that if it's lost or stolen, the juicy bits can be cleaned up. The Android API enables devs to write security administration apps that can be remotely controlled by these device admins.

[Guesswork]

Never done this, hence the warning. If you install an Android security aware app such as an Exchange email client specifically written to use the security functions, AFAIK there are none currently, then you could add [email protected] with a password. Joe would then be able to remotely wipe your Vega. The option to add administrators will only be enabled if you have such an app.

[/Guesswork]

Cheers

Thanks a lot for th einfo. You're right, they are Windows guys! It was mainly for installing security certificates for the wireless network we have...or something. There are limits to what I can remain attentive to :)

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[Guest FrownBreaker]

I guess your techs are Windows guys. Android Device administrators are NOT like Windows administrators. Android is not a multi user system. There is just one user (you) who is either a root user (like a Windows admin) or not. Device administrators are remote users who can control security protocols like those provided by Microsoft Exchange. One of the things a device administrator, using the Exchange security protocol, can do is remotely wipe your machine so that if it's lost or stolen, the juicy bits can be cleaned up. The Android API enables devs to write security administration apps that can be remotely controlled by these device admins.

[Guesswork]

Never done this, hence the warning. If you install an Android security aware app such as an Exchange email client specifically written to use the security functions, AFAIK there are none currently, then you could add [email protected] with a password. Joe would then be able to remotely wipe your Vega. The option to add administrators will only be enabled if you have such an app.

[/Guesswork]

Cheers

Taken from the Andriod SDK... Link below...

Android 2.2 introduces support for enterprise applications by offering the Android Device Administration API. The Device Administration API provides device administration features at the system level. These APIs allow you to create security-aware applications that are useful in enterprise settings, in which IT professionals require rich control over employee devices. For example, the built-in Android Email application has leveraged the new APIs to improve Exchange support. Through the Email application, Exchange administrators can enforce password policies — including alphanumeric passwords or numeric PINs — across devices. Administrators can also remotely wipe (that is, restore factory defaults on) lost or stolen handsets. Exchange users can sync their email and calendar data.

This document is intended for developers who want to develop enterprise solutions for Android-powered devices. It discusses the various features provided by the Device Administration API to provide stronger security for employee devices that are powered by Android.

http://developer.android.com/guide/topics/...vice-admin.html

Edited April 14, 2011 by FrownBreaker