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LineageOS is apparently not private? (lemmy.zip)
submitted 1 day ago by PragmaticIdealist@lemmy.zip to c/privacy@lemmy.ml
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I'm planning on flashing LineageOS on my phone to debloat and to degoogle, and additionally to increase overall privacy but apparently from what I've heard here that it's not private enough or even at all?

I know about it being less secure because of the opened bootloader and the higher chances of you rooting to achieve what you want with a degoogled phone, but beyond that (especially privacy-wise) I don't know anything.

I've seen a video on how to degoogle it further, but surely it isn't all I need to do.

I need some education.

Unfortunately my phone is so obscure that it isn't supported by literally anything, but fortunately there's an unofficial port of LineageOS I found on Telegram, and that's the one I'll be using. So if you're thinking of suggesting another custom ROM, you're out of luck. Also you can't make me buy a Pixel - that thing ain't supported in my country (5G and others) and it's hella expensive as well.

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[-] PragmaticIdealist@lemmy.zip 1 points 1 day ago

Yeah I know I can't prevent apps from collecting data that's why I have all essentials from FOSS.

My main problem with an unlocked bootloader is I'll have to do a lot of things to get most of my apps working (mainly banking apps and games).

malware modifying the operating system at runtime

Is that from installing an app or from install a malicious ROM?

and an unauthorized person with physical access installing a malicious operating system while you’re not looking

That's like impossible. It takes time to install a ROM, and my phone is always with me so that's not happening.

The latter is rare unless you’re a high-value target or dating an abusive hacker.

Bold of you to assume I'm ever dating anyone.

[-] Zak@lemmy.world 2 points 1 day ago

Getting around Google's attestation with an unlocked bootloader requires root - I believe the go-to is Magisk and the Play Integrity Fix module. It's also a good idea to put the apps in question on the Magisk denylist. I've been using this for years with good results and would not describe it as "a lot of things".

Is that from installing an app or from install a malicious ROM?

A malicious app could modify the OS, but it would need root permissions. There are three ways that can happen:

  • The app exploits a privilege escalation bug in the OS. This can happen even if you don't have root access yourself.
  • The app exploits a bug in a superuser permission manager (e.g. Magisk) to gain root privileges without prompting you.
  • A previously legitimate app you've given root privileges to gets a malicious update (a supply chain attack).

A malicious ROM is certainly possible. Some random person's LineageOS fork is slightly less trustworthy than its maintainer (due to supply chain attacks).

[-] PragmaticIdealist@lemmy.zip 2 points 1 day ago

Getting around Google’s attestation with an unlocked bootloader requires root - I believe the go-to is Magisk and the Play Integrity Fix module.

I'm planning on using KernelSU, because I asked on the Magisk subreddit and it's unironically what they recommended. I looked around here and it solidified my decision even more.

The recommended way for me to install it goes like install custom recovery > install custom ROM > somehow flash preferred rooting solution in recovery > install preferred rooting solution as an app. link

this post was submitted on 06 Sep 2025
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