Questions about "F-Secure Total Security and VPN" on Android

Mathis
Mathis Posts: 9 Observer
edited August 12 in People & Devices

I have the F-Secure Total subscription that gives me 5 devices and I was linked to this app when I sent a download link. However that was kinda pointless because it just sent me to the play store.

Anyways, I recently stumbled upon Device Admin-settings on my phone and saw my F-Secure app had an entry there. It says it enables the app to control the lock screen. But after looking it up I now see that, on the very product page on Google Play, you say it's absolutely needed for browsing protection to work as well

However, during my setup of the app I was never told about this permission being needed. I wasn't even told it existed! I was however told to allow Accessibility permission.

So my question is, should I enable F-Secure as a Device Admin? It doesn't say anything other than it gives it access to control the screen lock. Nothing about browsing protection. But you say it's needed on the app description. And if it is, why wouldn't I get a notification to enable it during setup if it was so important?

This feels kind of weird. I hope I haven't downloaded a malicious version of the app somehow…

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Accepted Answer

  • JOnes
    JOnes Posts: 1,119 Forum Guru
    edited July 31 Answer ✓

    In order to get direct F-Secure customer service within a reasonable time, I advise you to contact direct to support. As contributors we cannot easily contribute to a cause that requires reviewing customer's substriction.On top of that, it seems that the management of the community page issues during the holiday season is lacking, at least in the English-language department.

    https://www.f-secure.com/us-en/support

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Answers

  • Ukko
    Ukko Posts: 3,917 Superuser

    Looks like that my comment in this topic got lost (or was put into moderation for approval). Since I tried to advise something some time ago. :(

    If reply is not released someday, then in response to one specific point:

    So my question is, should I enable F-Secure as a Device Admin?

    No, it is not necessary. Unless you're asked to.

    Things that confused you a little most likely imply the use of this component (browsing protection) as part of the Parental Control functionality, where such rights may also be required for browsing protection extra things.

    In the original reply - I tried to be more precise with some quotes from description and some manuals.

    // the downloading routine was also as it is designed. You send an email that will contain a redirect (or direct) URL to the Play Store to download the app (there is no way to download the .apk directly at the moment). Useful in some ways, for example, you don't have to explain where or how to download the F-Secure app when you send such an email to someone else. Still it could be also with instructions about some credentials to use (if you do use 'sharing license' feature).

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  • Ukko
    Ukko Posts: 3,917 Superuser

    Hello,

    Since there are no replies yet.

    And if it is, why wouldn't I get a notification to enable it during setup if it was so important?

    There is a possibility that you will see such a request when these extra permissions are required to perform some action or when starting to use some functionality. For example, this is not required by default, but may be required if you want to use some optional features.

    For instance:

    THIS APP USES THE DEVICE ADMINISTRATOR PERMISSION

    Device Administrator rights are required for the application to perform and F-Secure is using the respective permissions in full accordance to Google Play policies and with active consent by the end-user. The Device Administrator permissions are used for Parental Control features, in particular:

    • Preventing children from removing the application without parental guidance

    • Browsing Protection

    implies the use of the Parental Control features.

    Usually they are available when you use F-Secure app in the child mode (profile). It is not entirely clear from your description - did you install the app for yourself (like adult profile), or did you try to set it up on the child's device, or did you simply select the option to use F-Secure app in child profile on your own device (for example, as I did)?

    While Accessibility services are used by any profile type:

    The Accessibility permissions are used for the Family Rules and Chrome Protection features, in particular:

    Family Rules

    • To allow a parent to protect their child against unsuitable web content.

    • To allow a parent to apply restrictions on device and app usage for children.

    Chrome Protection

    • To read website addresses for checking their safety on Chrome.

    With the Accessibility service

    • application usage can be monitored and restricted, and

    • safety checks on Chrome can be performed.

    so, in your case - maybe - it is Chrome Protection which requires it.

     I was linked to this app when I sent a download link. However that was kinda pointless because it just sent me to the play store.

    I don't think there is any direct installation option for an app (.apk or something like that) supported at the moment. So it is assumed that the email (acted as "download link") sent was a convenience to forward it to the Google Play store, where the installation will be started.

    So my question is, should I enable F-Secure as a Device Admin? 

    Probably not, unless you're asked to. But you can do it if you want.

    Some Online Guide articles about mentioned things:

    Thanks!

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