Can I put a second layer of protection on my Android WordPress app?
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I receive persistent hacking attempts, and I’ve stopped having nearly as many problems on sites for which I have done this additional layering. Right now, almost every time I have to restart my phone it’s on this WP app only ~ and I sometimes have to do it more than once while composing a single post ~ sometimes several.
Is there a way to install a little more peace of mind around my work?
WP.com: Yes
Correct account: YesThe blog I need help with is: (visible only to logged in users)
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Hi there,
Right now, almost every time I have to restart my phone it’s on this WP app only ~ and I sometimes have to do it more than once while composing a single post ~ sometimes several.
Can you send a little more info on this?
Are you wanting to make it so you have to log into the app every time you use it?
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Hello, and thank you for writing back!
On the other apps with which I’ve had trouble, I’ve reestablished peaceful function by opting to enter a code or use a biometric ID whenever I enter the app. It’s little unwieldy, but not as bad as having to sign in every time I exit the app to pick up a quote or a photo! Is there such a possibility for this app?
Thank you again for your response ~ please have a lovely evening 🌹
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The app does not have that functionality. But I will pass the suggestion along to the team.
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Oh, please do. If it becomes possible, and it’s not too much trouble, please do alert me.
Thanks again for the prompt response 👌
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Just to let you know that this is indeed a very live issue ~ my app is now showing me I have no followers (I have hundreds). Uninstalling and reinstalling the app did not change it.
I love WordPress, and am hoping to be able to stay with the platform. Here’s hoping this online connection doesn’t deteriorate any further…
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P.S.
To be more specific, my app’s notifications page shows no followers. The stats page still carries all 200+.
In our day and age, when even a joke makes people mad enough to kill and folks love their remote electronic disruptor devices, it’s increasingly important to add protection to the app.
If I had the choice, I’d be using a computer, but the phone’s the only device I have.
Fingers crossed for the future.
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Thanks for elaborating!
Just so we have all of the details, would you please let us know what version of Android your phone is running?
Also, can you see your notifications at https://wordpress.com in your phone’s browser? They’ll be under the bell at the top-right after logging in.
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The phone says its version number is 2.350001.
I did find my follower notifications under the bell at the site link you sent ~ and that list is also now restored on my app as well! 😊👏👏👏
Onward! Thank you for your prompt response ~ please have a peaceful evening.
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Greetings!
Heads up ~ I got that blank notification page again this morning suddenly (I’d been working with it successfully just at an hour before).
I took a picture of it for you, but I’m not sure how to forward it to this conversation. It has a little picture of a man holding an Android in shades of WordPress blue, and the words “No followers yet”
Pretty sure this is hackers ~ I get lots of anomalous activity in my apps intermittently, which have come to a complete halt in apps which have been given a second layer of ID protection.
Knowledge is power! Let me know if anything can be done ~ and have a peaceful day, Ana
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Hi Ana,
I can assure you there’s no hacking going on here. There’s no evidence at all of unauthorised access to your WordPress.com account via either a browser or the mobile app. And for a hacker to be able to manipulate the follower count for your site they’d have to be in our systems themselves, not just in your site, and I can absolutely guarantee you our systems haven’t been hacked.
The phone says its version number is 2.350001.
I just want to make sure, you’re on Android 2.3? What is your WordPress app version? In the app, tap the profile icon and tap About WordPress to see the app version number.
The current version of the WordPress mobile app is 19.8.1, and it only works on Android 7.0 and higher.
If your Android and WordPress versions are lower than that, that’s the explanation for the issues you’ve been seeing, i.e. the software is simply too old and outdated to still work properly. In that case I’m afraid there isn’t anything we can do.
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It is good to know that hacking has not reached the main account.
However, that doesn’t mean that there’s “no hacking here.”
My contribution since the beginning of this exchange has been, exactly, that all the evidence has pointing to hackings of the apps themselves.
When I asked my Android for information about itself, it told me it’s an “11.” It was purchased less than six months ago.
My app is a version 18.8.1 (1219).
I believe it is true that nothing can be done to help in this situation, unless and until protection is added to the app. My purpose in this follow up communication has been to let you know that these issues with the app itself are indeed active.
I won’t bother you again.
Hope your day gets better.
18.8.1 (1219)
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Hi @troubadorofverse, if the numbers are correct in the browser but wrong in the app, there’s probably just an issue in the app rather than any kind of hack.
Can you confirm again the version of the WordPress app you’re using? You shared 18.8.1, but current should be 19.8.1
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I have to apologize ~ these touch keyboards are, well, touchy! I mistyped ~ the version is indeed 19.8.1.
Please understand that a targeted individual adds, to the overwhelming burdens of a whole world turned stalker, the constant mind-blowing need to defend themselves against charges of overreaction and don’t wnright delusion.
I’d be very pleased to find reasons other than hacking for the current small malfunctions in my app ~ for instance, I now need to “save” the entire post before unfreezing my keyboard after using italics.
The fact is that hese types of tiny damage have showed up all over apps on my device ~ and have ceased completely on those for which a second level of protection is available.
My purpose here has been not to complain, but to raise awareness about this new arena for cyber crime, and to encourage something to be done to prevent it on this WordPress app. I’d like to stay with the platform.
Please have a more peaceful day than my own.
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Are you able to manage with what you’re seeing?
We’ll keep our eyes open for similar reports. If you notice any damage to your site that’s carried to a browser, please let us know, too.
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In some cases, app functions are restored by restarting the device, and that appears to have happened this time since my “follows” are once again back on the page.
If I lose them again, I’ll click through from the email notifications which allow it, and copy and paste site editor names into the Reader’s search bar when necessary.
It’s a good suggestion for me to check my site through the browser occasionally, to make sure damage remains isolated to the app. Thank you ~ I’ll be sure to do that.
Keeping my device on airplane mode when not in use, and restarting it promptly when anomalous behaviors are just beginning, helps a lot with the apps which don’t have extra protection.
On the other hand, the device seems to be very vulnerable when on “hold” for phone calls, which I can’t do much about.
I’m glad you’ll be keeping this information to assist with development going forward. It means a lot.
Please have a peaceful evening, Ana
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Thank you Ana. Let us know what you find from comparing the app to the browser, and no rush with that. Enjoy your evening in the meantime.
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At this moment, the browser page shows, as well, no followers.
I don’t know whether the browser on this device recognizes and connects me to the app or not. I have no other device available to me with which to fix nd out if there’s a difference using one.
My in-app keyboard now freezes after both italic and bold settings until post is saved, sometimes saved twice, as it fails to exit composition screen the first time.
I understand there’s nothing to be done on your end.
Please have a peaceful day.
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HEY ~ we can click through conveniently from new email “follow” notifications now! Yippee! Thank you!
No need to trouble yourself to reply ~ just wanted to say “Yay!” 🤗
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I don’t know whether the browser on this device recognizes and connects me to the app or not.
You should be able to log in with the same username and password in the browser, and you can use the mobile browser on your phone, or use a desktop browser.
HEY ~ we can click through conveniently from new email “follow” notifications now! Yippee! Thank you!
Cheers!
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