We often hear the term “rooting” of Android devices. Some people root their Android devices. And, we often hear that malware roots a device and steals sensitive data. What is rooting? Why do people root an Android device? Should we root an Android device? And, what are the security concerns of rooting a device? Let’s understand that in more detail.

What is the rooting of an Android device?

Android uses the Linux kernel. And all Unix-based operating systems have the concept of a “root” user, which has administrative privileges. By default, an Android user does not have administrative privileges on his Android device. Rooting is a technique that gives a user administrative privileges on his device.

Why do users root an Android device?

There are several purposes for which rooting is usually done.

• Users often root an Android device with the purpose of overcoming limitations put by carriers or hardware manufacturers.
• By default, a user does not have administrative privileges on his Android device, so he cannot alter system applications and settings. Rooting gives the user administrative privileges, which enables the user to alter or replace these system applications and settings.
• Rooting enables a user to run specialized applications that require administrative privileges on the device.
• Users can even completely remove or replace the operating system of the device after rooting.
• Rooting enables a user to remove pre-installed applications.
• Rooting gives the user lower-level access to the hardware of the device. For example, it lets users control status lights or recalibrate touch screens.
• Users often root an Android device to gain better control over it. For example, the user can change the themes, icons, or boot animations that appear while the device is booting. He can even overclock or underclock the CPU and GPU or automate system-level processes through third-party applications.
• After rooting, users can even install custom firmware or a custom ROM to gain better control over the rooted device.

How do Android applications work, and how does rooting make a device less secure?

Android applications are usually written in Java. The application code, along with other required data and resource files, is kept in an APK or Android Package that a user uses to install the application on his device.