Android – Stop ‘Facebook’ Messenger Hijacking Your SMS

KB ID 0001222 

Problem

Just because Facebook changed the name to simply ‘messenger’ then had it as a separate ‘app’ to confuse the masses into thinking it was nothing to do with Facebook, does not mean I want it to handle my SMS messages!

I already have something to handle my SMS messages, MY PHONE! Yes it’s running Android so I’m slowly giving my soul to Google, but that doesn’t mean Facebook can get in on the act, and serve me adverts based on whats in my text messages.

After a recent update, it decided to jump in and intercept my SMS messages then keep prompting me to change my default SMS app to Messenger, which if you are in a hurry you can inadvertently do.

 

Solution

From within Messenger > Profile > SMS.

TURN OFF the toggle switch at the top for ‘Default SMS app’.

 

Related Articles, References, Credits, or External Links

NA

Android AnyConnect Error

KB ID 0000537

Problem

While using the Android/Cisco Anyconnect App/Client you receive the following error.

Error:

The secure gateway has rejected the agent’s VPN request. A New connection requires re-authentication and must be started manually. Please contact your network administrator if this problem persists.
The following message was received from the security gateway: No License.

Solution

The most pertinent information above is the last two words of the error message “No License”

This DOES NOT mean you have ran out of SSL/AnyConnect Licences!

This licence is a “One Off” purchase and will enable the feature on your ASA, be aware the licence is different for each model make sure you purchase the correct one!

AnyConnect Mobile, (or AnyConnect for Mobile) licence details can be found at Cisco’s website Below is the section we are interested in.

Once the correct licences are installed this is what it SHOULD look liike.

Related Articles, References, Credits, or External Links

Cisco ASA 5500 – Adding Licenses

Cisco AnyConnect Error (iPhone)

Android – Using the Cisco AnyConnect Client

 

KB ID 0000539 

Problem

You have an Android device* and you would like to create a remote VPN connection to a Cisco device running AnyConnect.

Note: This is not a walkthrough on how to configure AnyConnect, for that go here.

Be aware that in addition to your SSL VPN licences your Cisco ASA device also needs a “AnyConnect Mobile” license. If you do not have one you will receive this error.

*Note: At time of writing the AnyConnect client is only available for Samsung, HTC, Lenovo, and Android phones that have been rooted.

Solution

1. First head over to the Android Market, locate and then install the AnyConnect Client on your device.

2. Once installed launch the AnyConnect client.

3. Add New VPN Connection.

4. Tap Description.

5. Give the connection a recognisable name.

6. Set the server address, to either the public IP of your Cisco device, or if you have a public DNS name that points to it e.g. vpn.yourdomain.com you can enter that. (Providing the device can resolve that address using DNS).

7. You should not need to enter Certificate details, unless your IT department have secured the AnyConnect profile with certificates like this. In most cases you would supply a username and password to connect, so this is not relevant. If you are unsure speak to the person/department that looks after your Cisco device.

8. To save the connection click “Done”.

8. To start the connection, simply tap it.

Note: To delete/edit a connection profile tap and hold it.

9. Type in your credentials > OK.

10. When connected you will get a “Green Tick” and the logo at the top of the screen will show a closed padlock. This padlock logo will remain all the time you are connected.

11. To disconnect, simply tap the green tick, and the client software will terminate the connection.

Related Articles, References, Credits, or External Links

Thanks to David Simpson for trusting me with his phone for half an hour.

Android AnyConnect Error

iPhone / iPad – Using the Cisco AnyConnect Client