Symbian “Security” – Useless “Signing” and Annoying “Certificate Errors”

You have a latest Symbian phone and a compatible application or game but still can’t install it, why? Just because it is unsigned (it does not have trusted certificate signature written over it). I am sick of annoying “Certificate” errors (“Certificate expired”, “No certificate available, contact application supplier” etc etc) while installing apps in my Symbian mobile. Besides, I can’t access system folders either (contents of sys and private folders) which is required to remove corrupt themes and apps. Frustrated!! We purchase these devices at exorbitant prices and still don’t have access to hidden files and system folders and can’t install our favorite programs. This shit signing stuff also increases the cost of apps (which ultimately user has to bear) as the developer has to pay to get it “Signed”. This damn joke has been cracked by Symbian OS developers from S60 3rd Edition (Version 9.1) onwards. Think about it what if Windows refuses to install a compatible software due to “Security reasons”.

Come-on guys, I mean I have bought a phone and it is mine now, should not I have full control over it? Whatever happens to it due to my actions is all my liability. As far as security is concerned: it has already been torn apart by many hackers (like HelloOx etc). Likewise any one can get his malicious app (of whatever type) signed, by paying money and your device will install it as trusted. So what is the use of it? And if you think you can stop application piracy this way, let’s face it, you CAN NOT stop piracy by WHATEVER means. Pirated/cracked copies of every single computer software is available online and you are talking about tiny mobile apps!

What happened to S60 2nd Ed. Phones? Were they hacked or damaged due to unsigned apps? No and those devices are still far better in many respects than today’s 3rd and 5th Ed. phones. At least we can access all system folders in them, besides every app has all its files in a single folder (C:/System/Apps or E:/System/Apps), Java apps neatly arranged in “System/MIDLet” folder, themes in “System/Skins”. On the contrary in S60 3rd and 5th Ed. devices, first of all you can’t access “SYS” folder and if accessed (By hacking the phone) you will be having trouble searching for individual apps and themes. There is no arrangement of apps and theme files (all scattered in a single folder like a mess). It frequently happens in these phones (a rarity in S60v2) that themes get corrupted for no obvious reason and in no way you can remove the theme (If it was installed in phone memory) because it either disappears from phone’s “Themes” menu or if persists, the phone refuses to delete it giving an error. Thus it continues to occupy the memory and the only way out is to format your phone to get rid of it. (Or opt for unofficial ways like hacking the phone).

In simple words, developers at Symbian and Nokia have made a mockery of an otherwise very good OS in the name of security and improvement. Seriously think over it or you will lose a huge customer base and loyalty of users…..
What you guys think about it? Do share your views here.