Samsung users might have noticed an application running in the background or as a used app in Google Activity called SecurityLogAgent. Since it is a built-in app, users don’t know what is this app and what does it do?
SecurityLogAgent is a preinstalled Android system application that reads security logs to detect issues on your Samsung device and displays a security notice notification on your screen if a security issue is detected.
The application package name of the SecurityLogAgent app is com.samsung.android.securitylogagent. This app is present in most Samsung devices including older models like Samsung J7, Galaxy S7, S6 edge, Galaxy Note, and newer models like Galaxy S10, S20, S21, etc.
In this article, I’ll explain more about SecurityLogAgent, what is it used for, why does it say unauthorized access, and how to fix this issue.
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What is SecurityLogAgent Used For?
The SecurityLogAgent application reads security logs provided by the Samsung KNOX security framework and if an issue is detected, the SecurityLogAgent displays the security notice as a notification alert on your screen.
This app works hand in hand with the Samsung KNOX security application. KNOX security has some other apps that help to keep your device secure including KLMS Agent and BBCAgent.
Log Agent or Logging Agent is an application that reads logs from one location and sends these logs to another location.
Basically, the SecurityLogAgent only shows security logs on your device and it cannot fix security issues. It is not a security application itself but is a part of the KNOX security application. It is just a messenger that is responsible for notifying users about a security issue detected on their device.
When a security issue is detected, the SecurityLogAgent app shows a notification “Unauthorized actions have been detected. Restart your device to undo any unauthorized changes.” This security notice appears on devices that have been rooted.
When you root your Samsung device, the KNOX security mechanism checks for irregularities in the software versions of your device and if an irregularity is found, it instructs the SecurityLogAgent to display the security notice “Unauthorized actions have been detected.”
There are several ways to get rid of the “How To Fix Unauthorized Actions Have Been Detected” error and all of them are mentioned below in detail.
1. Unroot Your Device
This error generally occurs when you root your Samsung device so the best way to fix this is to unroot your device. Follow the steps below to unroot your device.
- Download and Install the SuperSU app.
- Open the SuperSU app.
- Navigate to the Settings tab.
- Scroll down and tap on the “Full Unroot” option.
- Follow the onscreen instructions and wait till the process is complete.
- Once its done, reboot the phone and your device will be unrooted and the security notice should be gone.
2. Disable SecurityLogAgent Using Package Disabler
Package Disabler apps allow you to disable selected system applications that cannot be disabled normally. You can use the Package Disabler Pro app or the Service Disabler app. These apps require you to root your Android device.
Here are the steps to disable the SecurityLogAgent system app using the Service Disabler app.
- Download and Install the Service Disabler app on your Samsung device.
- Tap on the Search button on the top bar and search for “SecurityLogAgent“.
- Select the SecurityLogAgent app and tap on the Disable button.
- Confirm your decision by selecting “OK” or “Yes”.
3. Disable SecurityLogAgent Using the Titanium Backup App
Titanium Backup is another application that is used to freeze/disable system applications. This app also requires you to root your Android device. Follow the steps below to disable this app using Titanium Backup.
- Download and install the “Titanium Backup” app.
- Launch the app.
- Search for SecurityLogAgent and tap on it.
- Tap on the Freeze option.
4. Uninstall SecurityLogAgent Using Android Debug Bridge(ADB)
ADB allows you to bring up a Unix shell so you can issue commands directly on the Android device. You’ll need a Windows PC to use ADB.
Step 1 – Go to Settings > System > About phone.
Step 2 – Tap on the Build number 7 times to activate Developer Options.
Step 3 – Go back to the main Settings menu and tap on Developer Options to open it.
Step 4 – Enable USB debugging by tapping on it.
Step 5 – Download ADB on your PC.
Step 6 – Extract the ZIP file into a folder.
Step 7 – After extracting the ZIP file, open that folder.
Step 8 – Press and hold the shift button and right-click in a blank area.
Step 9 – Click on “Open Powershell window here.”
Step 10 – Enter the command adb devices.
Step 11 – Connect your Android device to the PC using a USB data cable and set the USB mode as File Transfer.
Step 12 – You will receive a USB debugging notification on your phone, tap on OK to allow debugging access.
Step 13 – Re-enter the command adb devices.
Step 14 – You should now see the Serial number of your device on the Powershell window.
Step 15 – Run the command adb shell pm uninstall –user 0 com.samsung.android.securitylogagent and wait for a few seconds. You’ll notice the app has been uninstalled from your device.
5. Uninstall SecurityLogAgent Using System App Remover
System App Remover is an application that allows you to uninstall system applications. This app requires you to root your device.
- Download and install the System App Remover application.
- Launch the System App Remover application, search for the SecurityLogAgent app, and select it by tapping on the checkbox next to it.
- Tap on the Uninstall button to completely uninstall the app.
6. Factory Reset Your Device
A Factory Reset erases all the data from your phone and restores your phone to its original state. Before factory resetting your device, you should backup your data in a Cloud service like Samsung Cloud or Google Drive. After the backup is complete, follow the steps below to Factory Reset your Android device.
- Open Settings.
- Tap on General.
- Tap on Reset.
- Tap on Factory Data Reset.
- Tap on the “Reset” button and you may need to enter your PIN or password.
- Tap on Delete all and your phone will be reset.
7. Flash Stock ROM(Firmware)
If all the above methods didn’t fix the issue then flashing the stock Firmware will surely fix it because you’ll download the original Samsung software and it will remove the rooted version.
You’ll need to download the Stock Firmware files for your device and you’ll need a flashing tool to flash the stock ROM like the Samsung Odin flashing tool.
8. Call Service Provider And Ask For Replacement
If you’re still getting issues then your last resort is to call the Samsung service center and ask for a replacement for your device. If you have already rooted your device, it means the warranty is void and you won’t likely get a replacement.
If you didn’t root your Samsung Android device then there’s a high probability that you will receive a replacement.
Is SecurityLogAgent Safe Or Is It a Virus?
SecurityLogAgent is a built-in system application so it is totally safe. It is not some sort of virus, malware or spyware. This app doesn’t cause any harm to your device.
This app sends security notices if a security issue is detected so it doesn’t spy on your data and most importantly it doesn’t use your system resources unnecessarily so it’s definitely not bloatware.
It is an important application required for getting security notifications but if you are still concerned then you can scan this app with an Antivirus to be sure.
Can You Uninstall SecurityLogAgent?
Yes, you can easily uninstall the SecurityLogAgent app from your device with or without rooting. If you want to remove it without rooting you can use the ADB software and if you have already rooted your device, you can use the System App Remover application. Both methods to uninstall the app have been shared in the previous sections.
However, uninstalling this application is not recommended because this app provides notifications about security issues on your device, and if you remove it then you won’t get any further notification alerts about security issues on your device.
What Permissions Does SecurityLogAgent Require?
The SecurityLogAgent system app requires Phone permission which allows the app to read your phone status and identity.
You can check the permissions required by going to Settings > Apps > Show System Apps > SecurityLogAgent > Permissions.
SecurityLogAgent Consumes Too Much Battery?
SecurityLogAgent runs in the background and consumes around 5% – 6% battery charge. This battery consumption is because of the high CPU usage while running in the background for detecting security issues.
To reduce battery usage, you could try clearing the app cache or force stopping the app. Both the methods are mentioned below.
To clear app cache go to Settings > Apps > Show System Apps > SecurityLogAgent > Storage > Clear Cache.
To force stop the app go to Settings > Apps > Show System Apps > SecurityLogAgent > Force Stop.
If that doesn’t fix the problem then it’s better to disable or uninstall this app.
Conclusion
SecurityLogAgent is a built-in system application on Samsung Android devices that reads security logs and sends notification alerts if a security issue is detected.
This app shows an “unauthorized actions have been detected” error if your device is rooted which can be fixed using the solutions mentioned in the article.