The Volla Phone 22: A Privacy-Focused, Multi-OS Smartphone for Cybersecurity Enthusiasts

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Introduction

The Volla Phone 22 is a unique smartphone designed for privacy-conscious users and cybersecurity professionals. With its Google-free Volla OS (based on Android Open Source Project) and support for alternative Linux-based operating systems like Ubuntu Touch, it offers a secure and customizable mobile experience. This article explores the device’s security features, technical specifications, and practical applications for IT professionals.

Learning Objectives

  • Understand the security and privacy benefits of a Google-free Android OS.
  • Learn how to dual-boot alternative Linux distributions on the Volla Phone 22.
  • Explore built-in privacy tools and hardening techniques for mobile security.

You Should Know

1. Enabling the Built-in Firewall

The Volla Phone 22 includes a native firewall for controlling network access.

Command/Configuration:

 Check active firewall rules (ADB shell or terminal) 
iptables -L -n

Step-by-Step Guide:

  1. Open Settings > Privacy & Security > Firewall.
  2. Toggle network access for individual apps (Wi-Fi, mobile data, or both).
  3. Use `iptables` via ADB for advanced rule customization.
    1. Switching to Ubuntu Touch via Dual Boot

The device supports seamless OS switching.

Command/Configuration:

 Backup current OS before installation 
dd if=/dev/block/mmcblk0p1 of=/sdcard/volla_backup.img

Step-by-Step Guide:

  1. Download the Ubuntu Touch image from the official repository.
  2. Go to Settings > System > Dual Boot Manager.

3. Select the downloaded image and confirm installation.

3. Disabling Google Services (For AOSP-Based Security)

Volla OS excludes Play Services by default, but additional hardening is possible.

Command/Configuration:

 Remove residual tracking packages (requires root) 
pm uninstall --user 0 com.google.android.gms

Step-by-Step Guide:

  1. Enable Developer Options (tap Build Number 7 times).

2. Use `adb shell` to deactivate unnecessary services.

4. Enforcing App Permissions with Security Mode

The device includes a security mode to restrict app privileges.

Command/Configuration:

 List app permissions (ADB) 
dumpsys package <package_name> | grep permission

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Activate Security Mode in settings.

2. Manually review permissions for installed apps.

5. Expanding Storage Securely

The microSD slot supports encrypted storage for sensitive data.

Command/Configuration:

 Encrypt SD card (Linux terminal) 
cryptsetup luksFormat /dev/mmcblk1p1

Step-by-Step Guide:

  1. Insert a microSD card and format it as internal storage.
  2. Enable encryption via Settings > Storage > Encrypt SD Card.

6. Auditing Network Traffic

Use the built-in VPN and firewall to monitor data leaks.

Command/Configuration:

 Log network connections (ADB) 
tcpdump -i any -s 0 -w /sdcard/traffic.pcap

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Install a VPN (e.g., OpenVPN).

2. Use `tcpdump` or Wireshark for traffic analysis.

7. Hardening the Kernel

Custom kernel tweaks can improve security.

Command/Configuration:

 Check kernel hardening settings 
sysctl -a | grep kernel.randomize_va_space

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Root the device (caution: voids warranty).

  1. Modify `/etc/sysctl.conf` to enable ASLR and other mitigations.

What Undercode Say

  • Key Takeaway 1: The Volla Phone 22 is a rare device offering both hardware repairability (removable battery) and software freedom (multi-OS support), making it ideal for security researchers.
  • Key Takeaway 2: The absence of Google Play Services reduces attack surfaces but requires reliance on F-Droid/Aurora Store, which may limit app availability.

Analysis:

The Volla Phone 22 bridges the gap between consumer smartphones and privacy-focused tools. Its support for Linux distributions like Ubuntu Touch opens doors for penetration testers to run security tools natively. However, the MediaTek processor’s proprietary firmware remains a potential weak point. Future iterations could benefit from Coreboot/Libreboot integration for full-stack transparency.

Prediction

As demand for de-Googled devices grows, expect more manufacturers to adopt modular designs and open-source OS options. The Volla Phone 22’s approach could inspire a new wave of enterprise-grade, privacy-first smartphones tailored for cybersecurity workflows.

IT/Security Reporter URL:

Reported By: Razvan Alexandru – Hackers Feeds
Extra Hub: Undercode MoN
Basic Verification: Pass ✅

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