Database Users

antivirus

anyone use an antivirus on their vario2 ? I have just put on one from the same company I use for my online backups (1.5gb), anti virus, anti spam and anti malware. all this officially on 3pc's for around 50gbp for 2 years! It all works really well. had a small issue when I first installed it to my V2, that was sorted qjuickly by their 24h support; I had installed the smartphone version!
I can recommend them;
www.bullguard.com

Antivirus for WM devices is snake oil. There is no malware that will affect a WM device without agreeing to multiple popups. Most of the AV is designed to catch malware that will be caught on an on-access scan when you connect to a PC anyway.

bydandie said:
Antivirus for WM devices is snake oil. There is no malware that will affect a WM device without agreeing to multiple popups. Most of the AV is designed to catch malware that will be caught on an on-access scan when you connect to a PC anyway.
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fair comment mate, but this was included as part of my overall package. just thlough some of you may be interested.

I could be wrong, but I have yet to read a single report of a WM-based virus...

goestoeleven said:
I could be wrong, but I have yet to read a single report of a WM-based virus...
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Only a matter of time, IMHO. Plenty of idiots out there with nothing better to do.

A heads up for Norton AV users

Yeah, I know, first post, woo. Have to start sometime so I can whine and complain like everybody else in the Developer Forum
So, I have pretty slow DSL speeds and spent the last 20 minutes downloading the AIO Vibrant Toolbox 2.5, only for Norton to delete it upon my finished download citing it is 'infected' with ws.reputation.1 which means that less than 100 people who use Norton AV have ever used this file. Thanks Norton, way to be a bro! So remember turn off Auto Protect! Otherwise you will think that the developers have advanced from bricking your phones to trashing your computers
-Some sleep deprived lurker.

Of course once it is downloaded you can open Norton File Insight, and choose the option to make it trustworthy. That way nobody can care about this thread anymore. [=

I thought everyone knew better than to use Norton ?

n2ishun said:
I thought everyone knew better than to use Norton ?
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Yes both Norton and McAfee will really slow down your computer as well as slow down your connect speed. Use one of the other. In fact, AVG free is almost as good and it is free........

Dude go get AVG or AVAST antivirus. Both are free, and both don't bog your system down or cause issues like Norton does.
I can't believe companies like Norton or McAfee are still in business. Mind boggling.

for microsoft systems take microsoft security essentials ... runs extrem good, no probs with serverprofiles like norton ....

You know why they are in business, because companies like adobe pay them to make keygen algorithms for their software come up as viruses and get deleted automaticly in attempt to curb p2p piracy of their programs.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App

h-p-p said:
for microsoft systems take microsoft security essentials ... runs extrem good, no probs with serverprofiles like norton ....
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+1 for mse. though, i ran for years with no av with no problems, mse is light and non intrusive enough that i don't mind running it.

[Q] Whats the best defese?

Ive tried doing some searching around the threads, but I am not really finding a good answer. I want to put a good security app on my epic 4g, but Im not a fan of lookout's monthly subscription. Even though its only $3. (Course, Im also one of those that thing needing to subscribe for my virusscanner updates is stupid too)
I am wondering what, if any, you all would recommend to use for:
Lost Phone Location
Remote Lock
Remote Wipe
Malware/virus defense.
Thanks for your comments, I appreciate any help.

Lookout does all of those for free???? You don't have to pay for those features..... you only pay for online safety....

AVG antivirus

theduce102 said:
Lookout does all of those for free???? You don't have to pay for those features..... you only pay for online safety....
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Actually, you do have to pay for them. The free version of lookout only gives you..
Protect against viruses, malware and spyware
Backup and restore your contacts
Find your phone if it is lost or stolen
It doesnt give you the lock/wipe functions in the free version. I would prefer to have everything running in one app in the interest of less memory usage, but if theres another free app that gives the lock/wipe functions and I cant find another alternative, then I will do that.

pablomentabo said:
AVG antivirus
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Oh Nice! AVG is what I use on my desktop, I didnt even know their android one would do the lock/wipe functions.
Thanks

Doesn't the Sprint Protection app do all that?

readingkeeper said:
Doesn't the Sprint Protection app do all that?
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Thanks! Didnt even know that one existed. I have TEP, so thats a good alternative too.

I've used the lock wipe on free???? I confused (*_*)

Prey is what I use.

It would be nice if Google would build that into Android. I liked that Palm had that built into WebOS. It actually came in handy for me when my Pre was stolen. I am going to have to check AVG out, thank for the suggestion!
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App

AVG is not a good antivirus program. I suggest you use something different
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App

tatoniss said:
AVG is not a good antivirus program. I suggest you use something different
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App
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Why do you not like it and what would you suggest?
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App

But if your using a cutome rom it tells you your phone isn't supported.
Meant to hit quote but must of missed this is towards the sprint protection comment
Sent from my lean mean drunken machine useing XDA Premium and a 12 pack of Sam Lager

Avg desktop has lower detection rates compared to other free programs. Avast and Avira have better detection rates, and are lighter on resources. Both of those are free as well. Last time I checked avira was slightly better.
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App

Best mobile defense is simple. Don't lose your phone, don't DL unknown apps, don't do anything questionable and for impregnable security, never actually turn it on.
Please excuse any erors or typos as this massage was sent from my mobil device.

AVG is lame, and its detection rate (at least on desktops) is horrible. Think Norton, just free... And their adverts are equally annoying. As far as Desktop/Laptop protection, Comodo is free, and (last time I checked) ranked with a 99.93% detection rate. Lightweight as hell, too.
Back on topic, I saw that Kaspersky and Eset both offer free protection for mobile. And I know that ESet also has a "notify my friends" option if your chit gets stolen. However, I found Prey to have one of the best tracking options (actually had a customer's laptop recovered using it, much like lojack's software). I have it enabled with Computrace on my dell studio (just in case one or the other fails ^.^)

Anyone tried Droid Lost? http://market.android.com/details?id=com.androidlost I'm using it now and unless it borks my phone or starts sending out Spam I am kinda impressed. It allows for a lot of powerful emergency security features and is free.

Do I need antivirus software for my Galaxy Note?

New to smartphones, I was just wondering do I need an antivirus for my Galaxy Note? And if the answer is yes, what do you guys recommend?

All you need to know about this subject is right here.
Regards,
Dave

foxmeister said:
All you need to know about this subject is right here.
Regards,
Dave
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That's exactly the article I read that made me ask the question
Since it came from google, the manufacturer of android, I think they would try to protect the integrity of their product, so I am not sure....

Checkout these articles: http://www.neowin.net/news/free-android-anti-virus-products-virtually-useless - http://www.neowin.net/news/wp7-avg-antivirus-app-is-possibly-spyware
I personally feel Google trying to do their down things does allow malware to get in once a while and need to improve Android security. I am more worried with the privacy issue (Carrier IQ). I still feel there is a level of openness with Android, its not entire open source, but at least you can see something unlike some competing mobile os.
Personally I use AdFree (which does more than block ads since it block malware sites from loading, it basically adds IP blocklist to your /etc/hosts file, which you can also do manually) and LBE Privacy Guard (which seems to be a great concept allowing to deny permissions of apps, my only concern of it is being closed source, there is a big thread about it).

having an antivirus is useful. a few months ago my motorola atrix was having a bug where the screen would only light up when i first turned it on. if i locked it and then tried to unlock it, the screen would work, but the backlight wouldnt work.
i grabbed dr. web light, not expecting it to really do anything. ended up finding malware, and after removing the malware, screen backlight started working properly again.
on a phone like the galaxy note, theres more than enough processing power to run a background virus scanner without running out of puff, so i say, why not?

The answer to this question is really quite simple, it depends on this:
Do you carefully watch the permissions of apps you are about to install?
If your answer is: "yes, I carefully watch the permissions and don't install apps such as tetris which wants access to sms" then you can quite safely go without any anti malware software.
If your answer on the other hand is: "no, I just install interesting apps and quickly click through the permission page to start the download" then yes, you might benefit of software to protect your device.
The beauty of Android is that whatever app you are about to install INCLUDING malware states clearly what part of your device it is going to access. If people don't bother reading the permissions then a big part of fault is on them also. However this isn't really too well explained, especially for new users, so I assume a majority of users don't really understand WHY the permissions are shown before downloading an app. This is something Google could improve on in my opinion.
And lastly, the fact that apps coming to Apples app store are screened doesn't make it any more secure than Android. It just has people making the choices FOR you. If something well hidden is slipped past them, not a single user will know about the threat. Just as one app developer showed in public a few weeks ago and as a result got his developer status cancelled by Apple.
edit
Also a small note here. A virus is something that multiplies and spreads (weather it's bacteria or code doesn't matter). The malicious apps in the market are malware and spyware and because of this the word antivirus for Android isn't really correct. They don't stop viruses, they stop malicious apps.
edit 2
here's the link to the story of that Apple developer:
http://www.forbes.com/sites/andygre...per-program-for-proof-of-concept-exploit-app/
this just proves that app store isn't any more secure than Android market. It just has people who take a look at apps before they are approved, and as you can read, they are far from perfect.

How many of you guys use Antivirus?
Who here does not feel the need?
Does Google recommend it like Windows does for PC? (already read the article from one Google guy saying Antivirus companies are playing on our fears, but he is only one guy)
And to those who have used antivirus software, which software did you use on your Note specifically and has it slowed down your Note or increased the battery consumption?

knowsnophones said:
How many of you guys use Antivirus?
Who here does not feel the need?
Does Google recommend it like Windows does for PC? (already read the article from one Google guy saying Antivirus companies are playing on our fears, but he is only one guy)
And to those who have used antivirus software, which software did you use on your Note specifically and has it slowed down your Note or increased the battery consumption?
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You already have a couple fairly comprehensive answers to your first post but I'll answer these questions too:
I do not use any antivirus and I do not feel the need to
Aside from that article, I haven't seen a single mention from Google about needing any antivirus at all.
The so called antivirus programs that are made for Android right now suck. They don't stop enough malware to be worth the money or effort, here's a few source links for evidence: http://www.extremetech.com/computin...rus-apps-are-useless-heres-what-to-do-instead and http://www.informationweek.com/byte/news/231902823
Just by using common sense you will be fine with no antivirus app. If you really want an antivirus app, then go get it. It will be close to useless and it won't stop all threats anyway so you will still have to use common sense to be protected anyway.

I installed avast. it is free and no it doesn't slow down my note.

friedje said:
I installed avast. it is free and no it doesn't slow down my note.
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I got the AVG pro, might not really need it since I´m kind of anal about what I install on the GNOTE... But better safe than sorry...
+1 doesn´t slow things down.

akselic said:
You already have a couple fairly comprehensive answers to your first post but I'll answer these questions too:
I do not use any antivirus and I do not feel the need to
Aside from that article, I haven't seen a single mention from Google about needing any antivirus at all.
The so called antivirus programs that are made for Android right now suck. They don't stop enough malware to be worth the money or effort, here's a few source links for evidence: http://www.extremetech.com/computin...rus-apps-are-useless-heres-what-to-do-instead and http://www.informationweek.com/byte/news/231902823
Just by using common sense you will be fine with no antivirus app. If you really want an antivirus app, then go get it. It will be close to useless and it won't stop all threats anyway so you will still have to use common sense to be protected anyway.
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Just because YOU feel superior to most other users, doesn't mean that they have the knowledge or enough 'common sense' to understand the permissions some apps ask for. The fact that an antivirus is not 100% safe doesn't mean it is 100% useless.... If it stops just one threath it already made sense..
There are lots of good FREE antivirus programs so where is the reason NOT to install one ???
There are also ppl that don't take medics, because if they or their children die from FLU that was Gods will.......
Maybe you should consider that not all users of a smartphone are IT-gods like you

friedje said:
I installed avast. it is free and no it doesn't slow down my note.
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ville7805 said:
I got the AVG pro, might not really need it since I´m kind of anal about what I install on the GNOTE... But better safe than sorry...
+1 doesn´t slow things down.
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I have both installed, no slowdown issues and was running LBE too, may switch to droidwall or turn LBE back on. Worth noting the AVG pro is free if you qualify for the Samsung Hub exclusives.
Dave

I am using Lookout anti-virus ever since my first Android more than a year ago. It's never given me a hic-cup even when scanning.
Also, anyone knows an App which lists which App has what permission in a list form?
Thanks!
Sent from my GT-N7000 using Tapatalk

Does a free antitrust do as good a job as a paid one
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ChimpNippl3s said:
Does a free antitrust do as good a job as a paid one
Sent from my GT-N7000 using xda premium
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For now they all do a rather lousy job, the free and the paid ones.
But the paid ones seem to score a bit better.
I installed LBE aswell, but you need root for it to work well.
Same goes for avast, it prefers having root access.
I use avg on my galaxy tab, works without any issues.

friedje said:
Just because YOU feel superior to most other users, doesn't mean that they have the knowledge or enough 'common sense' to understand the permissions some apps ask for. The fact that an antivirus is not 100% safe doesn't mean it is 100% useless.... If it stops just one threath it already made sense..
There are lots of good FREE antivirus programs so where is the reason NOT to install one ???
There are also ppl that don't take medics, because if they or their children die from FLU that was Gods will.......
Maybe you should consider that not all users of a smartphone are IT-gods like you
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Click to collapse
No need to over react mate. I'm no IT-god, or a nerd or anything like an "advanced" user. The only common sense that I was referring to is something that everyone has. If you can read what the apps do, then you can read the permissions before installing them. There is no need to be an expert.
If you are installing a single player offline game that asks permissions for sms, phone calls and contacts and it isn't blacklisted by those antivirus apps yet, then it won't be detected and you can only blame yourself when you get a 600$ phone bill because the app has sent messages to premium numbers. It's not rocket science, just common sence.
If the tests conclude that 90% of androids antivirus programs manage 10-20% of malicious apps and you still want one, then go ahead and get one. No need to get offended when people are trying to give advice.

Best Antivirus for ICS

Can someone suggest best antivirus for ICS?
Sent from my GT-N7000 using xda premium

None. Antivirus software for Android = a scam to make the antivirus vendors money.
Just read reviews for apps before installing them from the Market. Malware is usually pretty obvious.

Norton,avast,dr.web they were tested by some big world company wich test antiviruses so type at google best android's antivirus
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA

Entropy512 said:
None. Antivirus software for Android = a scam to make the antivirus vendors money.
Just read reviews for apps before installing them from the Market. Malware is usually pretty obvious.
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Not really true. If you are tech savvy enough to be sure you don't have anything with malware then best of luck to you. You are well respected on this forum so I'm sure you'll be fine.
I'm technically minded and a software programmer by trade but I couldn't be sure that any app on the market is safe without fully reverse engineering it (which I'm not eating my time attempting) and even then some sneaky developer could push something dodgy out in an update so I'd have to check them too.
Also checking apps doesn't protect you from dodgy messages, emails, etc.
So, I have AVG on all my Android devices just in case. It uses very little resources and has caught a couple of suspect things over the last 6 months since I moved to 'Droid!

I am using Kaspersky Mobile Security. Very System friendly.
Sent from my Samsung Galaxy Note using XDA Premium App

I am taking the small risk of a data leak over a performance loss, so I am currently not running one, having said that I do run it on my pc :-/

emuX said:
.
I'm technically minded and a software programmer by trade but I couldn't be sure that any app on the market is safe without fully reverse engineering it (which I'm not eating my time attempting) and even then some sneaky developer could push something dodgy out in an update so I'd have to check them too.
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It's not about needing to reverse engineer code!
It's more about paying attention to the permissions that the app requests when you go to install it and deciding if they are appropriate.
For example, an app that just makes farting noises almost certainly doesn't need access to your contacts, and services that cost you money.
Some people think that an Android antivirus program will protect them against such threats, and they will if the application has been "blacklisted". However, most of these programs rely on blacklists, so until a particular application is flagged as malware, you are still at risk!
The moral of the story is, nothing beats eternal vigilance!
Regards,
Dave
Sent from my GT-N7000 using Tapatalk 2

emuX said:
Not really true. If you are tech savvy enough to be sure you don't have anything with malware then best of luck to you. You are well respected on this forum so I'm sure you'll be fine.
I'm technically minded and a software programmer by trade but I couldn't be sure that any app on the market is safe without fully reverse engineering it (which I'm not eating my time attempting) and even then some sneaky developer could push something dodgy out in an update so I'd have to check them too.
Also checking apps doesn't protect you from dodgy messages, emails, etc.
So, I have AVG on all my Android devices just in case. It uses very little resources and has caught a couple of suspect things over the last 6 months since I moved to 'Droid!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And neither will these 'antivirus' software help if a developer slips something in, the truth is the best thing you can do it check comments malware is far less a problem on android then Windows, these companys simply try to sell you this software as so many people are used to needing it on windows they think android is the same.
All the apps do is detect known 'black listed' apps which are either not going to be on the market or have bad comments already.
While the main reason for these apps is pointless I will say some of the extra features are quite useful including device tracking etc.
However I would never buy one of these apps for sure

Avast Free s the best, enough said.
John

Tinderbox (UK) said:
Avast Free s the best, enough said.
John
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Click to collapse
Yep
The additional 'Theft Aware' software, is free as well

emuX said:
Not really true. If you are tech savvy enough to be sure you don't have anything with malware then best of luck to you. You are well respected on this forum so I'm sure you'll be fine.
I'm technically minded and a software programmer by trade but I couldn't be sure that any app on the market is safe without fully reverse engineering it (which I'm not eating my time attempting) and even then some sneaky developer could push something dodgy out in an update so I'd have to check them too.
Also checking apps doesn't protect you from dodgy messages, emails, etc.
So, I have AVG on all my Android devices just in case. It uses very little resources and has caught a couple of suspect things over the last 6 months since I moved to 'Droid!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You my friend, are to paranoid.
Sent from my GT-N7000 using xda premium

lamou1nr said:
You my friend, are to paranoid.
Sent from my GT-N7000 using xda premium
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Better that than having all my account details hacked because some dodgy app is snooping.
Responding to the others who replied to me...
If you choose a reputable AV company like AVG or Norton you should be safe.
And, you can't tell much from the permissions. Yes, if the app asks for access to your contacts and phone identity then you could just not install it, but what if it was an alternative dialer that was ad supported? - then it would need internet access and permissions to read your phone details (like Go Dialer) and then you are stuffed.
I've got a door at the front of my house. Even though I live in a good area and have neighbours around most of the day, I still lock it!

foxmeister said:
It's not about needing to reverse engineer code!
It's more about paying attention to the permissions that the app requests when you go to install it and deciding if they are appropriate.
For example, an app that just makes farting noises almost certainly doesn't need access to your contacts, and services that cost you money.
Some people think that an Android antivirus program will protect them against such threats, and they will if the application has been "blacklisted". However, most of these programs rely on blacklists, so until a particular application is flagged as malware, you are still at risk!
The moral of the story is, nothing beats eternal vigilance!
Regards,
Dave
Sent from my GT-N7000 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1
Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk 2

emuX said:
I've got a door at the front of my house. Even though I live in a good area and have neighbours around most of the day, I still lock it!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To use your analogy, your "antivirus" app is like a bouncer on your front door. If a known threat pitches up and wants to come in, the bouncer will stop them, but for new and unknown threats, he'll happily wave them through.
Given that reputable app stores like Google Play or Amazon are quick to remove known threats, all you've done is bought yourself a false sense of security! Good luck with that!
Regards,
Dave
Sent from my GT-N7000 using Tapatalk 2

I was just asking about this kind of thing just the other day.
Here is what I found (http://www.av-test.org/en/tests/android/)
The Best stuff at the moment seems to be
avast! Free Mobile Security
F-Secure Mobile Security
Kaspersky Mobile Security (Lite)
. . . .McAfee Mobile Security >_> (Apparently...)
and
Zoner AntiVirus Free

I'm using COMODO on Android (good antivirus, real time scaner and great anti theft options) and on PC i'm using COMODO Internet Security (antivirus+firewall+sandbox). It's free both on Android and PC.

Avast
Avast...without doubt.Run it on my PC too.

I'm using LBE to adjust/monitor permissions for apps. I don't think antivirus programs will do you any good.

Avast is the best in my opinion. Even though its a really good AV and its also free I still dont use one. Don't need one on my mobile.
Even on Windows I never get viruses.
Most malware and viruses come in with dodgy emails and dodgy websites. Avoid those and you'll be fine.

I just use Avast even though I like it more for the Anti-theft feature than the actual anti-virus feature.