Database Users

Do you use an antivirus on your Aria or other Android phone?

While I wait for my micro sd to get here to root and use my Aria, I have been just playing around with it and checking out various apps in the market. Then I saw an antivirus app and downloaded. Since I am new to Android, I thought I would ask others whether they have had any problems (or if there are problems) that require an antivirus. Or is it just a useless app?
I noticed there are apps that can contain some important information (i.e. mobile banking and e-mails), but is an antivirus really needed?
Thanks in advance for the discussion.

I personally do not use one, and don't plan on using one unless someone supplies a greatly convincing argument. While I don't doubt that it is a possibility in the future it will be needed, I don't believe they are necessary up to this point. From what I've read there are very few viruses/malware whatnot out there written to affect Android. Everytime you install an app it tells you exactly what it needs to access on that second screen. Also, I'm not sure if you have any experience with what a lot of antivirus applications tend to do to computers speed, but I imagine it'd affect the phone in a similar fashion.
You can read a better constructed forum post about it here
If I'm incorrect on anything someone please correct me

Thanks. That was a good read.
I was just unsure if I want to use the online banking app. It is very helpful and useful but I was just a bit hesitant.

No problem In my opinion, I think for something like that (I use Mint personally, if you don't know what it is, you should check it out for banking/credit cards, finance in general) losing the phone and having the information get into the wrong hands is a bigger concern than a virus stealing it. Again, that's my opinion. Although there are apps for the scenario I described also SMobile Anti-Theft is the only one I can think of off the top of my head for no particular reason, but I know there are a few others (possibly better, not using one myself just yet) out there

Mobile Antivirus = Rip off and waste of phone resources. Sad part is, many programs meant to facilitate tracking your own phone (lost/stolen) for some reason include antivirus kind of crap in it. There are alternatives, but none the less it's all complete nonsense.
Works great, never had a virus with it! Or without it.

I dont have one on my android right now It's true I have to download antivirus software now for Cellphones, especialy android phones. Some of them like avast already have this option. I've read ZenOK Free Antivirus is going to release a free version too. which one you recommend

Never used antivirus on my android phone or my Ubuntu laptop. Never had any problems. I think worst case scenario right now is receiving a virus via email and forwarding it on to an unsuspecting windows box. But then again anyone who gets that email on windows And doesn't have antivirus is foolish.
Of course this could all change in the future and it may one day be necessary yo use an antivirus on android.
Sent from my cm7 Aria.

With your phone it may not be really needed but your laptop?! Do you know how many viruses, malicious software, adware and spyware could be on your laptop right now? I would suggest at least using it on your laptop. Anyways, I do personally use one on my phone as well.

theonew said:
With your phone it may not be really needed but your laptop?! Do you know how many viruses, malicious software, adware and spyware could be on your laptop right now? I would suggest at least using it on your laptop. Anyways, I do personally use one on my phone as well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you familiar with Linux based systems such as Ubuntu? It works the same way as android, which is also Linux based. It doesn't operate anything like a windows system. Everything runs in its own little 'box' (think .apks) and pretty much all software is downloaded through an Ubuntu download center (think Android Market). Everything has to have permissions, also just like android. It doesn't utilize .exe like windows. All this adds up to a system that is pretty secure. I don't download any software outside of the download center so I know where all my programs are coming from. All I use my ubuntu laptop for is surfing the web and messing with my phone. My laptop doesn't need an antivirus any more than my phone does. And my phone doesn't need any antivirus. People get stuck on that windows mentality (antivirus/task killers/memory managers).
Sent from my cm7 Aria.

Have never used an Antivirus on my phone I actually don't see how it's really of any use .-.
Everything I download app wise is from the Market and other than that I don't download anything besides a pic here and there

A virus cannot do anything malicious on Android or Linux without permissions, so I think antivirus can only protect a Linux computer or android phone from the user (who has to grant the permissions)...therefore I believe antivirus on android is mostly useless
Sent from my Liberty using XDA App

Android viruses

Hi everyone,
I see there are plenty of antiviruses for the android. Is viruses for the android very common? (Ie. Like windows virus is much more rampant vs macintosh?) What kind of precaution should we take to prevent our gadgets from being affected? (Ie. Downloading apps from untrusted sources? Via sms/email?) Is it really necessary to install an antivirus? If so, what is recommended?
Thank you!
Sent from my HTC Liberty using XDA App

manojsuper said:
I wouldn't get a virus scanner if I were you...they are pointless because the android system is possibly the most secure system in completion with the RIM Blackberry! Just make sure that every time you download an application that you are aware of the "permissions" that you are giving it and you should not get a virus anytime soon
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How is it the most secure system? There are apps out there that access things that they don't need to access, i'll give you a few examples:
Applications that I have installed that can track my location:
Alchemy
IMDb
Why would a GAME such as Alchemy NEED to track my location? Why would IMDb need to track my location?
Apps that can read my mobile number, serial number or other data:
Alchemy
Unblock Me Free
These apps listed are only apps that I don't see them needing to access what they have the ability to access. How many people do you think have alchemy and IMDb installed? It would be so so SO easy for someone to write a malicious app that looks legit..that's just my 2 cents...not saying it doesn't exist not saying it does...
Also, only reason I have an antivirus app is because I have lookout installed and the only reason I installed that is so if I lose my phone i can lock it remotely and wipe it if needed.

Anyone experience viruses on cell phones?

As the title reads, is this a problem? If so how do you keep your phone safe?
Sent from my SCH-I500 using XDA App

I've never had a virus. If you are worried though, I recommend Lookout from the market.

I second lookout..i even pay for lookout
Sent from my SCH-I500 using XDA App

Not that I always check, but a virus cant get on you phone by browsing naughty sites (like PCs). Typically, I dont think we can even call them viruses, its more like malware or malicious apps. The only way these can get on your device is if you install them... and before the app installs, the installer TELLS you what the apps can do.
Basically, if you want to install some pretty Asian wallpaper and the installer says: Accesses Contacts; Accesses SDCard; Accesses Internet; etc; etc.. then chances are its a baaadddd ju-ju application. User comments will filter out bad apps pretty quickly too. Stay away from 3rd party app sites. The only ones you should trust is Google and the upcoming Amazon markets.

Beware of what you install...and be cautious of 3rd party apks

Thanks for the info.
Is it recommended to keep the settings-->applications-->unknown sources box unchecked?

I would unless you completely understand the 3rd party APK.

bwheelies said:
Thanks for the info.
Is it recommended to keep the settings-->applications-->unknown sources box unchecked?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is for apps you snag off the net that aren't sported on the market for whatever reason. I have mine checked but I only download from trusted sites and am aware of what it is. If you don't have any intentions to download out side of the market, then it doesn't matter.

Use droidWall to block network access for specific apps you feel not confortable.

There are no viruses for smartphones, if something to download or install bricks your phone its not because its a virus, ever. Antivirus apps are just a way to make money and/or advertise.
Sent from my stock 2.1
unrooted, fully bloated (for now) Fascinate

*** virus

There is a virus inside elternal legacy HD (especially) and asphalt 6!
DO NOT DOWNLOAD THESE FROM ***!!!
It will take you to a fake gameloft survey where you say your country and favourite os, and when you touch "send", it says 'thank you for your donation' and sends infinite messages, charging your phone bill. The only way to stop this is battery remove or task killer.
I wasn't one of the victims!

That's why you should only download apps with descriptions and developer names

Thus, thou shall not use warez.

+1 yup.............

AVG android id's virus in GingerBreak?
Just by dumb luck, I had loaded avg pro on atrix. When blithlely following directions to load GingerBreak, received message from avg that program contains a virus and I conclude that either: 1. I had to unload avg and then load GingerBreak or 2. ask in this forum if this message is for real. Any and all responses will be welcome.

Thats the reason why i deleted *** from my Phone! There are so much Viruses, in which you will have to pay. If you want to be safe, buy them at the Android Market!
Regards

*** is down anyways now... so peace
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA Premium App

The problem is that the android market is also not safe from viruses (although, probably more safe since it's monitored by Google and they can remotely remove malicious apps...).
I currently use lookout but wondering if there is a better antivirus.
How is AVG ? I'm using it on my desktop computer and like it but somehow got the feeling that it's too "heavy" for Android.

Morning mate,
You can use ESET. Has has now their own AV. EMS (Eset Mobile Security) You can grab it from the market, currently in a BETA stage but quite advance and very low footprint on any device. It's definitely on the same playing field as any awesome Antivirus/Malware prevention tool.
Regards,
fluxgfx
Muzikant said:
The problem is that the android market is also not safe from viruses (although, probably more safe since it's monitored by Google and they can remotely remove malicious apps...).
I currently use lookout but wondering if there is a better antivirus.
How is AVG ? I'm using it on my desktop computer and like it but somehow got the feeling that it's too "heavy" for Android.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

I used ESET for a while. I use it on my PC and my laptop, so when I saw it in the market, I got to installing it right away.
It slowed down my phone horribly and no matter what I did, I wasn't able to uninstall it (My phone was not rooted at the time). After trying everything I found on the web, I eventually got to backing up everything I had and factory reseting...
They've probably fixed that bug by now, but it was still pretty annoying...
Can anyone recommend any other Android anti-virus software? It has to be "good", obviously, but it also has to quietly run in the background, eat as little battery and memory as possible.
P.S. My device is a Galaxy ACE (currently rooted and with leaked Android 2.3.4 firmware)

On the PC I used and removed Eset. It was a real pain spending huge amounts of time removing junk deeply imbedded and left behind in the Registry. As such, I'd be hesitant to try Eset again especially on an Android device. Furthermore, I read where Eset used their own secret vpn to bypass any local firewall to get updates, without telling the user.
I am skeptical of reviews by AV publishers like McAfee, Kaspersky, etc. warning of "the coming horrible tsunami of Android malware."
If anyone comes across a detailed Android AV review, please post the link.

no warez discussion allowed.
I see, no one was actually advertising/ requesting or posting warez, so there will be no consequences.
but since this is not an issue for anybody, not using warez in the first place, this thread is closed. if you got yourself a virus this way, there are enough tips to get rid of it, but it is your own fault.
also, i edited all the posts containing the name of the warez distributer.
closed.

[Q] Android Antivirus

Hi All
Im a newly converted Android user after purchasing the Nexus 10. Being a newbie to the Android and Tablet world i was just wondering if Antivirus apps are something worth bothering about especially considering im downloading torrents on occasions.
Is Antivirus just something thats not really needed on a tablet, also if you are using one which one do you find is best and doesnt use up to much resources?
Thanks

jvanassen said:
Hi All
Im a newly converted Android user after purchasing the Nexus 10. Being a newbie to the Android and Tablet world i was just wondering if Antivirus apps are something worth bothering about especially considering im downloading torrents on occasions.
Is Antivirus just something thats not really needed on a tablet, also if you are using one which one do you find is best and doesnt use up to much resources?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Antivirus is basically not needed on a tablet, some people like to have it on phones mainly for the all in one security apps that provide antivirus (Mobile Antivirus applications are known for warning you about false positives) plus device recovery and location tools in case your device is lost or stolen. In reality the best antivirus solution for mobile devices is be carefully what applications you download and install, double check the permissions and see if they are realistic for the application that is requesting them. For example, there is no reason a calculator app needs to be able to read your call log's to function. Your less at risk downloading torrents on your mobile device but you still have to be careful with and pay attention to what you download. At the end of the day healthy caution, carefulness, and little research is the best antivirus solution for mobile devices right now.

I've been using McAfee Mobile on tab for over a year and had only one false positive. I contacted them about it and it was corrected within a few days with an update.

Good question. I wonder how they are on battery life and resource hogging........there a lot of choices.

Thanks for your reply shimp208.
Yea i did wonder whether AV was really needed on a tablet or whether it was just a pointless app for the supplier to make some money from ppl being over cautious.

Consider this: It is simply not possible for an antivirus app to detect a real Android virus, trojan or exploit in another app. Since the virus app is an app it is in its own sandbox: it cannot scan the resources of other apps in their sandbox.
Even if if could, it could not remove those resources.
So all it can do is check the permissions of apps, and check media files on your sdcard against a windows virus database.
I've seen the MacAfee app on my friend's phone warn about jpeg viruses. It's silly that anyone would think a windows jpeg virus could affect Android.
It's a scam, folks.