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
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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.
Related
Hello everyone. I am coming from windows mobile which I have been using since 2003. I really like Android but I had a few questions and concerns.
1. I realized that apps have access to personal data and are able to access internet and dial. Should I be concerned? How can I be assured that an app developer is not after my bank info and such?
2. Why are so many apps running in the background when I haven't opened them?
I am already using advanced task killer but when i look at the apps running there's a full list even tho I didn't open them.
3. Is there a file explorer on android?
Any tips and tricks would be appreciated.
sammyluva said:
Hello everyone. I am coming from windows mobile which I have been using since 2003. I really like Android but I had a few questions and concerns.
1. I realized that apps have access to personal data and are able to access internet and dial. Should I be concerned? How can I be assured that an app developer is not after my bank info and such?
Google confirms identities of developers. Use your best judgement. Is it possible? Yes. If an app has been out for a while and has lots of high ratings then I'm inclined to trust the developer. If Google does discover malicious software in their market they have tools to remotely remove such apps from everyones phone, kinda creepy but it's there for a good reason and it's all part of the decision you make about whether to trust the platform and the community that surrounds it.
2. Why are so many apps running in the background when I haven't opened them?
I am already using advanced task killer but when i look at the apps running there's a full list even tho I didn't open them.
That's the HTC/Sprint way. Get an app called Autostarts. You will be amazed at what runs automatically and autostarts will allow you to decide what runs and when.
3. Is there a file explorer on android?
Yes. One is not included in the stock rom but they are easy enough to find.
There are Terminal Emulators which equate to cmd in win, and there are file explorers too. Root Explorer is my personal favorite.
Any tips and tricks would be appreciated.
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elevenchars
nebenezer said:
elevenchars
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What do u mean?
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
sammyluva said:
What do u mean?
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
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search "10chars"
Text in quotes doesn't count...
1. Just use common sense like was said.
2. If you use the main apps that came with the phone you are fine. It can be apps you download that run in the background that hurt the battery life.
3. Astro file manager is by far my favorite app.
sammyluva said:
1. I realized that apps have access to personal data and are able to access internet and dial. Should I be concerned? How can I be assured that an app developer is not after my bank info and such?
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How did you prevent apps on WM from accessing this info? Answer..you didn't, the fact is that WM programs are even more scary because they don't even tell you what they are accessing.
sammyluva said:
2. Why are so many apps running in the background when I haven't opened them?
I am already using advanced task killer but when i look at the apps running there's a full list even tho I didn't open them.
Click to expand...
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Same answer as why are so many services running on your desktop when you have no programs running. Operating systems have all kinds of services running beside the app you are watching.
sammyluva said:
3. Is there a file explorer on android?
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Uh...did you check the program icons?
1.) As stated, doesn't hurt to check the number of DLs an App has or checking through some of the comments. Can find out if an App is giving a specific phone issues too ... thus saving you time from bothering to check it out. Trust it or don't check it out. Understandable why some people would see that and wonder ... but then again your info is already out there ...
2.) They just do. Even some **** that might not make sense, it just does for it's own reasons. Task killing can be good and bad. Or just good. Or just bad. Depending on who you ask so think on it before you decide to start murdering Apps or leaving em running.
3.) Astro File Manager is "what's up" but there are others. But that 1 is legit though.
Thanks for all those that replied but I didn't really get a satisfying answer to the first 2 questions. It seems like some of the people on here are just confused as well but are defending android in thinking that I am against the operating system. As I said in my original post I like the OS but i had some concerns that i wanted to learn more about.
Ramiss, you asked how I knew what info WM accessed? You are right they don't disclose accessing any data which means to me they are not. If they did and I found out then I could take them to court but when a company discloses that they are accessing your personal data and you agree to it then you have no say in how that info is used since you gave them permission. Also I never had an app running that I didn't open or give it permission to run in the background during my years with WM.
I have the evo since Friday and I've downloaded a couple of apps where I saw the disclosure of the kind of access these apps have and I was just thinking whats the point of having the apps if you have to worry abt it accessing important info. Then I got an email from Marketplace telling me the activities of my friends on facebook marketplace. The email went further to tell me some of the activities of my friend's friends. The point is its accessing personal data I didn't give it access to, which is scary.
I came on here to ask the people that know the OS better but it seems like there are some confused people on here. So I did a little research and found the article below which basically concurs that there is a problem with apps on android accessing personal data.
http://www.computerworld.com/s/arti...apps_pose_privacy_threat_says_security_vendor
So my question is, are there preventive ways to protect against apps using personal data? Of course other than abstaining from downloading apps. Like an app that would block access to personal data or tell a person what each app accessed and did with it. Please if you can not give an educated answer then don't reply. Thanks.
sammyluva said:
Ramiss, you asked how I knew what info WM accessed? You are right they don't disclose accessing any data which means to me they are not. If they did and I found out then I could take them to court but when a company discloses that they are accessing your personal data and you agree to it then you have no say in how that info is used since you gave them permission. Also I never had an app running that I didn't open or give it permission to run in the background during my years with WM.
So my question is, are there preventive ways to protect against apps using personal data? Of course other than abstaining from downloading apps. Like an app that would block access to personal data or tell a person what each app accessed and did with it. Please if you can not give an educated answer then don't reply. Thanks.
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Actually my point was that Windows Mobile programs could easily access personal information, you just weren't aware of it. For example, try downloading a windows mobile program that handles your contacts (Pocket Informant comes to mind). Does the OS give you a warning that this new program will access your contacts? Not as far as I can remember! Whereas Android apps must disclose what they access, that is a rule from Google.
The way to protect an app from not accessing something is to not use it. This is the reason the access list is disclosed - so you have a choice not to continue.
As others have said you need to make your own decision based on the popularity of the app, the comments made and perhaps a quick Google search. Trust me, if an app is malicious there is a good chance you would know about it by reading the comments.
Edit: The end of that article you posted gives you the answer:
Android's security model requires that applications declare the permissions they will be using prior to installation by the user. An informed user can use these declarations to decide if they want to install an application or not, according to SMobile. However, the fact remains that there is no means available for a user to know for sure that the application they just downloaded is doing only what the user sees it doing, it said.
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As I was searching for something in the market place I ran across an Antivirus app:
Antivirus (Free version)
Antivirus ($9.99)
The Antivirus Pro (paid version) provides ongoing scanning of Android device, protecting against viruses, malware, OS exploits to ensure the integrity of applications and data. + Additional services for identifying phone location, using 'findR' to find lost or stolen devices based on GPS and cell tower ID.
In addition to the paid version, the free version scans mp3's, zip files, sd card's and has behavior mobile security.
I'm using the free version now and am debating if I should buy the full version.
Made by: droidSecurity Inc.
Anyone else using the paid version? If so, how is it working out for you? Recommended?
iunlock said:
As I was searching for something in the market place I ran across an Antivirus app:
Antivirus (Free version)
Antivirus ($9.99)
The Antivirus Pro (paid version) provides ongoing scanning of Android device, protecting against viruses, malware, OS exploits to ensure the integrity of applications and data. + Additional services for identifying phone location, using 'findR' to find lost or stolen devices based on GPS and cell tower ID.
In addition to the paid version, the free version scans mp3's, zip files, sd card's and has behavior mobile security.
I'm using the free version now and am debating if I should buy the full version.
Made by: droidSecurity Inc.
Anyone else using the paid version? If so, how is it working out for you? Recommended?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There's another app called Lookout Mobile Security FREE that has darn near 5 star rating. It does pretty much what the paid version does of the Antivirus app above for $9.99, except that it's free.
It says, Winner of the Best Android App 2010...
It also has Phone Finder...which comes FREE with this App...
hhmmm
nope I've been using Lookout. Seems nice
There are viruses on Android? That's news to me. I mean, fake programs that steal your data, yeah, but viruses?
MMcCraryNJ said:
There are viruses on Android? That's news to me. I mean, fake programs that steal your data, yeah, but viruses?
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Haha it's all new to me too my friend...My initial reaction was, "Anti What? For Android?!"
I was so used to communist apple OS, being an iPhone user before where the word 'virus' was never in my vocabulary.
I'm going to try LookOut...heck it's Freeee
My opinion, don't waste your time with this man. Just uses resources of your phone.
I DO suggest lookout though. It is amazing to log into a website and find my phone (works pretty dang well), OR if you lose the phone in the house you can make it ring really loud.
With this app you also get AV and the ability to backup data to their server. I do not use the latter (you can disable features easily). But I have left on the AV for kicks and giggles.
I have NEVER heard of a virus on android, haha.
s15274n said:
My opinion, don't waste your time with this man. Just uses resources of your phone.
I DO suggest lookout though. It is amazing to log into a website and find my phone (works pretty dang well), OR if you lose the phone in the house you can make it ring really loud.
With this app you also get AV and the ability to backup data to their server. I do not use the latter (you can disable features easily). But I have left on the AV for kicks and giggles.
I have NEVER heard of a virus on android, haha.
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I'm using LookOut now...much better program it seems than the other one. The phone location feature is pretty neat too.
As long as you actually consider the permissions when installing apps and don't grant root access to some unknown app, antivirus is COMPLETELY unnecessary.
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?
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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
I hope that this is not the wrong place for my post.
I am trying to protect an apk from being copied/extracted/backed up off the phone and installed later, on another phone.
I have to mention that the app is not (and will not be) for sale on PlayStore or on any web store, being sold along with the phone. This is why I can not use apk protection offered by GooglePlay, which is anyway cracked at his time.
But I want to take advantages on this situation: every single phone will pass trough my hands (I will install myself the app) before hitting users. How can I use this advantage in order to protect my app?
At this time my app is not visible in Running Apps drawer, is having a default Android icon and the name is disguised in something pretty innocent. GUI access by dialing a code. No worries, is not malware but only a security app regarding GSM connection security.
Also, is running as a system app, which make it invisible for apps like Astro file manager, thus impossible to copy/back up by such file manager apps. Unfortunately there are a bunch of system app managers, that can convert a system app on user app, and then copying the apk file is easy.
I know that security sucks big time when it comes about Android OS, but I am determined to find a way to protect my app.
I know also that even a licensing scheme based on IMEI, WiFi MAC or Bluetooth MAC addresses can be bypassed by some skilled crackers. This values can be spoofed or even null.
I have tried apk encryption. Doesn't work: some apps supposed to encrypt other Android apps are actually encrypting only app libraries, not the apk file itself. By encrypting apk file, the app obviously will not work.
Code obfuscation is not an option as long the app can be duplicated off the phone and installed later on another phone.
The last idea that I had: pulling some app resources (like drawables) from a server. What do you think?
At this time I'm in a dead end. I have no more ideas how to protect my app. That's why I need your help. Can you give me please some feasible ideas, based on your huge experience?
Thank you very much for your time.
theres a thread
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2279813
where we're discussing about methods to protect apps from piracy u can post it there
Sent from my GT-S5302 using Tapatalk 2
Thanks
Thx a lot sak-venom1997.
Silly question, but if our phone cannot be rooted, or access gained via an infection through a clicked on link/downloaded apk.. can our phones catch a virus and have things stolen from us without our knowing? Mostly asking because I always thought rooting a phone was essentially the same thing thing as infecting it. It's a silly question to me mostly because I know little about how the whole scheme of things work when talking about virus infections on a phone. But it's still something I just started to think about since our phone has yet to be rooted. Does this make sense to anyone else what I'm asking? And if so, please, if you can, explain if these phones can catch a virus/infection.
I personally don't use a anti virus. For my it's just a resource eater. But I am always on stock with no root. Maybe when you start downloading apps from unknown sources and install them you can be infected with some nasty things.
Sent from my SM-N910F using XDA Free mobile app
the only real danger is Trojans, virusses that disguise themselves as legitimate apps.
but these are actively scanned for by bouncer on the googe play store servers, and by the Google play services on your phone.
you can protect yourself against them with an antivirus, but it isn't really necessary unless you frequently make use of pirated apps or 3rd party app stores.
these trojans also won't be able to do too much unless you root and give them root access(don't pirate root apps, don't give pirated apps root access)
they can't retrieve more than you allow them.
and rooting typically happens through what could be considered a virus, except that what you install isn't malicious.
1 click root solutions act like trojans by showing as legitimate apps to the system.
flashable root solutions often behave more like rootkits, installing themselves in the bootloader or recovery partitions to automatically re-root the device after an update.
neither are a risk on the note 4 since 1 click root exploits don't work right now, and flashable root methods require some very specific user actions(reboot to download mode, flash with odin)
if you're still worried about security you can enable active knox protection.