Related
Just wondering if there is one that will actually work etc? Seems like troll food for now, at least to me. Id like to get one that works, but is it necessary?
Lookout mobile security is good I have it and it works great, Lookout was the company that detected the Trojan Horse in the China market.
I use lookout also on 2 phones. Dont know how good it really is but it better than nothing.
+1 for lookout
Lookout has, in some people's experience, drained the battery.
Best anti-virus? COMMON. SENSE. If an app is asking for the permission to call numbers, send text messages, and access your Google account, OR, asks for root permissions, when it's supposed to be a wallpaper bundle, DON'T INSTALL IT.
Furthermore, DO NOT USE PIRATED CRAP. If you read the articles Lookout's posted about the malware going around, it's all from secondary or untrustworthy alternatives to the Android Market, or from pirate sites.
Really, for everything on the Market that costs money, there's some kind of free alternative. Or you could always, y'know, spend $2 to buy that app. After all you did buy a $450 phone with a monthly bill of no less than $70...
I think Lookout is shady. A lot of these companies create viruses so they could increase their user base.
Aforementioned, don't install an app that demands access to personal and sensitive stuff. That's the main giveaway.
Lookout is one of the only companies that has something to gain from the existence of viruses and since they are pretty much the only company who ever finds and reports about these viruses, gotta take that info with a grain of salt. Like previously stated, common sense will keep your phone safe
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
drmacinyasha said:
Really, for everything on the Market that costs money, there's some kind of free alternative. Or you could always, y'know, spend $2 to buy that app. After all you did buy a $450 phone with a monthly bill of no less than $70...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's no fun
Sent on the go from my HTC EVO
I have lookout, works fine. I'm confident in it.
Using my HTC Evo phone which I'm using Xda app to post
i wish people would stop making virus' for our phones. =/
Rydah805 said:
i wish people would stop making virus' for our phones. =/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it's that or they get a real job, they can make more with viruses
Android is a linux based system and for Android currently only has one virus. If that says anything. Stop wasting your time on these bloatware apps, Linux does not get viruses. If you do, well I feel sorry for ya.
splmonster said:
Android is a linux based system and for Android currently only has one virus. If that says anything. Stop wasting your time on these bloatware apps, Linux does not get viruses. If you do, well I feel sorry for ya.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wrong on your virus count and that Linux doesn't get viruses
http://www.kaspersky.com/viruswatchlite?search_virus=android&x=19&y=6&hour_offset=-9
There are no such thing as viruses for android. None - not a one - never has been, probably never will be barring some crazy zero day exploit is found (but a lot more platforms would be affected than just android.)
The only malware that exists for android are a few trojans, but you'll never run into the known ones since they are no longer on the market.
As for the unknown ones? Google removes them from the market once they are known, which means any kind of "anti-virus" software can only react about as fast as google can react, which makes any kind of "anti-virus" software superfluous. In other words, you don't need one, and if you buy one you're just wasting your money.
The only exception to this rule is if you download apk's from shady sources outside of the android market and install them, and if you do that indiscriminately, you're a moron.
Yea there is. Common sense.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
Rakeesh_j said:
There are no such thing as viruses for android. None - not a one - never has been, probably never will be barring some crazy zero day exploit is found (but a lot more platforms would be affected than just android.)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Technically you are correct, a trojan is not a virus. As far as most smartphone users, the media and AV marketing is concerned they are the same. They screw up your phone. Barring pirated software it is still possible to infect a *nix based system. "Probably not" is not something you want to hear from admin on a network when it comes to infection.
I can give you and example but don't want to make my post a TL|DR (or get banned). The short version is:what phone to infect, what kernel, rooted, apps with SU, what should the virus do, injection point, carrier. The only things that makes *nix safer is, user permissions and that most of the coders are on a *nix OS and respect it.
To the OP, what you want is a security suite (AV,malware,locate,lock,erase) so look at Lookout. Also, are you running a stock rom or custom and if custom then which one? There's a fairly rom specific flaw in Lookout.
If anything I use lookout just for a sense of security. It doesn't take up that much space to me and regardless if how many viruses are out there, it makes me feel safer.
Sent from my PC36100 using Tapatalk
Anything anti-android is gay. Period!!!!
**Non-helpful post**
Lokifish said:
Technically you are correct, a trojan is not a virus. As far as most smartphone users, the media and AV marketing is concerned they are the same. They screw up your phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok name one that does, and how it does it.
As far as I'm aware, the only possible things they can do to harm you is:
- Steal your information
- Spy on you
- Send text messages that cost you money
None of the ones that exist in the wild are capable of causing any sort of damage to your phone.
Rakeesh_j said:
Ok name one that does, and how it does it.
As far as I'm aware, the only possible things they can do to harm you is:
- Steal your information
- Spy on you
- Send text messages that cost you money
None of the ones that exist in the wild are capable of causing any sort of damage to your phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Geinimi. Think of it as malicious bot-net attack for Android. It inits a backdoor and connects to a remote server. The remote server can then issues commands to download and prompt the user to install an app, prompt the user to uninstall an app, and to send a list of installed apps to the server, place phone calls, as well as the things you listed.
BTW remote deletion is built into Android. Look here:
http://www.h-online.com/open/news/i...oid-apps-from-smartphones-Update-1029188.html
Hello, I've found a few threads around these forums discussing malware in Roms, and I was wondering if G2 users have had any bad experiences?
I've been playing around with a few of the ICS roms the last week, and out of nowhere my FB password was compromised and I have no idea how. Is there any security software I should be looking at installing? Is this a common thing to happen, or should I just chalk it up as coincidence?
if you download random APK's on the internet outside of XDA then you're more likely to find some malicious code. So always remember to check discussions or people commenting on the software for your best bet to stay clean. Most of the stuff on XDA should not have malware, atleast not intentionally. If you suspect anything immediately, you should probably post it in the correct thread you got it from to get input from other users.
Although, regarding your FB getting compromised, it might not be limited to your apps, I've gotten it compromised before highly suspecting that was from using public wifi.
Do the antivirus softwares from the market work?
Sent from my MSM using XDA App
e183348 said:
Do the antivirus softwares from the market work?
Sent from my MSM using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They're just snaike oil.
Rantanplan1980 said:
They're just snaike oil.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use Lookout for the GPS tracking capability, but they are useless if you have half a brain. Don't download "Pretty Sexy Girls!?!" from obscure chinese developer in the market and you'll be fine. Trusted apps from trusted devs.
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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
Click to expand...
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
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
How many of you have Avast installed? Does it use too much battery?
are you trying to have anti virus or anti theft ?
if its anti theft your looking for id suggest Cerebus. Im not to sure about the battery drain on Avast though
https://play.google.com/store/apps/...51bGwsMSwxLDEsImNvbS5sc2Ryb2lkLmNlcmJlcnVzIl0.
waste of memory and battery to have any antivirus apps installed. just dont install third-party apps from suspicious places
I've had avast installed on another phone of mine. Doesn't use a lot of resources, but it's useless most of the time.
Just install it if you're going to install an app from a shady 3rd party website to scan said app and deactivate or uninstall it of you don't need it.
Seriously all that marketing crap you hear about android and malware is loads of bollocks.... Chances of you getting a virus are like winning a lottery...
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium
MattSkeet said:
Seriously all that marketing crap you hear about android and malware is loads of bollocks.... Chances of you getting a virus are like winning a lottery...
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agreed. And if someone does get a virus from a app that someone downloaded from a third-party website or third-party market (not Amazon or SlideIT though), chances are... they deserve it for pirating apps
Besides.. android has a built in malware scanner before you install a app. Not sure how good it is but yeah.
Aside from that, basic rules.
1. dont install apks from random places
2. dont install apps from play store that are just now recently published with 0 ratings [i mean you could... but be wary of it, look at the dev's other apps he made and its ratings]
if you're looking for anti theft, then get a app with only antitheft (or disable its antivirus component if bundled). cerberus is a good app, one time fee of 2.99 euros. there are free alternatives available as well.
lookout's plan b is pretty good as well (remotely install it via play store website to obtain location)
Does anyone use seekdroid for antitheft. Is it any good?
none of these anti theft sofware/app will get your phone back if it gets into the 'wrong' hands, so its the luck of the draw if you ever 'lost' your phone, good luck
cobyman7035 said:
none of these anti theft sofware/app will get your phone back if it gets into the 'wrong' hands, so its the luck of the draw if you ever 'lost' your phone, good luck
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Even if they can't get their phone back I think users are looking for a remote wipe as a phone does contain a lot of personal information in regards to user accounts.
And some people have actually gotten their phones back with the help of police
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium
zephiK said:
Even if they can't get their phone back I think users are looking for a remote wipe as a phone does contain a lot of personal information in regards to user accounts.
And some people have actually gotten their phones back with the help of police
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes agree wipe feature is nice to have as a last resort or first if your paranoid
°°°Nexus™ 4 via XDA Premium App°°°
if people are looking for theft security. get a app that only does that, not a antivirus included.
or just go live on the high road and use Plan B
I normally use my phone for online banking, but it is not rooted. Do people bank online with a rooted phone or a phone with a custom ROM? If so is it safe?
It's got nothing to do with being rooted or custom ROMS.
The issue is if you have malware from dodgy websites or apps.
Sent from my GT-I9505 using XDA Premium HD app
Obagleyfreer said:
It's got nothing to do with being rooted or custom ROMS.
The issue is if you have malware from dodgy websites or apps.
Sent from my GT-I9505 using XDA Premium HD app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep, agreed! It's safe as long as you take precautions. If you will use an app to access your account, always use official apps from your bank. Keyboard apps have the potential to include keylogging, so be weary of that, and use well known keyboards and never, ever use a pirated keyboard.
As with any platform, the more popularity it gains, the more targeted it becomes by criminals. Based on a report (Feb 2013) from an independent IT security institute (AV-Test), the amount of malware threatening android systems at the time of that report was over 185,000, so the risk is there. I would recommend using an anti virus if you do plan on doing regular banking as the bulk of the malware comes in the form of applications whether it be via Google Play Store or other sources for your applications.
AV-Test carry out a monthly round-up of AVs available for android, if you haven't already got hold of one, this can help you make your decision as to which one to use! Some offer protection not just versus malware but phising websites as well, so they may be more suited to regular banking on the phone.
I cannot yet post links but if you search for "av-test android" on google, it should point you in the correct direction.
Good luck!
Oh...banks, I thought that said something else
There's so many anti virus apps I don't know which one to use, and they are battery hogs. I've always thought that custom ROMs had less security because the developer could secretly tweak or add something.
The biggest risk is physically losing the phone.
The banking app has you login data, even if its encrypted or password protected. Its there. Someone who has hands on your phone can get that information. And if you dont have that banking app password protected anyone who picks up you phone has access to your accounts instantly.
That is the biggest risk.
Sent from my SGH-M919 using xda app-developers app
Jason2k13 said:
There's so many anti virus apps I don't know which one to use, and they are battery hogs. I've always thought that custom ROMs had less security because the developer could secretly tweak or add something.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Of course the potential for backdoors is there, however, XDA is quite a good resource of recognised and reputable developers. If you wish to use a custom rom and it's open source, you could even compiled it yourself.
As for stock roms, even here a risk exists. Carrier IQ was quite a controversial topic back in 2011, towards the end of the year. This was installed by default on a lot of mobile devices by carriers, to collect data for the carriers. Investigations showed that it was even logging keystrokes.
Skipjacks said:
The biggest risk is physically losing the phone.
The banking app has you login data, even if its encrypted or password protected. Its there. Someone who has hands on your phone can get that information. And if you dont have that banking app password protected anyone who picks up you phone has access to your accounts instantly.
That is the biggest risk.
Sent from my SGH-M919 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah this risk exists without a doubt, the best steps you can take is ensure use of security lock for your phone, remote wipe functions as well as reporting the lost phone so your provider can take the necessary measures to disable the network or block the IMEI.
All in all, I think mobile banking is fairly safe, but it's a choice you make at the end of the day. You just need to be aware of the risks. Use official apps only, and keep it updated. Be careful of your surroundings when using in public. Do not use mobile banking on public or unsecured WiFi networks. If you use a password, ensure it is strong. Disable bluetooth when banking. Be weary of phising websites. Keep track of your device, like you would your wallet. If you are rooted, always check permissions requested by apps.
As for anti-viruses, I use Avast myself, and find it has little impact on the battery and has decent protection (Close to 100% detection rate on the last AV-test analysis), and it's free! It also has remote wipe/lock functions, and a firewall usable if you are rooted. But as I mentioned earlier, you can browse through their website and anything with a full usability score shouldn't have too much impact on battery. I would not consider banking without an AV.