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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.
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...
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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. =/
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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.
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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.)
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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.
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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.
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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
So I've been away for just a day (no phone, no pc) and when I get home I start browsing all the different sites I enjoy, finding anything that may be interesting and I feel like Ive been slapped in the face, I see several articles about malicious apps, nothing new really, and as I do often go on various spouts of randomly downloading apps, Im still over cautiously paranoid but this droid dream as they call it and the information (albeit lack of) surrounding this latest round of malware has me worried, although I do tend to wipe my phone twice a month (as I said I am rather paranoid) Im just wondering what the general opinions are and any tips that could be offered to help avoid problems like these, and as I have yet to do so and Im feeling quite ungrateful at this time, Thank you to the devs and community, Im either running a factory reset, wiping the phone for some patch or update, flashing a new kernel/rom that Im actually relieved that my phone never keeps anything long enough to be exploited, if it wasnt for all the helpful people, tutorials and advice I would undoubtedly be running a stock phone and Im 99% sure i would have a some malicious app installed (I almost downloaded one of the very apps listed on androidpolice for example)
- -sorry for the length of the post, i swear when i started writing it was 4 badly worded sentences
I never download programs that are just out. If a game sounds cool, I may wait a week or so to get it. I also run MyLookout and have it scan every night.
Use anti-virus software like Lookout. Search the market for anti-virus apps. Its really no different than using a computer. There are thousands of viruses for PCs. Nothing to really be paranoid over, there are ways to avoid them, and/or fight them. Just use your better judgement when downloading apps, and just to be safe use a trusted anti-virus app. But generally i'd say we are still pretty safe.
I never use anti-virus apps on my phone, as they can bog things down. Just take the same precautions you would on a PC. Don't download stupid **** and you should be fine. :b
I don't have an antivirus on my computer and least of all my phone. Common sense is the best antivirus.
DoctorComrade said:
I don't have an antivirus on my computer and least of all my phone. Common sense is the best antivirus.
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This. I see no need for virus software. I have run my Win7 pc since I got it (@ Win7's launch) with no virus software and its still just as good as the day I got it. FireFox seems to block everything I need it to. And on my phone the most I might download would be an album or a movie and I only do that from trusted websites.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
I am far more worried about the amount of time my server is gone with my credit card after dinner.
uniquenameevo said:
I am far more worried about the amount of time my server is gone with my credit card after dinner.
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+1
ten char
DoctorComrade said:
I don't have an antivirus on my computer and least of all my phone. Common sense is the best antivirus.
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Click to collapse
Common sense doesn't save you from the identity thief that drives around neighborhoods looking for wireless signals to access, a good thief can crack a wpa secured router. This is where you want your anti-virus software, these days they almost always come as an "Internet" Security suite, which includes intrusion detection and prevention.
Or you could secure your network adequetly.and btw most identity theives are probably not trolling neighborhood networks. They are the people with access to mass amounts of accounts.ie cable companies, subscription services, and the like.
Khilbron said:
Common sense doesn't save you from the identity thief that drives around neighborhoods looking for wireless signals to access, a good thief can crack a wpa secured router. This is where you want your anti-virus software, these days they almost always come as an "Internet" Security suite, which includes intrusion detection and prevention.
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Sent from my GT-P1000 using XDA App
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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Click to collapse
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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Click to collapse
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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Click to collapse
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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Click to collapse
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
Sent from my GT-N7000 using xda premium
ChimpNippl3s said:
Does a free antitrust do as good a job as a paid one
Sent from my GT-N7000 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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
Click to expand...
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.
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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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
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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.