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At the company I work for, an email came out from our care group that I thought everyone might find interesting. When I first read it, I immediately thought of the MIUI ROM that I installed....
"A new virus infecting the android based phones has been detected in china.It is being said that this is by far the most complicated and sophisticated Android virus that the security firm has come across.This virus is being dubbed as ‘Gemini’ and it has the capability of being remotely operated by the hacker once it is in the phone.Though many viruses have been detected earlier in Android apps. but this the is most sophisticated among all of them.
The Botnet feature of the virus is the major concern.Once the malware is completely installed on the user’s phone, it has the potential to receive commands from a remote server that allows the hacker to access the user’s data and all personal stuff.Once the privacy of the user is compromised,the hacker can do anything he wish to do.
Lookout mobile security,who basically detected this virus said that Gemini uses advanced and sophisticated techniques to hide it’s track.They also said that that the virus is capable of sending location coordinates and device identifiers to the remote server, helping it to generate a list of all installed apps on the infected phone and to install more infected ones.
All the infected applications that have yet come up have been downloaded from a third party Chinese application market. “Geinimi is effectively being ‘grafted’ onto repackaged versions of legitimate applications, primarily games, and distributed in third-party Chinese Android app markets,” the company wrote in a blog post.On the other hand,the same applications that are downloaded from official Android application market are safe.
Although it is not very clear that what actually is the intent of the authors of Gemini.The chief technology officer for Lookout,Kevin mahaffy said that “It could be anything from a malicious advertising network to an attempt to create a botnet”.Botnet basically is a group of infected computers or phones that the attacker controls to compromise for data and identity theft and also it can be used to launch attack on other machines.
The application which are grafted with virus are mostly games and a few applications.Some among them are:
• Monkey Jump 2
• Sex Positions
• President vs. Aliens
• City Defense
• Baseball Superstars 2010.
Here’s how it works:
When a host application containing Geinimi is installed on a client’s phone, the Trojan gets activated in the background and collects information that can compromise a user’s privacy.Geinimi attempts to connect to a remote server using one of 10 embedded domain names. If it connects, Geinimi transmits collected information to the remote server."
here you go http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/40857219/ns/technology_and_science-wireless/
Interesting read. I wonder: If the infected app is removed, does the virus get removed with it?
rugedraw said:
Interesting read. I wonder: If the infected app is removed, does the virus get removed with it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
that would make for a pretty ineffective trojan. I highly doubt it.
also, as per the msnbc article, the virus is named "Geinimi," not "Gemini." Although I guarantee everyone will call it gemini because it's so much easier, at least to an english speaker.
Old news.
cjh6386 said:
that would make for a pretty ineffective trojan. I highly doubt it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It does get removed if you remove it from applications. The only way it wouldn't get removed is if the app were to root the device first, and then push the apk to the apps folder. but this one doesnt do that.
I'm honestly surprised there aren't more of them out there, it would be way to easy to do.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
cjh6386 said:
that would make for a pretty ineffective trojan. I highly doubt it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good point......I'm just not sure how viruses affect our phones compared to how they affect Windows based PC's.
Last-Chance said:
Old news.
It does get removed if you remove it from applications. The only way it wouldn't get removed is if the app were to root the device first, and then push the apk to the apps folder. but this one doesnt do that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Even then, you would still be able to remove it manually from the apps folder, no? Providing the user has root access, of course.
This is bull****. Why can't they leave viruses for windows computers?
Sent From My HTC Evo 4G On The Now Network From Sprint Using Tapatalk Pro!
I guess it's becoming an issue with the carriers too since our Care department is now getting swamped with calls from people who either "think" they're phones are infected or read that MSNBC article.....
In any event, I have to admit that I didn't even give it a thought that I might get a virus on my phone. I actually even saw quite a few virus programs on the Market and just ignored them. I'll now have to revisit that option, especially since I'm installing ROMS from every source that posts them....
rugedraw said:
Good point......I'm just not sure how viruses affect our phones compared to how they affect Windows based PC's.
Even then, you would still be able to remove it manually from the apps folder, no? Providing the user has root access, of course.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
probably, but if the app is smart enough to root android devices, chances are its smart enough to hide itself. With root access it can pretty much do anything it wants, including hiding itself, as well as accessing other programs, and what not.
Would a nand restore get rid of it?
Sent from my HTC Supersonic
If it needs root access to do it's thing, wouldn't that trigger the superuser app? And if a game triggers the superuser app, and a person clicks on "Allow"...then...maybe they deserve to be infected.
From what I remember of reading about this virus, it only affected users in China who downloaded it from a third-party market application and not Google's Android Market.
Viruses in android doesn't make any sense to me at all. Since android is so different. As another poster stated, doing a nand is in essence like wiping the total system, correct?
Sent from the Evo 4G
dglowe343 said:
Would a nand restore get rid of it?
Sent from my HTC Supersonic
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
in essence yes. But a person smart enough to code a virus that roots devices is probably smart enough to backdoor nand restore points as well.
Holyrolla said:
If it needs root access to do it's thing, wouldn't that trigger the superuser app? And if a game triggers the superuser app, and a person clicks on "Allow"...then...maybe they deserve to be infected.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The chinese one doesn't need root. I was just saying that if it had root it would be a lot harder to remove. And the app is binded to other programs, so the person will probably not even know that the legit one doesnt require superuser.
mbaseball3 said:
Viruses in android doesn't make any sense to me at all. Since android is so different. As another poster stated, doing a nand is in essence like wiping the total system, correct?
Sent from the Evo 4G
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why doesn't it? Millions of dollars are stolen each year by criminals that infect phones in order to dial out premium numbers.
Last-Chance said:
in essence yes. But a person smart enough to code a virus that roots devices is probably smart enough to backdoor nand restore points as well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
fear monger much?
EDIT: for those curious he's just drumming up nonsense to see if he can get you in a frenzy ... that or has has NO CLUE what he's talking about.
Even if someone was stupid enough to "Accept default permissions" and not question why your video game that you downloaded from a third party marketplace with "allow unknown sources to be installed" flag set needs to look at your phone calls and personal contacts ... there would still be a popup by superuser the moment it tried to do something that required root.
It's a perfect storm trojan: no more a risk to your phone than a phishing site is to your identity: that is a huge problem if you're an idiot.
Justin.G11 said:
fear monger much?
EDIT: for those curious he's just drumming up nonsense to see if he can get you in a frenzy ... that or has has NO CLUE what he's talking about.
Even if someone was stupid enough to "Accept default permissions" and not question why your video game that you downloaded from a third party marketplace with "allow unknown sources to be installed" flag set needs to look at your phone calls and personal contacts ... there would still be a popup by superuser the moment it tried to do something that required root.
It's a perfect storm trojan: no more a risk to your phone than a phishing site is to your identity: that is a huge problem if you're an idiot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yea bro, cause you know what you are talking about. How about you actually look up **** before talking.
1. A 3rd party app can simply ask for 1 permission, then root the phone and gain wide variety of permissions. When i say root, i dont mean the same way as you see here. It will gain permissions beyond what normal apps do. It wont ask for superuser permissions. It will only ask for 1 permission on install
2. Did you know that there is a Buffer overflow available on all phones that are running 2.1 of android? Did you also know that there is a buffer overflow for all androids that are running the latest webkit on 2.2? apparently not. fyi, a buffer overflow in a browser can represent a huge risk, meaning visiting a website that is infected will in return infect you. A buffer overflow will also not ask for any permissions and load a malicious application straight to your phone.
Next time when you talk to someone as if they were a kid, make sure that person doesn't happen to have a CS degree, and 8+ years of experience in computer security. Now gtfo.
those chinese have a strange sense of humor, I bet it started as a prank by some drunk college students to see if they could do something small that would make americans even more paranoid
NewZJ said:
those chinese have a strange sense of humor, I bet it started as a prank by some drunk college students to see if they could do something small that would make americans even more paranoid
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if you call being charged 100s of dollars on your bill because some virus made phone calls to premium rate numbers a joke, then yes they are very funny.
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
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
Click to expand...
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?
Click to expand...
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Click to expand...
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Click to expand...
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.
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
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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
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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!
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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.
Hey guys and gals,
Tonight my a500 was stolen. I work in sales and use it to look things on the net for customers (like price comparisons, etc) and use it for the website and lots of other business-type things (as well as lots of personal pics etc).
But, unfortunately when my back was turned, someone swiped it...!!!! argh:angry:
I had the newest release of jellybean on it from the forums here on xda, but had no remote wipe app installed (never even crossed my mind to do it). Therefore, I'm wondering if the is any remote wipe abilities in jellybean or if there was an app by chance that i had installed that would have this feature hidden (like onavo or norton utilities... reading now).
If anyone can help that would be amazing! Changed all my passwords, etc. So, I should be fine there. thanks guys
k
kylereid said:
Hey guys and gals,
Tonight my a500 was stolen. I work in sales and use it to look things on the net for customers (like price comparisons, etc) and use it for the website and lots of other business-type things (as well as lots of personal pics etc).
But, unfortunately when my back was turned, someone swiped it...!!!! argh:angry:
I had the newest release of jellybean on it from the forums here on xda, but had no remote wipe app installed (never even crossed my mind to do it). Therefore, I'm wondering if the is any remote wipe abilities in jellybean or if there was an app by chance that i had installed that would have this feature hidden (like onavo or norton utilities... reading now).
If anyone can help that would be amazing! Changed all my passwords, etc. So, I should be fine there. thanks guys
k
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Click to collapse
Sorry mate. Not a lot you can do about it at this time.
Just cherish the thought of what's going to happen when he decides jb is too buggy, and tries to install a different rom. :laugh:
I suppose a new user will be posting all kinds of questions here at xda in the near future!
Still sorry to hear it got pinched. I know the feeling.
MD
thanks man. thought i was buggered lol. I left a facebook update that i hope shows up on the notifications in the tablet and make the culprit feel guilty. maybe it'll show up in the morning at work... fingers crossed. made me look at getting a wipe app for the old phone now, went with seekdroid. seems legit. any other suggestions?
kylereid said:
thanks man. thought i was buggered lol. I left a facebook update that i hope shows up on the notifications in the tablet and make the culprit feel guilty. maybe it'll show up in the morning at work... fingers crossed. made me look at getting a wipe app for the old phone now, went with seekdroid. seems legit. any other suggestions?
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Click to collapse
Well, I don't have a lot of faith in those types of apps. They usually only work if an idiot steals it. Over here, pinching phones and tabs is big business, and usually done by pro's. They're quick to dump the device to another agent, who runs a stock full rom on it, clones the IMEI number from a good device , then dumps it to one of the umpteen million fly by night resellers. They (moscow govt) talked about cracking down on multiple PH number/IMEI combinations, then quickly realized over half the devices in Russia would stop working! Including their own!
Best thing to do, never let it out of your sight. Get a new device, like I did my phone, and the pain goes away.
But then again, maybe your culprit is a true idiot, and will post fotos to your facebook account!!!!!
MD
WAS YOU SIGNED INTO GOOGLE maps? latitude?
if so go to google.maps and click location history u can now see where your a500 is!!!!
good luck and hope you kick his ass:good:
i have "prey" software installed on all my devices for such problem
Did you try that Plan B yet or is that just over advertised junk?
Moscow Desire said:
Well, I don't have a lot of faith in those types of apps. They usually only work if an idiot steals it. Over here, pinching phones and tabs is big business, and usually done by pro's. They're quick to dump the device to another agent, who runs a stock full rom on it, clones the IMEI number from a good device , then dumps it to one of the umpteen million fly by night resellers. They (moscow govt) talked about cracking down on multiple PH number/IMEI combinations, then quickly realized over half the devices in Russia would stop working! Including their own!
Best thing to do, never let it out of your sight. Get a new device, like I did my phone, and the pain goes away.
But then again, maybe your culprit is a true idiot, and will post fotos to your facebook account!!!!!
MD
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The last person to steal one of my phones was a true idiot. This happened at my school and good thing I'm done with school. I was in class and had my phone charging and I had it out because I trusted most everyone in the room and would known who would have taken it.
So he asked if it was my phone and about a minute later he leaves the room. I noticed it was gone and others around me saw him take it. (Not obvious at all)
So I had the Vipre Mobile Security beta installed so I immediately logged into the web interface to activate GPS tracking and set off the alarm. Except when I logged in the service hadn't communicated when the app/phone in over a month so it was useless.
Over the period of the next 24 hours he had used the phone to take photos, delete everything on my sdcard, spam my YouTube feed with countless videos, and make voice calls to their own friends and family. So I looked on my carrier's account management and found all these numbers. Between the school staff and police it was possible to track the calls back to his identity. I got my phone back the next day...without the case and screen protector, sucks that they kept that.
So the lesson is make sure you have good, working anti theft solutions with cascading failsafes.
The next app I installed after ditching Vipre was Avast. This was a good solution with some flaws. Avast was one of the first Play Store security apps to utilize root access. Because of root in addition to setting as a device administrator it was also installed as a system service and app. This made it persistent and harder to remove.
The issue with avast was since the app was in /system and not /data it would have to be completely reconfigured after flashing each nightly update. Sometimes I'd forget and then it wouldn't work. It claimed to support the CM backup script except it was designed for CM7 and CM9 uses a different type of backup.
The other issue with avast was there was no web interface. You could only send commands through SMS.
Since I got my Nexus I bought Cerberus anti theft its perfect. It has system app support. Instead of a user setup it apparently registers the device ID or SIM or something and loads the user account from the cloud server. So all I do is add the apk to the CM backup list and it auto configures when installed. I can use SMS control or the website. I can monitor and control pretty much the entire phone and it takes a front camera photo on invalid pass code.
I check weekly to ensure its still running and it hasn't failed once.
As a failsafe I also have the first screen splash modded to my contact info in case of loss. Its encrypted so if anything maybe only a boot loader update could remove it.
chismay said:
WAS YOU SIGNED INTO GOOGLE maps? latitude?
if so go to google.maps and click location history u can now see where your a500 is!!!!
good luck and hope you kick his ass:good:
i have "prey" software installed on all my devices for such problem
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think that only works if you accept all the tracking disclaimers to enable location history and not many people have history turned on.
I guess the lesson is you can't let your guard down for even a second. One time I let a friend sync their iPod touch on my computer since they didn't have a PC and they ended up snatching my classic monochrome iPod. I'm still upset to this day since they didn't take my old iPod touch instead. That just proves the first gen iPod touch is so bad people won't even steal it.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
KemikalElite said:
I think that only works if you accept all the tracking disclaimers to enable location history and not many people have history turned on.
I guess the lesson is you can't let your guard down for even a second. One time I let a friend sync their iPod touch on my computer since they didn't have a PC and they ended up snatching my classic monochrome iPod. I'm still upset to this day since they didn't take my old iPod touch instead. That just proves the first gen iPod touch is so bad people won't even steal it.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
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Click to collapse
oh yea def' just thought for pot-luck ,
it is a pitty when you let someone come into your house as a friendly gesture only to find them stealing from you,... ive had my fair share and also a fair share of miss-understandings thereafter because of a newly aquired paranoia..... but i think its 100% justified.
If you download the lookout app and install it, if you ever lose your tablet, on the lookout website you can see where it is, (if GPS was enabled when lost) you can also do a remote wipe, and a remote siren, make it put off an alarm remotely.
Its a good app to have just in case, but doesn't help if the app was not installed before being lost or stolen.
Sent from my A500 using xda app-developers app
lifeofcoding said:
If you download the lookout app and install it, if you ever lose your tablet, on the lookout website you can see where it is, (if GPS was enabled when lost) you can also do a remote wipe, and a remote siren, make it put off an alarm remotely.
Its a good app to have just in case, but doesn't help if the app was not installed before being lost or stolen.
Sent from my A500 using xda app-developers app
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Click to collapse
yeah sound like the prey app too , i can also send a popup message to the tab screen, be near the location displayed on the map and then activate a "S-SCARING" siren lol
also one good thing is prey uses the location services through wifi as well as gps, tells you the address of the current and last wifi hotspots logged into
so if it says currently "wii hotspot mcdonalds fast food , thief street. lol go to the mcdonalds and set off the alarms,...clearly see your tablet...and a jackass who need a beating. :highfive::highfive::highfive::highfive:
chismay said:
WAS YOU SIGNED INTO GOOGLE maps? latitude?
if so go to google.maps and click location history u can now see where your a500 is!!!!
good luck and hope you kick his ass:good:
i have "prey" software installed on all my devices for such problem
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hey man, great idea! no luck...
and thanks guys for al of the advice! still no luck with the tab i think the worst part of it is was that i was really getting to love it. like the development here, especially with jb!, is fantastic. and i was a kickstarter supporter for chameleon and now seeing the new updates really puts salt on the wound. lol. in the next month i'll need another tablet, so im debating on finding another 2nd hand one for the price of a nexus 7, or just getting the 7. only thing is though, is the size....
thanks again.
I'm assuming you've looked into "Plan B" on the Android market, right? It automatically installs from the market on your tablet, and broadcasts location immediately on install. Not sure how accurate or helpful it is, but if you haven't tried it yet... you probably should.
The other option is to put out some Wanted To Buy ads...
gfinockio said:
I'm assuming you've looked into "Plan B" on the Android market, right? It automatically installs from the market on your tablet, and broadcasts location immediately on install. Not sure how accurate or helpful it is, but if you haven't tried it yet... you probably should.
The other option is to put out some Wanted To Buy ads...
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Click to collapse
i already changed the passwords, i wasn't aware of Plan B. great idea though! i tried it anyways lol.
and yeah ive been scouring kijiji and craigslist like a fiend