Database Users

Is there a point to getting anti virus?

Some people say android phones can get viruses and some people say they can't. So anyone know? Should I get a anti virus?
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App

I've never heard of a virus for android. If you want, lookout mobile is free and has AV, plus backup, plus the ability to locate your phone. I use it, but ONLY for the find my phone feature. I used to have it do AV, but I just didnt see the point. Your call.
http://www.appbrain.com/app/lookout-mobile-security/com.lookout

Just search google for:
Android trojan
You will have the reason you seek.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App

^ REALLY?!?!
Because all you get is "FIRST sms trojan" from just a few months ago... and who clicks links in text messages from people they don't know? Common sense.

AV will contribute to battery drain without any real benefit.

My phone is backed up with
Titanium because I like a one click restore
App Control because I like to keep multiple versions of my stuff and reload on the fly
Nandroid because I flash my phone as often as I flash my wife
All of which have been backed up to my home Network and if I get hit well I'll just reload. To me the price of having my phone scan every file when it loads or when I add something isn't worth the realestate the app takes up in my phones memory.
Honestly people who spread the fear of Viruses are those that create virus's and market their software to rid them. Bad, Bad tactics and honesly they are no worse than a shady Used Care Salesman or a high pressure Time Share Salesman.
I'm not saying the OP is a Salesman, but those that preach it are.

What I can tell you is have fun updating all in market, it will slow your phone down to a crawl.
Don't blame me, blame my keyboard's autocorrection algorithm.

mikey7436 said:
Some people say android phones can get viruses and some people say they can't. So anyone know? Should I get a anti virus?
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
short answer: no.

What I think is not the virus, but the apps keep sending data to somewhere

I use lookout but often question whether it really does anything besides giving you the ability to locate your phone if it gets stolen. Basically, don't click on messages from people you don't know, stay away from sites that your anti-virus on your home machine warns you about and don't install warez and you should be fine.

No need y'all, waist of space, money and time... If it ever happened hard reset our flash a rom lol...
Forget about it...

funeralthirst said:
short answer: no.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The CORRECT answer is yes, ot course it *can* get a virus, but it is very unlikely. Now, regarding the spyware - that's a very different discussion....
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App

Simple Easy Way To Make Sure You Don't Get Viruses..Don't Go To Porn... Lol Jk
But For Real Just Make Sure You Download Your Apps From The Market And You Should Have No Problem

dbacchus said:
The CORRECT answer is yes, ot course it *can* get a virus, but it is very unlikely. Now, regarding the spyware - that's a very different discussion....
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
lolololol. anything, including your car's ecu *can* get a virus. will it?
and spyware? come on. what, do you have some anti-spyware app you need to sell? lol..

Android Antivirus

There is a new study by AV-test concerning the effectiveness of Antivirus products on detecting malware and viruses on Android phones. The results are given in the following link:
http://www.av-test.org/en/tests/android/
I have used the AVG antivirus pro for quite some time but it was draining my battery considerably as shown by the BetterBatteryStats app. After reading the results by AV-test website I uninstalled it and installed the AVAST antivirus which gave better detection rates. Now battery life is much better and things are smoother, using an AV with better detection rates.
Just wanted to share it in case others have had similar battery drain issues with their AV or were wondering how effective their AV is.

I use Avast on my Note and AVG on my tab 7.0
I don't see/feel much of a difference in any way
Furthermore i use LBE on both, i feel much better
controlling the authorisations and behaviour of apps.

Antivirus apps are useless on Android. Why don't you people listen when everybody who knows tells you that ? Even Android reps said it. So forget about antivirus apps and better take care what you install on your devices.

alexdumitru said:
take care what you install on your devices.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
this is the best protection

That's not so easy when you only install warez versions...
Sent from my superior GT-N7000 using Tapatalk

Zamboney said:
That's not so easy when you only install warez versions...
Sent from my superior GT-N7000 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Even better...Don't be so cheap and you won't have to worry about it.

No warez - no worries. (Buy the app! Dont't be a cheapskate! )
Use a firewall and apps like LBE and PDroid that can block unnecessary permissions.
What worries me more than a virus is a warez-app that might delete everything in sd-card on first run.
We don't care much about modify/delete permission, do we ?

Why would you even want warez on android when the average price for an app is below $5 ???

LOL @ people still swearing blindly that all apps are safe as long as you get them from the app store.
Oh and apparently macs are not vulnerable to viruses or malware....
Sent from my GT-N7000 using xda premium

friedje said:
Why would you even want warez on android when the average price for an app is below $5 ???
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Click to collapse
Because some people REALLY are that cheap. And for some reason they complain about their warez not working and crap support etc.
Sent from my GT-N7000 using xda premium

uberNoobZA said:
LOL @ people still swearing blindly that all apps are safe as long as you get them from the app store.
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Click to collapse
common sense should always prevail, even on the app store - but saying that it is ALOT less likely to get malware from the appstore than warez

Some people don't have a way of purchasing apps because the google play store has restrictions in some countries. Let's not generalize people who use warez.
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l0rd_almighty said:
Some people don't have a way of purchasing apps because the google play store has restrictions in some countries. Let's not generalize people who use warez.
Sent from my GT-N7000 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly. I don't have a credit card and I don't like being charged for using a pre-paid card and being obligated to charge a card with at least 20 euro's so I can buy and app every once in a while. Whenever I find an app I want to buy I'll check all resources to see if there's another way to purchase the app but if there's not then I'll probably get it elsewhere.
That to me is one of the biggest flaws (and maybe even the only one) of the market. There are so many safe payment options these days and still Google sticks to credit cards.

I don't have credit card either, but there's always an option for every app except games. And angry birds and some other freeware are the only games I have.
Instead of using warez Root Explorer, you can use File Manager, instead of using warez TB, there are 3-4 more app combined will have all the functionality of TB.

I've got Avast, Lookout and Prey on my phone, and I don't have any battery or performance issues.
And just because paid apps aren't available to you, doesn't make downloading them for free "okay" in the eyes of the authors or Google.
To a certain extent, you can also use GetJar and SlideMe as alternatives, I assume that there's others.
There have been several cases of malware finding its way onto the marketplace, often disguised as perfectly reasonable applications, so burying your head in the sand and saying "but they say it's not a problem!!1!" is not an ideal solution.

Scary Article. How do you protect yourself?

http://www.crn.com/240000735/printablearticle.htm
What software do you have to protect yourself/information?

Alias8818 said:
http://www.crn.com/240000735/printablearticle.htm
What software do you have to protect yourself/information?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Before I open any app I open manifests.xml and change permissions. lol
Anything else We can do?

IMO, If you get anything like this. You deserve it! Almost just like on a PC. If your not smart enough to check your stuff before you put it on your phone, then stick to buying your apps. Don't open and launch things from emails you don't know about. Your not smart enough to know what sites are bad and how to control what your clicking through. By all means hurry and pirate an anti... app too please. Then I can charge you to fix it. XXX only make me money.
Did I miss anything? lol
Love,
Your loving IT Pro

Oh yeah I forgot. LBE security guard. Amazing root permissions app. It allows you to revoke certain apps permissions. Like if you don't want angry birds access to your data and wifi you can do that. An added plus is with that you dont get any more stupid adds.
Sent From My Sprint Galaxy Nexus via XDA Premium

Avast! Is pretty awesome, mostly anti-virus protection.........the malware stuff is a totally different kinda animal, would be great to see a good solid app.........gonna try Uber's recommendation.
Sent from my SPH-D700 using xda premium

I use a combo of several apps
Superuser (with PIN) for SU rights
AdFree - to block most ads
Droid Wall - to totally block data & WiFI on an app by app basis
LBE Privacy Guard - to remove specific permission from apps that require data access
One of the easiest thing to do, is only get apps from trusted sources, which will drastically cut down on risks
Finally, think twice about installing an app with a low number of downloads.

DCRocks said:
I use a combo of several apps
Superuser (with PIN) for SU rights
AdFree - to block most ads
Droid Wall - to totally block data & WiFI on an app by app basis
LBE Privacy Guard - to remove specific permission from apps that require data access
One of the easiest thing to do, is only get apps from trusted sources, which will drastically cut down on risks
Finally, think twice about installing an app with a low number of downloads.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why do you have LBE and Droid wall. You do know LBE has that function too right? Internet Firewall....
Sent From My Sprint Galaxy Nexus via XDA Premium

ÜBER™ said:
Oh yeah I forgot. LBE security guard. Amazing root permissions app. It allows you to revoke certain apps permissions. Like if you don't want angry birds access to your data and wifi you can do that. An added plus is with that you dont get any more stupid adds.
Sent From My Sprint Galaxy Nexus via XDA Premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree 100% with this. The UI is super simple, and you can see how much data each app is using. It opened my eyes the first few times I used it as there were apps using data that had no real reason to. It didn't make sense to me.
As UBER mentioned, you can also disable GPS for apps like Angry Birds Space. I love how when you install a new app, a notification shows up up top reminding you to set permissions for that app.
Very basic, easy to use, and most importantly, powerful.

Thread Cleaned
And reopened
FNM

MALWARE Reply
So many people have Android devices now that it ruins it for everyone. That is what makes it a popular platform for that kind of stuff. Nobody ever released malware for Windows Mobile.
- 2 Bunny

kainppc6700 said:
So many people have Android devices now that it ruins it for everyone. That is what makes it a popular platform for that kind of stuff. Nobody ever released malware for Windows Mobile.
- 2 Bunny
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't see the issue I download everywhere and even sites I know aren't protected yet I have no malware or problems.
Sent from my SPH-D700 using xda premium

Alias8818 said:
What software do you have to protect yourself/information?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My brain

VIRUS Reply
XxLostSoulxX said:
I don't see the issue I download everywhere and even sites I know aren't protected yet I have no malware or problems.
Sent from my SPH-D700 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same here. What kind of places do you actually have to go to to get a virus?
- 2B

kainppc6700 said:
Same here. What kind of places do you actually have to go to to get a virus?
- 2B
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Most likely, any Russian or Chinese market for cracked apps, as most of the infected apps come from these two regions.
Also, any hacker board for cracked apps has a higher than average chance of having an infected app

SECURITY ON MOBILE Reply
DCRocks said:
Most likely, any Russian or Chinese market for cracked apps, as most of the infected apps come from these two regions.
Also, any hacker board for cracked apps has a higher than average chance of having an infected app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't live in Russia or China, so I can't say I've ever been to one of these "cracked markets".
Could you provide an example of a "hacker board for cracked apps"?
- 2B

Used to use lookout, but I flash my phone so often I haven't downloaded it in a while.
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA

Best Antivirus for ICS

Can someone suggest best antivirus for ICS?
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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.
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lamou1nr said:
You my friend, are to paranoid.
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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.

Do you have installed Avast in your Nexus?

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