Database Users

Android phone apps share personal data

Here you go, boys and girls:
http://technolog.msnbc.msn.com/_new...roid-phone-apps-share-personal-data?gt1=43001

Which is used for location based advertising.... When you hit accept you agree to what the app does and uses. If you don't like what it uses don't accept it. Your own bank shares your personal data. Privacy has not existed in the US since the late 50s.
Sent from my Evo beeesshh

Nothing really new there.... This is I think the 4th story I have read about a study on androids privacy. Seems some company does one every few months last one was by the makers of lookout.
Sent from my PC36100 using Tapatalk

I agree...the market won't let you download the app unless you accept what the app has access to. Don't like it? Don't install it!
Also, these surveys only look at those "access to" lists and don't actually go into whether or not they actually use the data...
Via EVO on XDA app...

TaintDroid
http://www.androidcentral.com/taintdroid-realtime-privacy-monitoring-your-android-phone
http://appanalysis.org/index.html
supposedly it will be baked into its own or perhaps into your favorite ROM in the future. not sure if it can be an addon app or flashable.

DraginMagik said:
http://www.androidcentral.com/taintdroid-realtime-privacy-monitoring-your-android-phone
http://appanalysis.org/index.html
supposedly it will be baked into its own or perhaps into your favorite ROM in the future. not sure if it can be an addon app or flashable.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've got a buddy that worked at Verizon and he said one of the biggest problems they had were that firewalls, or privacy apps will eventually destroy your phone. He said they got tons of phones brought in that just didnt work anymore, and they all had one thing in common... firewalls/privacy apps.
Anyone else heard anything about this?
Hopefully if they really do cause problems they wont be backed into our ROMs.

Already removed said apps listed on Engadget.

bad apps
Ive heard about people blaming Android for these apps.. its like blaming Microsoft for malware that people download.
Someone even said that they were thankful that Apple screens everything for them.. 1. they dont 2. thats why the iPhone isnt a real smartphone.. it is more like a Wii Phone than a computer phone.

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..

[Q] Antivirus Software

Anyone using any that's good? I was using lookout, but I found it obtrusive and I want something worthwhile.

IlPapu said:
Anyone using any that's good? I was using lookout, but I found it obtrusive and I want something worthwhile.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Being these phones are Linux based most "virus" that are downloaded and installed (with user permission i remind you) are mal-ware.
There is no real reason to need one.
Just make sure you know where the apps are coming from and you shouldn't have a problem.

neidlinger said:
Being these phones are Linux based most "virus" that are downloaded and installed (with user permission i remind you) are mal-ware.
There is no real reason to need one.
Just make sure you know where the apps are coming from and you shouldn't have a problem.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As I stated in AC/AF forum. You have to understand the biggest threat *nix based system faces comes from the user itself who are danger to the system as they don't understand it. Now by default how the permission base structure was setup was designed to limit the access from rouge script or execute shell which was place remotely. For it to happen it didn't magically came on the local host it was done with the permission of the user unknowingly as they basically gave the rights away. This is why we say to new users not to run under usr root as even sufficient @wheel access they can do damage.
So when you download app specially you know who and you know where becareful make sure you read the permission that you grant the apps as it can connect, update, upload contents. Far as this thread goes its useless as virus scanner just waste resource which can be overcome with little caution or avoided totally with common sense.

You dont really have to worry about antivirus with android aslong as you dont let everything under the sun have its way with superuser. Theres not much that can go wrong past wipeing your contacts or something but thats a quick refresh on sync and there back. Really all u need is a good device finder something that can help you recover a stolen device or what ever. I use Mobile Defence and its almost out of beta so should be available on the market soon.

SoltyPK said:
You dont really have to worry about antivirus with android aslong as you dont let everything under the sun have its way with superuser. Theres not much that can go wrong past wipeing your contacts or something but thats a quick refresh on sync and there back. Really all u need is a good device finder something that can help you recover a stolen device or what ever. I use Mobile Defence and its almost out of beta so should be available on the market soon.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you even know what your talking about? Wiping contacts? Where did you get that from? That's least of the worst fear far as you know it can dail in some 900 number and charge you whatever money they want. They can even data mine and steal other info but antivirus wont help you only way you can be safe is follow common sense and not giving permission to things that's suspicious and asking for access to things it has no need for access to.
Sent from my HTC Glacier

SoltyPK said:
You dont really have to worry about antivirus with android....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I beg to differ. Just using one news source .. and articles from the last 30 days, I found the following Andriod malware news stories:
Infected Androids Run Up Big Texting Bills
Mobile Spyware Conferences Into Your Calls
New Android Malware Robs Bandwidth For Fake Searches
Security Warning Over Web-Based Android Market
Android isn't Windows, but it is susceptible to attack. It is a growing market (300,000+ phones activated daily), filled with non-technical, clueless users, as well.

Here's one more, from another news source, from yesterday. Fifty apps. Five-Zero. In Android Market:
Google Removes More Malware from Android Market

The only alternative app market I've ever seen is appbrain, and that re-routes you to the standard market. Why would you use something other than the android market? Outside of pirated apps, it seems pretty pointless. Am I missing something?

Well thats the beauty of open community even if anything does show up it is quickly identified and users blow the whistle on it. Other than that you need walgarden based market like Apple's App Store which takes time and forever to post as this is fine as is. This is why user recommendation is important and mostly everyone use similar.
Far as virus thing goes its pure void I mean if it was identified then the source wouldn't be available in first place. You DON'T need anything as thats what they want you to think as they pray on your fear to buy these BS app which you don't even need with little caution you can be safe.

^^^^ lol Blackshelf is never wrong
.. at least that's what he thinks... ARROGANT
sent from my rooted mytouch 4g

surfnhawaii808 said:
^^^^ lol Blackshelf is never wrong
.. at least that's what he thinks... ARROGANT
sent from my rooted mytouch 4g
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So why don't you prove me wrong here? are you actually trying to debate this? Last time I checked I was the one behind *nix system for past 12+ years. Thats like driving your car with your eyes closed and when you get in accident you blame the car, no you only have yourself to blame. As this same concept apply for system. Fine lets drop this subject ill let you prove your own point so did you ever find the docs about your "VICC 4G Sim Card"? How did that go for ya? how do I get one? will you sell me one for $9.99? lol

So since I don't need antivirus, and mal-ware is all I am looking for, what then is the best methods for telling if an App is laced with mal-ware? I am very careful in what I grant SU access and look at the permission before I install. I usually install from the app market. Any other helpful hints?

Well when you need something as the community for recommendations on which app would be appropriate for your need I mean if you Google it you will find answer as I'm sure someone asked, this way based on top pick what everyone use you can get.
Second is be cautious and what I mean by that is look for abnormalities like the app is asking for permission which wouldn't have news for to function.
Third is the most important part to where you get it ask you can reduce the risk by downloading from app market and not downloading from 3rd party of by pirated *.apk's as you wont know where it came from or what it contained.
If you follow these simple methods you can reduce the risk factor by large margin, now I am no fool I know you still can get it even after this but this way it wont be long before someone blow the whistle on it and app gets pulled from the market. This is just common sense you should follow.
Sent from my HTC Glacier

Antivirus software?
The most widely used free anti-virus software is AVG from Grisoft which makes money by selling virus protection to small businesses. To promote this, it offers domestic users a very professional free version which allows regular updates.

5 million Android handsets infected with newly discovered trojan

Symantec has released information about a newly discovered threat known as “Android.Counterclank.” It is a variant of a previously discovered Trojan horse called “Android.Tonclank.”
The malware is embedded into various apps in the Android Market and once downloaded, launch services that send information from the device, such as MAC Address, SIM Serial, IMEI, and IMSI, back to the malicious host.
Symantec has identified several malicious app titles spread out over 3 publishers. They are:
iApps7 Inc
Counter Elite Force
Counter Strike Ground Force
CounterStrike Hit Enemy
Heart Live Wallpaper
Hit Counter Terrorist
Stripper Touch girl
Ogre Games
Balloon Game
Deal & Be Millionaire
Wild Man
redmicapps
Pretty women lingerie puzzle
Sexy Girls Photo Game
Sexy Girls Puzzle
Sexy Women Puzzle
Removing the associated application should remove the malware from the device.
1. Open the Google Android Menu.
2. Go to the Settings icon and select Applications.
3. Next, click Manage.
4. Select the application and click the Uninstall button.
source: phonearena

I dont play games...and about Sexy etc.....i have wife.
But for me it seems more "we all need download now some antivirus" app

Don't have this apps but Google should check the apps that come into market like Apple does!
Sent from my iPad 2 using Tapatalk

Google must atleast check for malacious code in the apps before making it available in the market

5 million my arse. Says who? Oh, a company that produces AV software!
Yes, this is no doubt a problem but I take everything Symantec says with a pinch of salt. It's in their interests for malicious software to exist.

Don't use these app too.
Sent from my MB525 using XDA App

Bullsh*t!
Sent from my LT18a using Tapatalk

rec71 said:
5 million my arse. Says who? Oh, a company that produces AV software!
Yes, this is no doubt a problem but I take everything Symantec says with a pinch of salt. It's in their interests for malicious software to exist.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is exactly it.
However many consumers are too thick to see this, and most news sites are too desperate for hits to not report this tripe.

According to GSMAerna
Mobile security firm Lookout Mobile don’t believe these applications pose quite as much of a threat however, they are not to be taken lightly, as a spokesperson explains.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://blog.gsmarena.com/symnatec-h...-string-of-botnet-apps-on-the-android-market/

I am in deep shock that apps like "Pretty women lingerie puzzle", "Sexy Girls Photo Game",
"Sexy Girls Puzzle" and "Sexy Women Puzzle" turned out not to be legit applications.
Come on guys, this is hardly a real threat...
Anyone in their right mind knows that an app with the word "Sex" in its title, by a never-heard-of developer, could be suspicious.
It's like when people get viruses on their PC because they clicked on the "Click here to Scarlett Johanson naked and talk to her"!

iridaki said:
I am in deep shock that apps like "Pretty women lingerie puzzle", "Sexy Girls Photo Game",
"Sexy Girls Puzzle" and "Sexy Women Puzzle" turned out not to be legit applications.
Come on guys, this is hardly a real threat...
Anyone in their right mind knows that an app with the word "Sex" in its title, by a never-heard-of developer, could be suspicious.
It's like when people get viruses on their PC because they clicked on the "Click here to Scarlett Johanson naked and talk to her"!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I like your thought, which is exactly same as mine for years
But I believe that this is one main area where Google looses to Apple .

Not like before mate. Apple devices are also getting hit by malware. According to F-Secure about 58 new variants of Mac malware have popped up in the last year.

I saw the news. thought it might help few. all are talking about sexy. who will install. what about counter strike atleast in pc it sold 25 million units. obviously there are lot of fans who want to download the game. I personally was about to download it. but the comments said it is not good so didnt download

Symantec have retracted their malware announcement, they've downgraded the threat to just adware.
http://www.gizmodo.co.uk/2012/01/symantec-backpedals-android-apps-not-malware-simply-crapware/
Although to be honest, anyone downloading any of the apps mentioned above probably shouldn't be allowed access to the internet and a credit card.

ShyamSasi said:
Not like before mate. Apple devices are also getting hit by malware. According to F-Secure about 58 new variants of Mac malware have popped up in the last year.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But Android is still worse in that case.
Sent from my iPad 2 using Tapatalk

Because apple is not open source...they even don't know if they have viruses.
Android is open source and if coming some new virus we can always find some solution FAST.
This **** what those antivirus manufactures talking don't need take seriously always.
Its their job to make some commercial...even if they make those viruses itself..or they pay to someone to make viruses or make "panic"
Its clever commercial trick.
But anyway...viruses existing and if you don't know what your doing with your phone..then DON'T DO IT.
Peace and less panic my friends
Taavi
Sent from my MT15i using Tapatalk

Symantec does not even know what happened with pcAnywhere, will know about android apk.

Mobile security on smart phones (ANDROID)

anyone know much about the sercurity on the phone?
recently i read about this new free security app called on NQ mobile.
http://www.redmondpie.com/nq-mobile...st-solution-against-malware-viruses-and-more/
i installed it and noticed that it really drains the battery (seems like if toggles apps that aren't even opened into its memory). so it got me thinking .. is it really worth it to install apps like these for anti-virus's, maleware, etc.. ?
did a search and it seems the top three as of March 20th are:
Kaspersky Mobile Security (not free)
Lookout Security & Antivirus (free)
F-Secure Mobile Security (more for parental control)
not too sure where NQ would fit into the picture since the article came out on april 11th.
anyhow anyone with any idea such programs on the android is worth the draw back on power consumption and security risk please comment!
thanks.

IMO I don't think there is an antivirus app out there that would serve its purpose... It's more common sense... There's a good reason why when you try to download non market apps that you have to read that little disclaimer and check the box to allow them to install... Know what the apps do, if it doesn't need a permission or if you dont think it needs a permission then don't install it...
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4g Rocking ARHD 6.6.2

wapena92 said:
IMO I don't think there is an antivirus app out there that would serve its purpose... It's more common sense... There's a good reason why when you try to download non market apps that you have to read that little disclaimer and check the box to allow them to install... Know what the apps do, if it doesn't need a permission or if you dont think it needs a permission then don't install it...
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4g Rocking ARHD 6.6.2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Very good advice. Also, keep really sensetive stuff to a minimum. If you can bank on your computer, do it.
I just flash another ROM every couple of days and get my apps from the market. Lol

i hear ya both..
so basically in, layman's terms, these so called "security" apps dont do squat?
and you should just keep personal and secured stuff off these devices and perhaps use a laptop to access key information (like banking and emails)?
I am not sure what you mean when you refer to some apps as non-market apps. think all the security apps i mentioned are available through the android market (aka Play Store).

Not the security apps. By non-market apps we mean any apk's installed that you get any place but the play store.

estallings15 said:
Not the security apps. By non-market apps we mean any apk's installed that you get any place but the play store.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanked you both. .
i see.. guess i am not keen on where else you can get apk files other than the market place (play store) .
so bottom line is no need install these "security apps" cause they dont do anything?

junkiee24 said:
thanked you both. .
i see.. guess i am not keen on where else you can get apk files other than the market place (play store) .
so bottom line is no need install these "security apps" cause they dont do anything?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, they do behind the scene stuff. Lookout scans ALL your apps, just to check for anything malicious. Lookout has some kind of backup, but I never use it. When I bought my myTouch, my T-Mobile rep installed about 5 must have apps on my phone, and Lookout was #1 on his list. I've been using it on every ROM I've had. Hope this helps!
EDIT: You can get apks from the internet. Specifically pirated apps. People do not want to pay for the app, so they download it online. But people could have modified that apk and but a virus or who knows what in that apk. So it's best to keep an anti virus app. Lookout scans a new app each time I install/update it.

invasion2 said:
No, they do behind the scene stuff. Lookout scans ALL your apps, just to check for anything malicious. Lookout has some kind of backup, but I never use it. When I bought my myTouch, my T-Mobile rep installed about 5 must have apps on my phone, and Lookout was #1 on his list. I've been using it on every ROM I've had. Hope this helps!
EDIT: You can get apks from the internet. Specifically pirated apps. People do not want to pay for the app, so they download it online. But people could have modified that apk and but a virus or who knows what in that apk. So it's best to keep an anti virus app. Lookout scans a new app each time I install/update it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cool.. so now the questions is which security app is better.. Lookout or this NQ one.. ill go ahead and try lookout and see how much battery drain i get.
i dont download any apks outside of the market. but i hear there were a few places that had pirated apks but i guess i never trusted them (blackmarket). its not like Cydia for the iOS, where the apps are safely cracked.. atleast i think they are. so with a security app i guess it would alert you if the apk is corrupt - nice.
Thanks again.

junkiee24 said:
Cool.. so now the questions is which security app is better.. Lookout or this NQ one.. ill go ahead and try lookout and see how much battery drain i get.
i dont download any apks outside of the market. but i hear there were a few places that had pirated apks but i guess i never trusted them (blackmarket). its not like Cydia for the iOS, where the apps are safely cracked.. atleast i think they are. so with a security app i guess it would alert you if the apk is corrupt - nice.
Thanks again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't get any battery drain with Lookout. Hope you experience the same thing mate.

I used lookout for a little while, but then I realized that I only need it if I'm careless, which I'm not.

SECURITY!!!
Lookout is very good but since I'm rooted Avast free works wonders beyond basics. van allow which apps have internet access etc. must have for me. very nice on batt.

Has anyone ever had, or known anyone who got a virus or anything on a smartphone? Personally I haven't. Therefore I don't use any type of protection, which I probably should.
Sent from my HTC Glacier using XDA Premium

No, I don't know anyone who ever got malicious SW or any type of virus on Android. For the same reason I never heard of anyone getting a virus on Linux. And for the same reason, I don't have any apps that are made to protect me from things that aren't a threat.

estallings15 said:
Very good advice. Also, keep really sensetive stuff to a minimum. If you can bank on your computer, do it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Right best option to do so...
junkiee24 said:
i hear ya both..
so basically in, layman's terms, these so called "security" apps dont do squat?
and you should just keep personal and secured stuff off these devices and perhaps use a laptop to access key information (like banking and email)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The reason why they don't much is because there not meant for this kind of system... Android unique system is a little well very complex to make a antivirus app or that would find malware... There are so many ways around it...
It's amazing... There's an article I read that explained this...
I'm gonna see if I can find it and post the link
Jack_R1 said:
No, I don't know anyone who ever got malicious SW or any type of virus on Android. For the same reason I never heard of anyone getting a virus on Linux. And for the same reason, I don't have any apps that are made to protect me from things that aren't a threat.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well you should look around the web... You'll be surprised want you'll find... The threat on smartphones is very high... It's pretty scary...
If I find any of those articles ill post a link...
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4g Rocking ARHD 6.6.2

junkiee24 said:
i dont download any apks outside of the market. but i hear there were a few places that had pirated apks but i guess i never trusted them (blackmarket). its not like Cydia for the iOS, where the apps are safely cracked.. atleast i think they are. so with a security app i guess it would alert you if the apk is corrupt - nice.
Thanks again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Those security apps don't really know what there looking for... It's a lot different then windows OS... They don't need much to mess around with your info...
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4g Rocking ARHD 6.6.0

http://www.xda-developers.com/android/major-facebook-sdk-vulnerability-run-for-the-hills/
There are good people out there but that's not always the case...
Vulnerability is everywhere...
It's hard to make an app with little mistakes as possible... Making an app period is hard... I've tried and failed horribly at it lol so I can just imagine how hard it is to take out those nicks, bugs and issues that causes problem like this
http://www.lifehacker.com.au/2011/11/do-android-antivirus-apps-actually-do-anything/
So people think otherwise from me...
Here is their opinion... I take this very lightly...
http://www.extremetech.com/computin...s-apps-are-useless-heres-what-to-do-instead/2
Here's with what I agree with...
Like I said some disagree.....
http://m.zdnet.com/blog/hardware/premium-rate-sms-trojans-hit-googles-android-market/17070
And here a small case of sms trojan that hit a little while back...
Just some things to read and think about...
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4g Rocking ARHD 6.6.2

It all boils down to not downloading crappy, unknown apps, and if downloading - checking their permissions. Trojans hit people who don't understand anything and don't have control over their apps (not that there aren't enough of those). Other threats are virtually non-existent.

true.. i am trying avast now.. pretty cool.
thanks everyone!

Exactly that simple lol
And no problem... Keep it safe
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4g Rocking ARHD 6.6.2