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While I wait for my micro sd to get here to root and use my Aria, I have been just playing around with it and checking out various apps in the market. Then I saw an antivirus app and downloaded. Since I am new to Android, I thought I would ask others whether they have had any problems (or if there are problems) that require an antivirus. Or is it just a useless app?
I noticed there are apps that can contain some important information (i.e. mobile banking and e-mails), but is an antivirus really needed?
Thanks in advance for the discussion.
I personally do not use one, and don't plan on using one unless someone supplies a greatly convincing argument. While I don't doubt that it is a possibility in the future it will be needed, I don't believe they are necessary up to this point. From what I've read there are very few viruses/malware whatnot out there written to affect Android. Everytime you install an app it tells you exactly what it needs to access on that second screen. Also, I'm not sure if you have any experience with what a lot of antivirus applications tend to do to computers speed, but I imagine it'd affect the phone in a similar fashion.
You can read a better constructed forum post about it here
If I'm incorrect on anything someone please correct me
Thanks. That was a good read.
I was just unsure if I want to use the online banking app. It is very helpful and useful but I was just a bit hesitant.
No problem In my opinion, I think for something like that (I use Mint personally, if you don't know what it is, you should check it out for banking/credit cards, finance in general) losing the phone and having the information get into the wrong hands is a bigger concern than a virus stealing it. Again, that's my opinion. Although there are apps for the scenario I described also SMobile Anti-Theft is the only one I can think of off the top of my head for no particular reason, but I know there are a few others (possibly better, not using one myself just yet) out there
Mobile Antivirus = Rip off and waste of phone resources. Sad part is, many programs meant to facilitate tracking your own phone (lost/stolen) for some reason include antivirus kind of crap in it. There are alternatives, but none the less it's all complete nonsense.
Works great, never had a virus with it! Or without it.
I dont have one on my android right now It's true I have to download antivirus software now for Cellphones, especialy android phones. Some of them like avast already have this option. I've read ZenOK Free Antivirus is going to release a free version too. which one you recommend
Never used antivirus on my android phone or my Ubuntu laptop. Never had any problems. I think worst case scenario right now is receiving a virus via email and forwarding it on to an unsuspecting windows box. But then again anyone who gets that email on windows And doesn't have antivirus is foolish.
Of course this could all change in the future and it may one day be necessary yo use an antivirus on android.
Sent from my cm7 Aria.
With your phone it may not be really needed but your laptop?! Do you know how many viruses, malicious software, adware and spyware could be on your laptop right now? I would suggest at least using it on your laptop. Anyways, I do personally use one on my phone as well.
theonew said:
With your phone it may not be really needed but your laptop?! Do you know how many viruses, malicious software, adware and spyware could be on your laptop right now? I would suggest at least using it on your laptop. Anyways, I do personally use one on my phone as well.
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Are you familiar with Linux based systems such as Ubuntu? It works the same way as android, which is also Linux based. It doesn't operate anything like a windows system. Everything runs in its own little 'box' (think .apks) and pretty much all software is downloaded through an Ubuntu download center (think Android Market). Everything has to have permissions, also just like android. It doesn't utilize .exe like windows. All this adds up to a system that is pretty secure. I don't download any software outside of the download center so I know where all my programs are coming from. All I use my ubuntu laptop for is surfing the web and messing with my phone. My laptop doesn't need an antivirus any more than my phone does. And my phone doesn't need any antivirus. People get stuck on that windows mentality (antivirus/task killers/memory managers).
Sent from my cm7 Aria.
Have never used an Antivirus on my phone I actually don't see how it's really of any use .-.
Everything I download app wise is from the Market and other than that I don't download anything besides a pic here and there
A virus cannot do anything malicious on Android or Linux without permissions, so I think antivirus can only protect a Linux computer or android phone from the user (who has to grant the permissions)...therefore I believe antivirus on android is mostly useless
Sent from my Liberty using XDA App
As I was searching for something in the market place I ran across an Antivirus app:
Antivirus (Free version)
Antivirus ($9.99)
The Antivirus Pro (paid version) provides ongoing scanning of Android device, protecting against viruses, malware, OS exploits to ensure the integrity of applications and data. + Additional services for identifying phone location, using 'findR' to find lost or stolen devices based on GPS and cell tower ID.
In addition to the paid version, the free version scans mp3's, zip files, sd card's and has behavior mobile security.
I'm using the free version now and am debating if I should buy the full version.
Made by: droidSecurity Inc.
Anyone else using the paid version? If so, how is it working out for you? Recommended?
iunlock said:
As I was searching for something in the market place I ran across an Antivirus app:
Antivirus (Free version)
Antivirus ($9.99)
The Antivirus Pro (paid version) provides ongoing scanning of Android device, protecting against viruses, malware, OS exploits to ensure the integrity of applications and data. + Additional services for identifying phone location, using 'findR' to find lost or stolen devices based on GPS and cell tower ID.
In addition to the paid version, the free version scans mp3's, zip files, sd card's and has behavior mobile security.
I'm using the free version now and am debating if I should buy the full version.
Made by: droidSecurity Inc.
Anyone else using the paid version? If so, how is it working out for you? Recommended?
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Click to collapse
There's another app called Lookout Mobile Security FREE that has darn near 5 star rating. It does pretty much what the paid version does of the Antivirus app above for $9.99, except that it's free.
It says, Winner of the Best Android App 2010...
It also has Phone Finder...which comes FREE with this App...
hhmmm
nope I've been using Lookout. Seems nice
There are viruses on Android? That's news to me. I mean, fake programs that steal your data, yeah, but viruses?
MMcCraryNJ said:
There are viruses on Android? That's news to me. I mean, fake programs that steal your data, yeah, but viruses?
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Haha it's all new to me too my friend...My initial reaction was, "Anti What? For Android?!"
I was so used to communist apple OS, being an iPhone user before where the word 'virus' was never in my vocabulary.
I'm going to try LookOut...heck it's Freeee
My opinion, don't waste your time with this man. Just uses resources of your phone.
I DO suggest lookout though. It is amazing to log into a website and find my phone (works pretty dang well), OR if you lose the phone in the house you can make it ring really loud.
With this app you also get AV and the ability to backup data to their server. I do not use the latter (you can disable features easily). But I have left on the AV for kicks and giggles.
I have NEVER heard of a virus on android, haha.
s15274n said:
My opinion, don't waste your time with this man. Just uses resources of your phone.
I DO suggest lookout though. It is amazing to log into a website and find my phone (works pretty dang well), OR if you lose the phone in the house you can make it ring really loud.
With this app you also get AV and the ability to backup data to their server. I do not use the latter (you can disable features easily). But I have left on the AV for kicks and giggles.
I have NEVER heard of a virus on android, haha.
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Click to collapse
I'm using LookOut now...much better program it seems than the other one. The phone location feature is pretty neat too.
As long as you actually consider the permissions when installing apps and don't grant root access to some unknown app, antivirus is COMPLETELY unnecessary.
I'm looking for a replacement for Mobile Defense since they seem to have discontinued their product. What's the best FREE app that will locate your phone, blast the ringer, remote wipe, etc...?
Thanks!
....
Lookout is a good app, if u set it up properly u wont even know its there yet, it does its job pretty well, no probs since mt4g came out, its free, but they recently added "premium" services, witch are really just to lock ur phone throught the site, ,, U can backup, locate, an keep virus free, for free though, you just cant lock it from online,.. also i doubt its a battery drainer, i still havent noticed any xtra battery loss
Thanks for the info. I'm looking to be able to remote wipe and remote lock and track the phone as well for free. Mobile Defense does all this but I don't think they're developing anymore and I heard there were issues with it on Froyo...
Lookout Mobile Security
Yea but Lookout charges you for the features I want...
Legaleye3000 said:
Yea but Lookout charges you for the features I want...
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sometimes everything is not free. And sometimes you get what you pay for.
True, but if Mobile Defense offers all of those for free, someone else must also. I remember seeing an app that had everything for free, I just don't remember what the other app was.....
I saw this Lost Phone app. Haven't used it but it is free:
http://www.appbrain.com/app/lost-phone/com.gadgetprojects.lostphone
Wavesecure is the best!!!!!!!
When u autolock it sounds an alarm.....and when a different sim is inserted it sends text messages to numbers that u list in ur buddy list....doesn't let the person do a master reset
*Sent from my Tmobile MT4G*
When it comes to goofy apps and misc apps; free is always nice. But when it comes to security, I never compromise. Free or not, you get what you pay for.
I use the Premium version of Lookout. I used the free version for a long time and the jump was worth it.
There will always be someone who wants everything for free. Well...some things AREN'T. Get over it. Deal with it. That's the way it is.
If you want something bad enough and no-one makes it, why don't you be the first then?! Go develop a free security app that does everything you want then give it away to the rest of us who aren't complaining...
JM2C
Prey
The app you're looking for is called Prey. The company's website is PreyProject.com. I tried posting links but I can't because I'm a new user.
Legaleye3000 said:
I'm looking for a replacement for Mobile Defense since they seem to have discontinued their product. What's the best FREE app that will locate your phone, blast the ringer, remote wipe, etc...?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just to clarify, Mobile Defense has not discontinued anything as I am still happily using their product. They have simply closed their open beta period (and it has been closed for quite awhile, 6 month or so). If you got in before it closed and simply had to swap phones, they have links on their website to re-download the client as long as you have a login.
You can no longer find them via the Market due to having closed their open beta period.
Please post questions in Q&A section.
chimatt said:
The app you're looking for is called Prey. The company's website is PreyProject.com. I tried posting links but I can't because I'm a new user.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are several threads in the MT4G area about 'lost phone' style apps. Even though you sometimes get what you pay for, I'd rather not pay the $20-$30 per year for the ability to lock and fine my phone (as both Wavesecure and Lookout would seem to require) unless there's really no other alternative.
After reading through the recommendations in all of these threads, Prey actually looks like it might be the best in terms of offering the most features in the free version. I'd be interested in hearing more of other people's thoughts and experiences in using these apps (with consideration of their respective prices).
For now, I'm going to download Prey and I'll report back later with my thoughts.
Trip report on Prey:
So I got Prey installed on both Mytouch 4G's on my account and tried it out. The free version of the app lets you specify your phone as 'lost' via a user-defined SMS, and this worked every time. Upon sending the SMS to put the phone in 'lost' mode, you can also have the app perform several actions on the phone, including sounding an alarm, displaying a user-defined alert message, and locking the phone (with the stock android locking mechanism, but a Prey specific unlock password). These actions can be modified from he Prey website control panel (even after phone is in lost mode), and are performed a frequency of between 10 and 40 minutes while the phone remains lost. You also receive an e-mail alert when your phone is put into 'lost' mode. Prey also has the option to put itself into lost mode if the sim card is replaced.
Regarding everything above, Prey seems to work great. A couple things to be aware of though: when the alarm sounds on your phone, it starts at the loudest volume but can be reduced in volume to zero with the rocker on the side of your phone even when locked. If it sounds again after the specified interval, it starts out at the loudest volume, but again can be reduced. Also, if you opt to lock your phone, then the user-defined alert message won't be displayed until the correct unlock password is entered on the device. Thus, you can't both lock your phone and display a message to the person who has it. The developers indicated that a future version of Prey may allow for an alert message to be displayed first, with a keypress then sending the phone to the lock screen. This would be a significant improvement imo, since it would be nice to display contact information for someone who may have innocently found your phone while at the same time protecting your privacy by having the phone locked down.
[[[EDIT: This paragraph no longer applies. As reported in my post (below), the developers have now fixed this problem, but I'm leaving this paragraph here as part of my original review. "Prey currently fails on the MT4G when it comes to generating reports in order to track the activities and location of your lost phone. The reports are supposed to be generated at the same frequency as the actions above (10 to 40 minute intervals) when in 'lost' mode, with the free version allowing you to have up to 10 reports on file before the newest report will replace the oldest one. However, after trying every possible setting I could think of on both the Prey side and phone side, I could never get these reports to generate on a consistent basis (success on <10% of attempts). I contacted the developers about this and other questions/concerns, and they were friendly and helpful with trying to resolve the issue. Apparently they haven't had any problems like this on their test device, but again, the reports are not reliable for the MT4G."]]]
In summary, Prey works great for being able to lock down your phone via SMS if it's lost or stolen, with an optional alert message and alarm sound. It currently does not [EDIT: DOES...the problem was fixed] work in terms of helping you find the location of your lost or stolen phone via gps/wifi, etc.
Note: Lookout does offer the ability to locate your device in the free version of that app, but does not allow wipe or lock without purchasing the premium app. Thus, perhaps using Lookout in conjunction with Prey allows the free version of each of these apps to compliment one another.
Edit: The developers of Prey continue to be very friendly and responsive. They contacted me to let me know that they are continuing to work on resolving the problem with generating reports. I'll report back when the issue is resolved.
Thanks to me if you found this review helpful : )
Update: The developers of Prey did some debugging and were able to find the problem that was keeping the location reports from being consistently generated. I tested out a fixed version on both of my Mytouch 4Gs and it now seems to be working perfectly.
There is a virus inside elternal legacy HD (especially) and asphalt 6!
DO NOT DOWNLOAD THESE FROM ***!!!
It will take you to a fake gameloft survey where you say your country and favourite os, and when you touch "send", it says 'thank you for your donation' and sends infinite messages, charging your phone bill. The only way to stop this is battery remove or task killer.
I wasn't one of the victims!
That's why you should only download apps with descriptions and developer names
Thus, thou shall not use warez.
+1 yup.............
AVG android id's virus in GingerBreak?
Just by dumb luck, I had loaded avg pro on atrix. When blithlely following directions to load GingerBreak, received message from avg that program contains a virus and I conclude that either: 1. I had to unload avg and then load GingerBreak or 2. ask in this forum if this message is for real. Any and all responses will be welcome.
Thats the reason why i deleted *** from my Phone! There are so much Viruses, in which you will have to pay. If you want to be safe, buy them at the Android Market!
Regards
*** is down anyways now... so peace
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA Premium App
The problem is that the android market is also not safe from viruses (although, probably more safe since it's monitored by Google and they can remotely remove malicious apps...).
I currently use lookout but wondering if there is a better antivirus.
How is AVG ? I'm using it on my desktop computer and like it but somehow got the feeling that it's too "heavy" for Android.
Morning mate,
You can use ESET. Has has now their own AV. EMS (Eset Mobile Security) You can grab it from the market, currently in a BETA stage but quite advance and very low footprint on any device. It's definitely on the same playing field as any awesome Antivirus/Malware prevention tool.
Regards,
fluxgfx
Muzikant said:
The problem is that the android market is also not safe from viruses (although, probably more safe since it's monitored by Google and they can remotely remove malicious apps...).
I currently use lookout but wondering if there is a better antivirus.
How is AVG ? I'm using it on my desktop computer and like it but somehow got the feeling that it's too "heavy" for Android.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I used ESET for a while. I use it on my PC and my laptop, so when I saw it in the market, I got to installing it right away.
It slowed down my phone horribly and no matter what I did, I wasn't able to uninstall it (My phone was not rooted at the time). After trying everything I found on the web, I eventually got to backing up everything I had and factory reseting...
They've probably fixed that bug by now, but it was still pretty annoying...
Can anyone recommend any other Android anti-virus software? It has to be "good", obviously, but it also has to quietly run in the background, eat as little battery and memory as possible.
P.S. My device is a Galaxy ACE (currently rooted and with leaked Android 2.3.4 firmware)
On the PC I used and removed Eset. It was a real pain spending huge amounts of time removing junk deeply imbedded and left behind in the Registry. As such, I'd be hesitant to try Eset again especially on an Android device. Furthermore, I read where Eset used their own secret vpn to bypass any local firewall to get updates, without telling the user.
I am skeptical of reviews by AV publishers like McAfee, Kaspersky, etc. warning of "the coming horrible tsunami of Android malware."
If anyone comes across a detailed Android AV review, please post the link.
no warez discussion allowed.
I see, no one was actually advertising/ requesting or posting warez, so there will be no consequences.
but since this is not an issue for anybody, not using warez in the first place, this thread is closed. if you got yourself a virus this way, there are enough tips to get rid of it, but it is your own fault.
also, i edited all the posts containing the name of the warez distributer.
closed.
http://www.ubergizmo.com/2012/09/new-naval-app-secretly-recreates-environments-from-your-phone/
The Naval Warfare Surface Center in Crane, Indiana today revealed a smartphone app that puts the capability of modern smartphones to observe areas in sharp relief and shows the power of malware to tap into those capabilities. The app, PlaceRaider, is capable of running in the background of any smartphone running Android 2.3. While running in the background, it takes photos at random while recording the orientation and location of the phone. Those photos get sent back to a central server, where they can be used to reconstruct a pretty good idea of where the phone has physically been.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What do you guys think?
I'm gonna do it to my every single one of my friends and creep on them.
At least with Android it will eventually be found and will be a fix or a way to prevent it, who knows what Apple is doing with iOS and even if the problem is founded, one would have to wait for Apple to patch a bug, but only if they choose to.
http://news.cnet.com/8301-13579_3-20014356-37.html
In some embodiments, an unauthorized user can be detected by comparing the identity of the current user to the identities of authorized users of the electronic device. For example, a photograph of the current user can be taken, a recording of the current user's voice can be recorded, the heartbeat of the current user can be recorded, or any combination of the above. The photograph, recording, or heartbeat can be compared, respectively, to a photograph, recording, or heartbeat of authorized users of the electronic device to determine whether they match. If they do not match, the current user can be detected as an unauthorized user.
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The linux kernel have the iptables as firewall, if you are rooted, you can use DroidWall to manage it, not even that spying app can get any internet. Personally, I always manage which app gets internet access on my device.
eksasol said:
At least with Android it will eventually be found and will be a fix or a way to prevent it, who knows what Apple is doing with iOS and even if the problem is founded, one would have to wait for Apple to patch a bug, but only if they choose to.
http://news.cnet.com/8301-13579_3-20014356-37.html
The linux kernel have the iptables as firewall, if you are rooted, you can use DroidWall to manage it, not even that spying app can get any internet. Personally, I always manage which app gets internet access on my device.
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Click to collapse
Very nice tip! I downloaded DroidWall and it does exactly as you say!
Thanx!
However, with DroidWall you need to enable all the system apps and services, otherwise you'll start finding things like PlayStore not working.
If using DroidWall gets confusing LBE Security Manager also have internet firewall, but it doesn't utilize the same method, DroidWall works at the kernel level and will override LBE. Although LBE is also a very essential app. It can monitor how much data each app uses as well and set the permission for each app. Although if you flash roms all the time it gets tiresome to configure after each flash, also you have to know which permission to enable for some apps to not interfere with its normal functions.
Dear hacker guy,
Good luck reconstructing the images and dimensions of my butt pocket.
-signed dgaf user
Sent from my SGH-T959
suchavibrantthang said:
Dear hacker guy,
Good luck reconstructing the images and dimensions of my butt pocket.
-signed dgaf user
Sent from my SGH-T959
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Click to collapse
?????