Mobile security on smart phones (ANDROID) - myTouch 4G Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

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.
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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?
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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

Related

Android Store Websites/Freeware

sorry guys just trying to be helpful to thoes seeking more information about the phone... someone on that site has there hands on the phone already! and is willing to answer any questions you guys might have!
who vincent?. who has it
I have one if anyone has any questions..
Memory leak
The person who has the G1 phone on androidcommunity says it has a bad memory leak and he has to reboot often. Have you seen the same thing?
He also said there was no file folder system and it was hard to find files. Is this true?
Thanks,
Tim
and they have more everything
2 different app stores for android?
there is the android market..and maybe im crazy , but isnt there another app store for android?
can sum1 provide info ?
thanx
yeah they do have alot of stuff there. but ill be coming here for my apps and OS upgrades/ roms
cookzitall said:
there is the android market..and maybe im crazy , but isnt there another app store for android?
can sum1 provide info ?
thanx
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
lol no its the android market goto http://androidcommunity.com you will find everything android there have fun.
There's also http://www.trackdroid.com and http://android-freeware.org
I've noticed that using Android Market on different ROM versions, different apps show up in the Android Market.
i dont have all the apps on my market app, really sucks
Found new app site!
GlobalM3 said:
i dont have all the apps on my market app, really sucks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Guys i found a new site with apps...and it seemd very well designed and have some short of application that u install and then u download what u need.
Nice to see some other places ecxept google market
www.slideme.org
wizzo65 said:
Guys i found a new site with apps...and it seemd very well designed and have some short of application that u install and then u download what u need.
Nice to see some other places ecxept google market
www.slideme.org
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm going to wait to read reviews on some of these non-google sponsored android marketplaces as I think that's where the malware is going to show up. The user is always the biggest hole in any security plan.
http://www.android-freeware.org/ Do Not attempt
DO NOT DOWNLOAD ANY FREEWARE ON OTHER SITES. Thier is a reason that it is not in the android app store. I downloaded a program from http://www.android-freeware.org/ and it crashed my device and since T-Mobile will not support it yet, its useless at the moment.
Be patient wait for all the apps to load in the market.
Hope this saves someones device
Ok so I tried:
Took sim out and booted up in Safe mode. Was able to actually open the menu and go into settings. I went into applications and the error came up again.
So I had to master reset the device and it is now working back to normal
It's a bit blanket to say to not download any apps from a site just because a beta app crashed your device.. There are many apps there from many different developers, and while some may be quite unstable, some may also be fairly good..
It was my understanding that the Android Market would be similarly unregulated, so I honestly think you'd have the same chance of finding a app that has some issues there as you would at another site.
It would help to know which app you were trying to use that crashed, so we know which app to avoid.
chorca said:
It's a bit blanket to say to not download any apps from a site just because a beta app crashed your device.. There are many apps there from many different developers, and while some may be quite unstable, some may also be fairly good..
It was my understanding that the Android Market would be similarly unregulated, so I honestly think you'd have the same chance of finding a app that has some issues there as you would at another site.
It would help to know which app you were trying to use that crashed, so we know which app to avoid.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here is my take on this. Google has never said that the Android Market would be unregulated. They would be idiots to say that and even bigger idiots to actually follow through on that. They've made a huge investment in Android and intend for it to grow. To protect their investment I am positive that there is a team of android employees who's job it will be to regularly download and test new apps, especially from new/untested developers to make sure that 1. it's not malware 2. it doesn't crash the OS or cause any other problems. This is protecting their investment.
What I have heard as regards to the android market is that it will not be heavily regulated like the apple market. For example Apple refuses to let you sell apps that compete with one of their own products, or a product they have in development.
Thus my thought is this. The most amount of regulation that Android apps on google's Android Market will undergo will be minimal. Most legit developers will not have a problem setting up space on the market, and getting their apps out to users. So, given that, what are you likely to find elsewhere? Apps that don't even meet the basic requirements of the Android Market. Apps that are malware, or will crash the OS, or snake oil salesmen trying to make a quick buck, and thus can't/won't be allowed on the Android Market (or will be removed quickly) That equals problems in my book, and there is no way I'm going to download anything that's not at the Android Market, at least not for a very long time. If it's legit, it should be at the Android Market where I can trust it.
thanks for the tip, will trust your experience and leave apps that aren't in the market alone. Thank god you got yours working again!!!
GlobalM3 said:
DO NOT DOWNLOAD ANY FREEWARE ON OTHER SITES. Thier is a reason that it is not in the android app store. I downloaded a program from http://www.android-freeware.org/ and it crashed my device and since T-Mobile will not support it yet, its useless at the moment.
Be patient wait for all the apps to load in the market.
Hope this saves someones device
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Which app did this?
thanks,
jason
yeah, i was looking at that site and some of those apps look pretty cool, what app was it that crashed your phone?

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.

[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....
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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.

Do I need antivirus software for my Galaxy Note?

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.
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Click to collapse
Just because YOU feel superior to most other users, doesn't mean that they have the knowledge or enough 'common sense' to understand the permissions some apps ask for. The fact that an antivirus is not 100% safe doesn't mean it is 100% useless.... If it stops just one threath it already made sense..
There are lots of good FREE antivirus programs so where is the reason NOT to install one ???
There are also ppl that don't take medics, because if they or their children die from FLU that was Gods will.......
Maybe you should consider that not all users of a smartphone are IT-gods like you
friedje said:
I installed avast. it is free and no it doesn't slow down my note.
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ville7805 said:
I got the AVG pro, might not really need it since I´m kind of anal about what I install on the GNOTE... But better safe than sorry...
+1 doesn´t slow things down.
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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
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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
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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.

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?
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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.
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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
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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
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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?
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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
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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
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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

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