Viruses from browsing. - Verizon Galaxy Note 3 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

I just have a question about viruses and Android. I know it's Linux based, I know it's based off arm and I know 99% of viruses are from apps.
Can you get a virus from browsing though? I'm not taking about downloading things from sites or allowing permission. Just browsing.
Just asking because I get paranoid at times and do all my surfing on my android devices and can't find anything about browsing. They all mention apps causing the virus.
Sent from my SM-N900V using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

As long as you have unknown sources checked then you're good. If you want to be sure, just get an extended battery and have an antivirus running in the background daily.
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Related

Does my n7 have a virus?

I been getting random notifications saying I'm a winner for games and etc, when I click on the link its not a valid link so it more then likely a virus..? How do I get rid of it the notifications? Yes I'm rooted but running stock
Nexus 7 of HELLBoy
az18zz said:
I been getting random notifications saying I'm a winner for games and etc, when I click on the link its not a valid link so it more then likely a virus..? How do I get rid of it the notifications? Yes I'm rooted but running stock
Nexus 7 of HELLBoy
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Check what apps you have installed, i don't think it's a virus, I think it's just spam from a app or game you have installed, uninstall all apps for a while and see if it persists, if it doesnt, reinstall app by app and narrow it down to which app, then report that app.
Just install "Addons Detector" from the Play Store and it will get you sorted.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
In jelly bean you are able to open see what app is displaying the notification and stop the app doing it
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2
Hold down on the notification until a little box pops up that says "app info". Tap that, that's your rouge app, delete it and hope that's the only one.
What it is is a app has as built in. What you should door is install Air blocker, and try to detect air push. It will show the app that is causing it, and un-install that app.
Good luck!!!
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
You can also install lookout mobile security from the market. It is free and works great for deleting bad applications as well as any viruses.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
In tried the add on detector app.. I think I found the app it was an emulator I had downloaded from a website..
Nexus 7 of HELLBoy
Just fyi, android doesn't have viruses. It will always be a rogue app.
Rogue app?
Nexus 7 of HELLBoy
Android has viruses, assuming it doesn't is just like assuming apple computers don't have viruses, there are not as MANY as the windows PC environment but they do exist, and saying they don't exist lures people into a false sense of security.
Calling a virus a rogue app is just putting a shiny new name on the same thing, Rogue Application = Virus, Virus = Rogue Application, they are synonymous terms.
The really dangerous ones ask for root permissions on handsets where superuser capabilities are detected, but depending on what permissions you let them have when you first install the app, they can pretty much get access to everything, some can even target exploits on your build of android and perform their own rooting procedure.
Android. Has. Viruses.
But all systems have them, you just have to exercise caution when installing new applications.
Nospin said:
Just fyi, android doesn't have viruses. It will always be a rogue app.
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Correct me if I am wrong but I think what he means by rouge app and doesn't get viruses is you don't get trojans by visiting web pages like you can on a PC or Mac. To get one you need a rouge app that installs the virus and it is from an app.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
Ah, but you do, tojans are just viruses that appear to be one thing so they are loaded by unsuspecting people being socially engineered but then turn out to be viruses
Take a gander at this one "GGTracker"
http://www.securitynewsdaily.com/792-new-android-trojan-hijacks-american-smartphones.html

Anti virus

Does anybody run a anti virus scanner on their phone.. if so which one...
Sent from my X10 using xda app-developers app
I use Lookout sometimes
That said, as long as you check what permissions the apps you're installing are asking for, you're fine
I mean, an RPG game does not need access to your contacts or permissions to send SMS messages
The best antivirus in the end, is an observant end user
Sent from my PG06100
I use Comodo which I also use on my home computer. It does a lot more than just scan apps. I love it and its free.
Sent from my X10 using xda app-developers app
I use lookout and it works great for me. Scans everything i download and backs up contacts. Also has good locate and scream case you lose it and will save last location before your phone dies. But as Cnexus said being observant of what you download is your best protection. Hope this helps!
Sent from my PC36100 using xda app-developers app
CNexus said:
I use Lookout sometimes
That said, as long as you check what permissions the apps you're installing are asking for, you're fine
I mean, an RPG game does not need access to your contacts or permissions to send SMS messages
The best antivirus in the end, is an observant end user
Sent from my PG06100
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I agree %100 with the Observant end user.I've never used antivirus on my phone,just another app to lag it down,lol.
Diablo67 said:
I agree %100 with the Observant end user.I've never used antivirus on my phone,just another app to lag it down,lol.
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Just what I was thinking.. I only DL from the play store and here...
Sent from my X10 using xda app-developers app
Not advocating piracy, but if you pirate apps that have been cracked then an AV is a good choice. But as the second post the best av is you paying attention to what the app accesses.
Sent from my Nexus 10 using xda app-developers app
Watch the permissions when you install and steer clear of skecthy sources.
I use web root secure anywhere. It has turned up some Trojans in some ROMs which kind of blew me away. I thought everything on xda was safe.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
Has anyone actually gotten a virus on android?
Sent from my T.A.R.D.I.S
motoelliot said:
Has anyone actually gotten a virus on android?
Sent from my T.A.R.D.I.S
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Well to begin with, the fact that android is based on Linux makes it even harder to exploit because of the whole permissions structure
On top of that you have the Android app permissions system and you have something very difficult to exploit in itself....I've never gotten one, but I've heard of malicious apps getting released (on the play store) back in the baby stages of Android (when froyo was just out) that used the froyo rooting exploits to bypass security checks and mess with the stuff on your phone.
But other than that, I've never heard of a any virus/exploit/targeted attack on android devices
The latest Android virus that I know of is BadNews.. It hit a few apps a few days ago, in the google play store. I believe it infected something like 2 Million phones.
So saying "I just get them from Google Play store" doesn't keep you safe.. Because apps are not tested before they hit the play store, and most of the android virus hit via the play store.
And if you have never heard of a virus that targets the Android, it's because you haven't taken the time to actually see if any actually exist. Linux is not hard to exploit, and neither is Android.
CNexus said:
I use Lookout sometimes
That said, as long as you check what permissions the apps you're installing are asking for, you're fine
I mean, an RPG game does not need access to your contacts or permissions to send SMS messages
The best antivirus in the end, is an observant end user
Sent from my PG06100
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Completely agree on that the best anti virus is yourself. I don't even use one on my computers because most viruses mask themselves as anti virus programs.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app
CNexus said:
Well to begin with, the fact that android is based on Linux makes it even harder to exploit because of the whole permissions structure
On top of that you have the Android app permissions system and you have something very difficult to exploit in itself....I've never gotten one, but I've heard of malicious apps getting released (on the play store) back in the baby stages of Android (when froyo was just out) that used the froyo rooting exploits to bypass security checks and mess with the stuff on your phone.
But other than that, I've never heard of a any virus/exploit/targeted attack on android devices
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So where good on jellybean right? I dont run any anti-virus, same reason as Diablo..
souleman said:
And if you have never heard of a virus that targets the Android, it's because you haven't taken the time to actually see if any actually exist. Linux is not hard to exploit, and neither is Android.
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Android is based on Linux. And if you say Linux is not hard to exploit, I suggest you do some reading yourself.

[Q] Do I need an antivirus?

Like the title. Do I need an antivirus or am I safe as long as apps are from google store.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Premium HD app
I've never bothered. But I read the comments before installing anything. Usually will say if there's anything up with the app. Like push ads. Tho I use ad-away...so I don't usually get those anyway.
Sent from my cell phone telephone....
I use Avast! for both my S3 & N7. I prefer to protect my investments. Comments aren't always truthful & not all apps, from play store or otherwise, are safe.
Google play is not safe as there are few apps which take your phone details like contacts and send online without your permission ..i use LBE privacy guard on my Ace which can block permission for stupid apps to access ur important data ..I highly recommend that
Sent from my Ace using xda app-developers app
The only antivirus you need is your own brain.
If an app looks dodgy to you, chances are it probably is. If you're downloading APK's from some Ukranian website, do it at your own risk. For the most part, you should be able to tell which apps are secure while browsing through the market. Just have some common sense when choosing an APK to install. Been on Android for years and never had a single virus over several devices.
As with my computers...if I get a virus I get a virus....wipe...install...back to business. That's me anyway. If you feel better with one.....get one!
Sent from my cell phone telephone....
kj2112 said:
As with my computers...if I get a virus I get a virus....wipe...install...back to business. That's me anyway. If you feel better with one.....get one!
Sent from my cell phone telephone....
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Ah. I build n mode my PC all the time and never run antivirus too but I do run a firewall. Guess my question should have been. Do I need a firewall?
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Premium HD app
I've messed with my phones a lot....never got a virus. That I know of. At home I'm thru my router...its firewalled....but I don't see anyone hacking into my phone either way. My phone gets silly and I just reflash.
Sent from my cell phone telephone....
k29er said:
Ah. I build n mode my PC all the time and never run antivirus too but I do run a firewall. Guess my question should have been. Do I need a firewall?
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Premium HD app
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You don't need a firewall but it's nice to have. I use it to block apps which don't really need internet access yet have it for some reason anyway.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2

Do I need Anti Virus software on my NEXUS 4?

This question is really a basic for the sake of device security, but still, I need opinion from you guys. And maybe some recommendations?
R. Hansen | Nexus 4 | noob
No, it's just a waste of space.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2
I have never needed it.. I download/install things from allot of sites too.
I wouldn't worry about it myself.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium
Agreed with the above, its not necessary. Provided you are careful with what you download and install you'll have no issues.
Sent from my Nexus 4
Is it even possible to get a virus from installing an app
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mattoaida said:
Is it even possible to get a virus from installing an app
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda app-developers app
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Yeah, but it's pretty rare
An AntiVirus App will just slow down your phone I think.
rusak2 said:
An AntiVirus App will just slow down your phone I think.
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And waste an already limited space.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium
So I sum up that nobody use antivirus here. Okay then, I guess it is enough for me I guess
R. Hansen | Nexus 4 | noob
Android is based on unix/linux, this is not windows. No need for an antivirus, it's just a waste of space and RAM.
"Riddle me this, Riddle me that."
They wouldn't find the in built NSA/CIA stuff anyway. In fact they would probably add more snoopware.
I installed avg antivirus. Pretty happy with it
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium
I wouldn't see it as necessary if you're a crack flasher or swap ROMs often.
if you are a noob, yes use 3 antivirus at the same time, lol
most play store apps are virus itself,, full of ads, crapware,
use greenefy to put them down and adaway
if you want your n4 to behave like a S3 S4 sony htc lg, then put antivirus to make it slow and lag
I had the same question so i set to answer it myself.
I installed a free anti virus one of the best,, AVG/Avast was it? I cant remember. I then went and pulled out a keylogger version of swiftkey. What it does is it send everything i type passwords and all to a remote server.
I scanned the apk and i scanned the folder it was installed to and then scanned the entire phone.
It was deemed clean and safe.
The hack to insert the keylogger code is easy to reproduce and doesnt mar the app's digital signature. It was malicious but could nt be caught.
I uninstalled the "anti virus" and went on with my life.
I know and understand that you most probably won't ever feel the need of an antivirus from normal usage of your mobile device, but the numbers show all over the place that there is an epidemic of malware on android, just check the following articles, some of them may be biased since they are coming from a an antivirus seller, but there is no denying that the threat exists and if you care about your privacy, having a basic antivirus/antimalware, app permission control and the use of some sort of anonymity protection (OpenVPN, TOR, etc) is a necessity to avoid having your data put on the internet by every free game or stupid free app out there.
Check all these out for example:
http://techcrunch.com/2013/04/15/ma...ing-around-32-8m-android-devices-report-says/
http://techcrunch.com/2013/03/07/f-...of-all-mobile-malware-in-2012-96-in-q4-alone/
https://www.lookout.com/resources/reports/state-of-mobile-security-2012
https://blog.lookout.com/blog/2012/12/13/2013-mobile-threat-predictions/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_virus
I will probably strike most of you as a crazy, tinfoil-hat-wearing paranoid but the internet is a scary place...
Kasnar said:
I know and understand that you most probably won't ever feel the need of an antivirus from normal usage of your mobile device, but the numbers show all over the place that there is an epidemic of malware on android, just check the following articles, some of them may be biased since they are coming from a an antivirus seller, but there is no denying that the threat exists and if you care about your privacy, having a basic antivirus/antimalware, app permission control and the use of some sort of anonymity protection (OpenVPN, TOR, etc) is a necessity to avoid having your data put on the internet by every free game or stupid free app out there.
Check all these out for example:
http://techcrunch.com/2013/04/15/ma...ing-around-32-8m-android-devices-report-says/
http://techcrunch.com/2013/03/07/f-...of-all-mobile-malware-in-2012-96-in-q4-alone/
https://www.lookout.com/resources/reports/state-of-mobile-security-2012
https://blog.lookout.com/blog/2012/12/13/2013-mobile-threat-predictions/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_virus
I will probably strike most of you as a crazy, tinfoil-hat-wearing paranoid but the internet is a scary place...
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You're not crazy... I was looking at it from the shoes of the person asking. If someone has to ask, then they are somewhat new and more susceptible to clicking on things that shouldn't be clicked. Like my grandma clicking a "YOU HAVE A VIRUS, CLICK HERE TO CLEAN" pop-up. IMHO, most responses were opinions based on that specific person's usage/knowledge without considering the source. And I can agree.. it's not needed if you know what you're doing. Since you asked the question, I say get something..
How much porn do you download?
Sent from my Nexus 4 using muh freedoms
ryohansen said:
This question is really a basic for the sake of device security, but still, I need opinion from you guys. And maybe some recommendations?
R. Hansen | Nexus 4 | noob
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It's not really needed. I used it for a but but never needed it.
If you still want one though. Lookout is decent.
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Beerad875 said:
How much porn do you download?
Sent from my Nexus 4 using muh freedoms
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Just enough. *wink*
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Any need for anti virus?

First time android user and I'm curious if there's a need for it...I am just exploring the apps and came across avg and figured you guys could help me out ha ha..thanks in advance!
Sent from my SM-N900W8 using xda app-developers app
Just be careful what and where you download apps and you should be fine. Also watch the permissions you allow for every app. For example a flashlight app doesn't need access to your contacts, storage or internet. These kind of apps you should stay away from.
Sent from my SM-N900T now Free
No
Follow me: @Bash_Array
No. Ppl get viruses from installing apk from Internet from unknown users. App store is fine just some apps quality sucks. So as long as you stick to dl apps from playstore and you don't dl unknown stuff from unknown sources you'll be fine
Sent from my SM-N900T using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

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