Database Info

Is google stealing things off my phone?

Last night browsing the market, after having my phone reset for constant rebooting, I downloaded an app called "adult videos." I woke this morning to find the app wiped from my phone and from the market. Now, the problem lies not in the fact that this app is missing from my life, but in the question is google sneaking around in the middle of the night tampering with people's phones? I read that article about google remotely removing apps from phones strictly on a necessity based need. It kind of makes me wonder how selective they will be when determining what is necessary.

Google has the ability to do this and have flexed their muscles with that feature too recently,cant post links but google: "google remove android application". It uses google talk to send these removal requests. In normal conditions google will only delete apps that were malicious. (spyware/damaging/ddos/fraud/etc)
Most smartphone/ebook platforms have remote kill switches now. The more worrying part is that they also have the ability to install apps onto remote phones.

Google does this with android too? This is one of the reasons I dont like apple. This sounds like rediculous invasion of privacy. How does this work exactly?
Read the link.. disturbing both the install assett and the remove asset options. Plus the fact that Android maintains a constant data connection. Is there anyway to kill this constant connection? do you get charged for it? and can you disable the install and remove assett options?

It's Google, they live and survive off your information!
They went round WiFi snooping when they did Streetview, so God knows what they do with your mobile phone...

hungry81 said:
Google does this with android too? This is one of the reasons I dont like apple. This sounds like rediculous invasion of privacy. How does this work exactly?
Read the link.. disturbing both the install assett and the remove asset options. Plus the fact that Android maintains a constant data connection. Is there anyway to kill this constant connection? do you get charged for it? and can you disable the install and remove assett options?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This connection is maintained by using google talk. So as long as you are online on google talk you have a hotline to the kill switch. After these security concerns I bet some chefs are working on ROM with the kill switch disabled. But nearly all smartphones have kill switches nowadays, companies like Google, Apple and Microsoft don't want to be seen as unable to get rid of a malicious app which would impact on their reputation.
Edit: Thinking about it, if you have extreme worries about this, install some kind of firewall (like iptables (requires rooting)) and block mtalk.google.com.

The best part about these google phones is the ability to make them your own. I am currently waiting for cyanogen's mod 6 which I am pretty sure won't constantly chat with google, but I think that the fact should be recognized of who the major players are in the cell phone game. Remember that 'incident' google had with china, and how the NSA and google became friends after that. Hmm... The largest data analyzer teaming up with the largest data collector, google also reports higher sales every quarter now as well, that is alot of direct connections with alot of people. I'm not sayin' anything...I'm just sayin'.

El_Zilcho said:
Edit: Thinking about it, if you have extreme worries about this, install some kind of firewall (like iptables (requires rooting)) and block mtalk.google.com.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ummm..... no.

r3s-rt said:
Ummm..... no.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Umm why not? Its a Linux system below the dalvik vm. There are people who got iptables running on their system and when done correctly iptables. Be aware when I talk about this, I am talking tin foil hat style here.
What if someone modifies AOSP code to just remove the INSTALL_ASSET and REMOVE_ASSET portions of the code?

Google, don't go Apple way!
http://threatpost.com/en_us/blogs/android-also-gives-google-remote-app-installation-power-062510
Old news, but they've made me "a little bit" angry Is there any way to remove all that crapware?

hmmmmm well figuring they just got in trouble for stealing multiple GB of data from private routers I'd say its a sure bet. Also I recently took a federal job and low and behold they already had my gmail account on file even though I have never given it out and only use it for family and friends, but the feds sure had it.

(Q) android antivirus software

Hi,
I wanted to know if I should install AntiVirus I just nand flashed coredroid to my HTC hd2 this was my first flashing ever on my phone and im new to all this I love the way its running now I just want to make sure it stays like that any help would be great

Check "lookout" app ...

tmpchr said:
Check "lookout" app ...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
agreed, currently have i on my phone

Personally I think antivirus type apps are not needed on android. But if you want one for peace of mind, Lookout is one of the security type apps

the_scotsman said:
Personally I think antivirus type apps are not needed on android. But if you want one for peace of mind, Lookout is one of the security type apps
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
can the phone be restored if i get a virus then? like re-flashing it?

i use lookout as well, but i recomend checking the norton symantec option.

I think my android can be slow if i using antivirus..so any suggest!

"can the phone be restored if i get a virus then? like re-flashing it?"
yes,but only if you have a nandroid backup,titanium backup will do the job ;-)

I use Kaspersky mobile security. Lookout was released at a time claiming to be an AntiVirus when Kaspersky had claimed that there were no viruses out on the Android OS.
Since then there has been atleast 1 exploit which was reported by Kaspersky. (http://androidandme.com/2010/08/news/kaspersky-reports-androids-first-sms-based-trojan/)
Kaspersky being the most consistent AV for Windows over the past 10 years I tend to trust it over Lookout.

I agree with the scotsman
Anti virus form any form of mobile OS is overrated and not really required,virus are SO rare it really isn't worth it, but your decision
btw ive had various os over the years and never had an issue.

the_scotsman said:
Personally I think antivirus type apps are not needed on android. But if you want one for peace of mind, Lookout is one of the security type apps
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Previously I would have agreed on this but it is far from the truth now. There is various malware been released even on the official market, let alone off-market. Now they wasn't exactly damaging to device/software but they was privacy risks as IMEI/numbers/emails and possibly logins etc are logged and sent.
For the sake of about 10MB of RAM and small battery use its worth the peace of mind.
I recomend either Lookout or Kaspersky. I got a free 6 month license for Kaspersky via German site, cant remember the exact source but found the following, not sure if its still valid or not.
How To Grab Kaspersky Mobile Security 9 Six Months License Key :
First open the bellow Promotional offer webpage arranged by CHIP Magazine , enter your Email address and D4N7D-PD625 as Gutschein-Code and finally click on "Absenden" button for submit.
http://promo.kaspersky.com/chip
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

TheATHEiST said:
Previously I would have agreed on this but it is far from the truth now. There is various malware been released even on the official market, let alone off-market. Now they wasn't exactly damaging to device/software but they was privacy risks as IMEI/numbers/emails and possibly logins etc are logged and sent.
For the sake of about 10MB of RAM and small battery use its worth the peace of mind.
I recomend either Lookout or Kaspersky. I got a free 6 month license for Kaspersky via German site, cant remember the exact source but found the following, not sure if its still valid or not.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thats true but were all taken down afaik, droid is the biggest "risk" for sure though.

timmymarsh said:
Thats true but were all taken down afaik, droid is the biggest "risk" for sure though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes they was but because there is no vetting of what gets added to the market there is nothing stopping the same malware, variations of, or new malware been added at any time and because of the sheer popularity of Android now its only a matter of time before it happens again and may be even more serious next time.
If installing a small/low resource app can potentially protect/make you safer I dont see why not.

i installed lookout a few hours ago and so far i didn't notice any major slowdown (desire)

We should remember though these arnt just anti-virus apps but security apps, the biggest problem with mobile devices is physical theft of personal data, more so than any malware.

Siresmokalot said:
i installed lookout a few hours ago and so far i didn't notice any major slowdown (desire)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lookout is pretty good, and regularly updated by their researchers.
Some other (I won't name them) "security apps" don't actually scan or look at the apps you are installing. Instead they just look at the package name. Stick with good and trusted apps. Lookout is free, for "antivirus" features, and you shouldn't need to pay for AV on a phone given their offerings are pretty impressive.

MaFi0s0 said:
We should remember though these arnt just anti-virus apps but security apps, the biggest problem with mobile devices is physical theft of personal data, more so than any malware.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Correct, And decent AV apps like Lookout etc come with inbuilt remote wipe features aswell as device location etc so even if your device was stolen you have possibilities of either locating it via GPS/Data/Sounding of alarm or in worst case wiping all personal data from it.

A few things:
Lookout is a great app. Little battery use, works well. The draw back is that it will not deep scan the entire phone, only apps and live scan (downloads). It does auto update definitions.
Netquin is also good. Little battery use as well. It will live scan downloads and deep scan. Drawbacks are that scan time is slow and virus definitions do not auto update.
AVG is the best, in my opinion. Moderate battery use. It will live scan both downloads and web. It will also deep scan and check settings. Virus definitions also auto update.
Dr Web is decent, but with Heavy battery use and multi-hour long scans, I don't recommend it.

Trend Micro has a free mobile security app in the market
I use the computer version on all my laptops, yet to have a virus on any in that time

Thanks guys, safe to say the OP should have a good view of what whats out there now

New iOS Privacy Feature,, Why Not On Android ?!

Hello,
I am so angry and disappointed at the Android team, I am a huge fan of Android and I will stay that way ..
we were begging for years to the Android team to make Android more secure and I was hoping to see them do so in 4.2
instead Apple introduce an Amazing feature in iOS 6 which is privacy control where you can prevent any app from accessing you data,
WHAT THE HELL GOOGLE !
we need that feature more than they do, and I don't know for how long we will wait, I don't want to uninstall a nice game because it can access my contacts or for the "Fake" Anti virus softwares to catch these apps because of unnecessary permissions.
I am mad because I love Android, and because there are a lot of people who hate Android because they think it is full of malware .
please guys, don't tell me to install LBE or other software because if this feature is not coming from Google then its not worth it.
Thanks.

logic5 said:
Hello,
I am so angry and disappointed at the Android team, I am a huge fan of Android and I will stay that way ..
we were begging for years to the Android team to make Android more secure and I was hoping to see them do so in 4.2
instead Apple introduce an Amazing feature in iOS 6 which is privacy control where you can prevent any app from accessing you data,
WHAT THE HELL GOOGLE !
we need that feature more than they do, and I don't know for how long we will wait, I don't want to uninstall a nice game because it can access my contacts or for the "Fake" Anti virus softwares to catch these apps because of unnecessary permissions.
I am mad because I love Android, and because there are a lot of people who hate Android because they think it is full of malware .
please guys, don't tell me to install LBE or other software because if this feature is not coming from Google then its not worth it.
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ios users need it more as unlike android users they have less control over their system. We can see exactly what permissions are needed before installation and can always install a permissions manager so we can do that already so it makes sense for google to concentrate on improving the os overall.
But yes it would be a nice feature just not really the most important.
Dave
( http://www.google.com/producer/editions/CAownKXmAQ/bigfatuniverse )
Sent from my LG P920 using Tapatalk 2

mistermentality said:
Ios users need it more as unlike android users they have less control over their system. We can see exactly what permissions are needed before installation and can always install a permissions manager so we can do that already so it makes sense for google to concentrate on improving the os overall.
But yes it would be a nice feature just not really the most important.
Dave
( http://www.google.com/producer/editions/CAownKXmAQ/bigfatuniverse )
Sent from my LG P920 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You mean ios users AND non-rooted android users (vast majority) need it more, right?
C'mon, google haven't implemented this yet cuz it slaps them right in the money, no personal info, no targettizing. They could improve an already impresive os with this feature, which is implemented already on some custom roms and 3rd party apps.

dxppxd said:
You mean ios users AND non-rooted android users (vast majority) need it more, right?
C'mon, google haven't implemented this yet cuz it slaps them right in the money, no personal info, no targettizing. They could improve an already impresive os with this feature, which is implemented already on some custom roms and 3rd party apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It could well be money minded however it could also be that if users stop specific permissions (gps, contact access etcetera) the app would fail when accessing that feature and cause people to naturally blame the os (after all not all users are tech savvy).
I agree it would be a good feature but I'm not sure there is a big need for it.
As I said we can see before installing an app and stop installation if we don't like a feature accessed by that app which ios users can't do so easily.
Dave
( http://www.google.com/producer/editions/CAownKXmAQ/bigfatuniverse )
Sent from my LG P920 using Tapatalk 2

Use pdroid
Sent from my Sbeaned SGH-T989 with KKO

Never gonna happen
logic5 said:
Hello,
I am so angry and disappointed at the Android team, I am a huge fan of Android and I will stay that way ..
we were begging for years to the Android team to make Android more secure and I was hoping to see them do so in 4.2
instead Apple introduce an Amazing feature in iOS 6 which is privacy control where you can prevent any app from accessing you data,
WHAT THE HELL GOOGLE !
we need that feature more than they do, and I don't know for how long we will wait, I don't want to uninstall a nice game because it can access my contacts or for the "Fake" Anti virus softwares to catch these apps because of unnecessary permissions.
I am mad because I love Android, and because there are a lot of people who hate Android because they think it is full of malware .
please guys, don't tell me to install LBE or other software because if this feature is not coming from Google then its not worth it.
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1
That said,
FINE GRAINED PRIVACY TWEAKING WILL NEVER COME TO ANDROID THOUGH UNLESS THERE IS A FORK OF ANDROID
The whole point of Android, from Google's perspective, is to get your personal info. Don't forget, Apple's customer is YOU... Google's customers are their advertisers. Don't ever expect fine grained Blackberry or iOS-style privacy controls in Android; it will never happen.
ArcticFish said:
Use pdroid
Sent from my Sbeaned SGH-T989 with KKO
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not always an option, some devices don't have AOSP/AOKP/CM ROMs
Also pdroid is just now getting record audio blocking and still doesn't control gallery access etc.

brashmadcap said:
+1
That said,
FINE GRAINED PRIVACY TWEAKING WILL NEVER COME TO ANDROID THOUGH UNLESS THERE IS A FORK OF ANDROID
The whole point of Android, from Google's perspective, is to get your personal info. Don't forget, Apple's customer is YOU... Google's customers are their advertisers. Don't ever expect fine grained Blackberry or iOS-style privacy controls in Android; it will never happen.
Not always an option, some devices don't have AOSP/AOKP/CM ROMs
Also pdroid is just now getting record audio blocking and still doesn't control gallery access etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dude nobody cares. If I ask about privacy controls to any of my friends (iOS and Android and WP7/8), they just say "what's that?" or "you're such a nerd nobody cares"
Besides, I'm just one guy in a world of 7 billion. Do you really think Google gives a f*ck about about me? Who cares if they have my info, because they can't do anything with it
Sent from my DROID2 using xda premium

gagdude said:
Dude nobody cares. If I ask about privacy controls to any of my friends (iOS and Android and WP7/8), they just say "what's that?" or "you're such a nerd nobody cares"
Besides, I'm just one guy in a world of 7 billion. Do you really think Google gives a f*ck about about me? Who cares if they have my info, because they can't do anything with it
Sent from my DROID2 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No one gives a f*ck, until they give a f*ck.
Most people don't care, but for some that do care about all that personal information being broadcasted through the air, shouldn't there be an option? Remember when facebook, whatsapp and even gmail apps didn't use https to connect over wifi? Anyone with basic wifi knowledge could access ALL broadcasted information by sitting at a Starbucks. Depending on the app's permissions this was very compromising for the unsuspecting (if the app dialed home with your contact info and phone numbers, for example). But that's just one example besides the point.
The point is, would you share all that personal information with the first random person you see walking down the street? Well, if that person works for google, you might be doing so already.

dxppxd said:
No one gives a f*ck, until they give a f*ck.
Most people don't care, but for some that do care about all that personal information being broadcasted through the air, shouldn't there be an option? Remember when facebook, whatsapp and even gmail apps didn't use https to connect over wifi? Anyone with basic wifi knowledge could access ALL broadcasted information by sitting at a Starbucks. Depending on the app's permissions this was very compromising for the unsuspecting (if the app dialed home with your contact info and phone numbers, for example). But that's just one example besides the point.
The point is, would you share all that personal information with the first random person you see walking down the street? Well, if that person works for google, you might be doing so already.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The main thing is, if they won't do anything with the information, I might as well tell them my SSN. It's a whole nother story if they plan on identity theft of the like
Sent from my DROID2 using xda premium

dxppxd said:
for some that do care about all that personal information being broadcasted through the air, shouldn't there be an option?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What your on about, denying apps internet access to prevent leaking data publically, is good but that still would not stop apps you give permission to from leaking data and so someone could still intercept your data.
For total security from leaked data you would need to encrypt the data before it leaves your phone ideally but because of androids nature we do at least have choices, just not built in ones.
Yes it would be a nice option but it just isn't something most people want so there is no pressure on google to create it.
Dave
( http://www.google.com/producer/editions/CAownKXmAQ/bigfatuniverse )
Sent from my LG P920 using Tapatalk 2

Avast or not Avast that is the question?

Hi All, Just a quickish query & any responses are appreciated. I recently moved from One M8 to Pixel XL & use Avast. My query is do I need Avast on new device ... I dont view 'adult' stuff, nor install 3rd party apps, Chrome set to protect from dangerous sites, Twitter app set to use Chrome not built in browser, I view XDA & AA on Twitter so will click links on any news that interests me, delete any email i receive in Inbox by Gmail which looks strange, Onefootball app I use and sometimes will click links to any site that a story is contained in, I do use Avast on laptop when transferring anything audio to phone prior to transfer & finally I do have my banking app on phone. Basically with this behaviour do I need Avast or can I ditch it?
Thanks in advance

PaulMr.T said:
Hi All, Just a quickish query & any responses are appreciated. I recently moved from One M8 to Pixel XL & use Avast. My query is do I need Avast on new device ... I dont view 'adult' stuff, nor install 3rd party apps, Chrome set to protect from dangerous sites, Twitter app set to use Chrome not built in browser, I view XDA & AA on Twitter so will click links on any news that interests me, delete any email i receive in Inbox by Gmail which looks strange, Onefootball app I use and sometimes will click links to any site that a story is contained in, I do use Avast on laptop when transferring anything audio to phone prior to transfer & finally I do have my banking app on phone. Basically with this behaviour do I need Avast or can I ditch it?
Thanks in advance
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
IMO the only use case would be using Avast to detect mitm attacks on public WiFi, but it is not even close to reliable...
You should use a VPN on public WiFi's so you don't have to care about anyone sniffing/modifying traffic.
All in all I would see no point in using avast, since Antivirus systems under android are completely powerless when it comes to any attack that uses an exploit that doesn't need any user interaction (e.g Stagefright).

NeoChontrix said:
IMO the only use case would be using Avast to detect mitm attacks on public WiFi, but it is not even close to reliable...
You should use a VPN on public WiFi's so you don't have to care about anyone sniffing/modifying traffic.
All in all I would see no point in using avast, since Antivirus systems under android are completely powerless when it comes to any attack that uses an exploit that doesn't need any user interaction (e.g Stagefright).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah, Thanks for the reply, I don't use Public WiFi as usually dead slow let alone secure, I have MMS not set to download automatically & I do let use WhatsApp for example so I should be good to ditch? My main concern was due to mobile banking but it's via app and not browser so would presume safe?

PaulMr.T said:
Ah, Thanks for the reply, I don't use Public WiFi as usually dead slow let alone secure, I have MMS not set to download automatically & I do let use WhatsApp for example so I should be good to ditch? My main concern was due to mobile banking but it's via app and not browser so would presume safe?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do not use WhatsApp I meant, for example.

NeoChontrix said:
IMO the only use case would be using Avast to detect mitm attacks on public WiFi, but it is not even close to reliable...
You should use a VPN on public WiFi's so you don't have to care about anyone sniffing/modifying traffic.
All in all I would see no point in using avast, since Antivirus systems under android are completely powerless when it comes to any attack that uses an exploit that doesn't need any user interaction (e.g Stagefright).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Anyone else have info to add, it seems I could lose Avast and stay pretty safe?

PaulMr.T said:
Anyone else have info to add, it seems I could lose Avast and stay pretty safe?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it's true their antivirus is limited as only scans user apps which should normally be safe anyhow thanks to Google scanning them, though there may be times when Avast beats Google to identifying a vulnerably. But they also offer web shield, that might save you one day (depending on he browser you use). So for me I will always run something like Avast. I know some will take the piss out of me ...... but that don't brother me!

IronRoo said:
it's true their antivirus is limited as only scans user apps which should normally be safe anyhow thanks to Google scanning them, though there may be times when Avast beats Google to identifying a vulnerably. But they also offer web shield, that might save you one day (depending on he browser you use). So for me I will always run something like Avast. I know some will take the piss out of me ...... but that don't brother me!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
"thanks to google scanning them"???? google is a virus. just my ¢.02.
err on the side of kindness

mrrocketdog said:
"thanks to google scanning them"???? google is a virus. just my ¢.02.
err on the side of kindness
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
more like a parasite!!! Ha ha!

PaulMr.T said:
Hi All, Just a quickish query & any responses are appreciated. I recently moved from One M8 to Pixel XL & use Avast. My query is do I need Avast on new device ... I dont view 'adult' stuff, nor install 3rd party apps, Chrome set to protect from dangerous sites, Twitter app set to use Chrome not built in browser, I view XDA & AA on Twitter so will click links on any news that interests me, delete any email i receive in Inbox by Gmail which looks strange, Onefootball app I use and sometimes will click links to any site that a story is contained in, I do use Avast on laptop when transferring anything audio to phone prior to transfer & finally I do have my banking app on phone. Basically with this behaviour do I need Avast or can I ditch it?
Thanks in advance
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if you want security on public wifi get ArpGuard from play store , i use it .

I use avast since 2013 and I don't have any regrets. Also I use vpn network to protect my security

Things like that are like door locks. They keep the honest people honest but other then that they dont do much really.

zelendel said:
Things like that are like door locks. They keep the honest people honest but other then that they dont do much really.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The honest may stay honest.
But the criminal may seek a challenge in which case I always try to seem as defenseless as possible and it has been years since I can even remember using AV protection on Windows for anything lol.
To the OP
95% of how well your defense is against an attack is all about common sense before anything then probably the last 5% would be how much take you prefer to have on the software end....
Firewalls and VPN/anononimity software is probably the best way to steer clear from anything landing its way onto your devices that you do not want there!

@kushfighter2
What is the goal of ArpGuard ?
Could you please explain it and give us concret examples based on your experience of this application ?
Thanks in advance.

iwanttoknow said:
@kushfighter2
What is the goal of ArpGuard ?
Could you please explain it and give us concret examples based on your experience of this application ?
Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Basically it combines a simple basic app that monitors your ARP table against attack.
When it is set to non root ,it simply disconnects the Wi-Fi and informs you about the attackers IP address.
The main reason I use it is because, unlike other apps which simply close the Wi-Fi connection, it has a pro feature at an acceptable price that prevents attacks like those from harming your device
It has 3 modes, non root, recovery and invulnerability
I have explained non root
Recovery informs you and blocks the attacks
Without cutting the Wi-Fi
Invulnerability does not even suffer attacks.
I suggest you try it.
But remember, if a person is using a spoof before you connected to the Wi-Fi, you cannkt detect it.
Here's the link
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.myprog.arpguard

For home use - free Avast. For corporate use a paid antivirus.

Security updates on older phones

My wife and I have have an s8 and a Note 8. We love our phones, and we don't really like the new phones. However, Samsung has decided to end security updates this year on these models.
Are there other alternative ways to get security updates, so our data is not at risk?

If you're running on Pie I wouldn't worry.
My Note 10+ has had any updates in over a year.
No issues. I've run outdated Androids for years with no malware forced reloads.
React quickly though to any suspected malware; if you can't delete it, factory reset.
Be ready to reload at anytime as you should be anyway. Keep at least 2 redundant copies of all critical data on at least 2 hdds that are physically and electronically isolated from each other.
Most malware infections are the result of the user doing something they shouldn't do.
Just watch what you download (check the download folder regularly), be careful what you install, and use a cloud app like gmail for email.
Keep trash apps like FB, WhatsApp etc off the phone. Use Brave browser and install Karma Firewall (freeware with almost no battery usage).
I avoid using wifi always. There's also a long standing bluetooth hacking vulnerability in pre Q OSs... be aware of that.
Pre Pie OS's are suspectable to rootkits that require a reflash to exterminate.
Scan with Malwarebytes every week or so; it picked off 2 nasty trojan preloaders for me before they could be activated about a year ago.
Use online Virustotal to scan any apk or file you're not sure about.

blackhawk said:
If you're running on Pie I wouldn't worry.
My Note 10+ has had any updates in over a year.
No issues. I've run outdated Androids for years with no malware forced reloads.
React quickly though to any suspected malware; if you can't delete it, factory reset.
Be ready to reload at anytime as you should be anyway. Keep at least 2 redundant copies of all critical data on at least 2 hdds that are physically and electronically isolated from each other.
Most malware infections are the result of the user doing something they shouldn't do.
Just watch what you download (check the download folder regularly), be careful what you install, and use a cloud app like gmail for email.
Keep trash apps like FB, WhatsApp etc off the phone. Use Brave browser and install Karma Firewall (freeware with almost no battery usage).
I avoid using wifi always. There's also a long standing bluetooth hacking vulnerability in pre Q OSs... be aware of that.
Pre Pie OS's are suspectable to rootkits that require a reflash to exterminate.
Scan with Malwarebytes every week or so; it picked off 2 nasty trojan preloaders for me before they could be activated about a year ago.
Use online Virustotal to scan any apk or file you're not sure about.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So, you must have a wife who understands that. Trying to tell my wife not to click something because it is probably a virus is like telling a 3 year old they can't have the adult red juice.
Basically, what this is though, is confirming that at min. We need a phone for the wife, for the aforementioned reasons.

JackWorthing said:
So, you must have a wife who understands that. Trying to tell my wife not to click something because it is probably a virus is like telling a 3 year old they can't have the adult red juice.
Basically, what this is though, is confirming that at min. We need a phone for the wife, for the aforementioned reasons.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was fortunate and didn't marry or unfortunate
She doing what old people do... threatened her with an iphone
That trojan preloader was a tricky little devil and manage to download it's self without a download notification. You really need to be alert.
Teach her to close that browser page rather than click the mystery box. Occasionally I even close the browser and clear the cache if it's really invasive. Rarely anything more than that; it doesn't seem to happen on Brave, more on the Samsung browser on iffy sites. If I can learn to navigate in the gutter, she can too.
You can do is look at her phone at the end of the day. Maybe get the paid version of Malwarebytes. Unfortunately it won't stop everything.
I have no recommendations as I think Android is in a flat spin, Android 11 is just wretched. Even if you get a phone running on 10 it will soon be updated to 11... unless you disable updates.
10 would be more secure but overlay apps don't run on it and it guts Karma Firewall.

JackWorthing said:
So, you must have a wife who understands that. Trying to tell my wife not to click something because it is probably a virus is like telling a 3 year old they can't have the adult red juice.
Basically, what this is though, is confirming that at min. We need a phone for the wife, for the aforementioned reasons.
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Click to collapse
Download this app and tell her to scan your device regularly with this antivirus. It's the best one I found on playstore. It also scans for any harmful files : https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&sou...BMA16BAgfEAE&usg=AOvVaw2ovEreBbhkoaiQCAgeyV81
And you too do the scams !!!!!

Arc android said:
Download this app and tell her to scan your device regularly with this antivirus. It's the best one I found on playstore. It also scans for any harmful files : https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.protectstar.antispy&hl=en_US&gl=US&referrer=utm_source%3Dgoogle%26utm_medium%3Dorganic%26utm_term%3Dprotectstar&pcampaignid=APPU_1_OxGrYNnyOsfd9QOVxI-IBw&ved=2ahUKEwiZ_OS9pOHwAhXHbn0KHRXiA3EQ8oQBMA16BAgfEAE&usg=AOvVaw2ovEreBbhkoaiQCAgeyV81
And you too do the scams !!!!!
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There will always be new threats without definitions. It may help but the phone's user is the #1 security threat.
I don't even let Malwarebytes run in the background because all those apps eat battery with little to show for it. Android is relatively secure, even outdated versions unless you do...

blackhawk said:
There will always be new threats without definitions. It may help but the phone's user is the #1 security threat.
I don't even let Malwarebytes run in the background because all those apps eat battery with little to show for it. Android is relatively secure, even outdated versions unless you do...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah you are right actually.