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[Q] best android remote lock app?

After having lost a Nook Color on an airplane trip, I am looking to protect my other Android devices. Some apps have remote backups, and monthly fees, and stuff. Some apps assume GPS or 3G which isn't available on some devices, e.g., that Nook Color. Some apps seem to add all kinds of antivirus scanning crap that just slows things down for little value. I just want to be able to have it lock itself down or wipe itself, if it ever connects to the internet and finds a hot flag.

lookout is a pretty good app with lots of features for the free version
and theres also an app called remote wipe that might be good for you too.
sorry to hear about the nook.

yeah I tried using remote wipe.. i think is just FINE for me.
but try looking for other app for better option.

bump... interested in this as well. Has anyone had any good (or bad) experiences with an app that does this?

I got seekdroid as amazons free app of the day and looked at its features and tested it out. It seeks pretty damn good. Even if it's not the app if the day it's only 99¢ and it seems with it!
Sent from my SCH-I510 using XDA App

Cerrbus
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.lsdroid.cerberus&hl=en
Sent from my HTC Desire using XDA App

I am using Lookout, well so far so good
it's free, but a paid version is able to remote your droid.

Check out Android Lost - lots of useful features and it's free.

Theft Aware, Lock + wipe data + Many more SMS command like call back from ur lost device, data backup n also if u have rooted phone, it can install in system , so protection will not delete even after format/factory reset

[Q] Android app security

While I'm waiting for my GS2 (my first Android device) to be shipped I have been doing a little research into the apps and general security and was shocked to find that many apps actually leak private information and data back to ad servers. This scares me a little. I don't want my location, and other personal data being sent to places I haven't authorised.
Is there any way of being able to stop or block this or any way of identifying which apps do this? How can one know if a publisher of an app can be trusted?
I try to keep my PC locked down from this sort of thing and want to do so with my phone. I just want to be able to make an informed decision with Android.

There is a app called Permissions Denied that can do that.

When you download an app from the market, it tells you what permissions theapp has to have. Most of th time, the permissions aren't for what you think. Internet connection is usually cause it has ads. Also, see what the apps are rated, and read the comments to see if the app is trustworthy.
[sig]I'm close to root, im patiently waiting on those puzzles[sig]

First thing I downloaded when I bought my EVO was Lookout mobile. Very good AntiVirus app with free features that Sprint is trying to sell with their own junk. Try it out.

Thanks for the comments guys. The thing is how do you really know that the app is not maliciously harvesting your data?
Take the Lookout Mobile app triagetoday mentioned above. Now, I'm only using this app as an example and am not saying that there is anything wrong with the app as I've not used it. But it makes a good example.
The app wants permissions for everything. Most user comments are positive, there are a few that say that they cannot uninstall it which is worrying but generally the comments are favourable. But how can I be sure that this app wasn't written to harvest data on the pretence that it's protecting your phone? In fact there is even one comment suggesting just that. I can't see anywhere where I can look at the source code so is it a case of blind faith and hope the publisher is not malicious?
After reading many reports about huge increase in malware on Android and data leakage it's a real concern on how to protect your data.

Does android devices need an antivirus?

As topic =)

omnia1994 said:
As topic =)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I will not say no, but I haven't seen or had a real life demonstration where an Android AV software stopped or prevented anything on any device (Xoom included).
I personally don't have one loaded on any of my Android devices but I would say this. For phones / tables I prefer firewall software than AV.
Sent from my PG86100 using Tapatalk 2

I would have to say yes. I recently attended a corporate day at Symantec and one of the things they demonstrated to us was how an Android phone becomes infected. The using a laptop they were able to extract personal info and sent txt messages and make calls.
So for me having seen that I would say yes especially if you side load apps using alternative markets.

Funny thing about that...
The sandboxing of the Java processes means that there's no escalation of privilege possible.
There are no viruses on Android in the sense that arbitrary code can be run, or infect the bytecode of other apps.
However, there are malicious apps which can be spotted by their permissions.
Don't use alternative markets. Pay attention to what you install, read permissions, read about the developers. Turn off unknown sources when not installing something from a trusted source. Those are the best security practices.
The "antivirus" apps for Android add very little real security on top of this, but they do slow down your device to make you feel safer.
stiflingcobra said:
I would have to say yes. I recently attended a corporate day at Symantec and one of the things they demonstrated to us was how an Android phone becomes infected. The using a laptop they were able to extract personal info and sent txt messages and make calls.
So for me having seen that I would say yes especially if you side load apps using alternative markets.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Your correct about the permissions. The demo we had was an app that had had extra code added and was uploaded onto the market. The demo then showed both apps with the same icons etc but the permissions on the rogue app were nearly 3 times what the legit app required.
The game still ran when you installed it but in the background it was running other daemons giving the hacker the control. One of the big give aways was the ability to send txt messages. No game should need this.
So yes you do have to be vigilant but extra protection is always better if you don't mind having Antivirus software installed...

In my experience all that is really needed is a well configured firewall, pay attention to permission list before the app installation and to obviously avoid unofficial app markets.
The next thing to consider is what web browser you use. There are tons of options out there to choose and not all of them, actually most, don't offer modern features like anti-fishing and popup denial protection.
The best practice will always be prevention, and some android av programs do better than most.
If you are so inclined to have one, my recommendation would be for eset mobile security. I use their av on all my windows machines and haven't had a major issue at all.
Sent from my XT910-Rogers using XDA Premium.

As long as your brain works when reading the permissions (i.e. "why does a wallpaper need to send SMSs?"), then no, an AV isn't necessary.
Unfortunately, a lot of android users don't see to do this, hence hte mass media panic about android viruses.

stiflingcobra said:
Your correct about the permissions. The demo we had was an app that had had extra code added and was uploaded onto the market. The demo then showed both apps with the same icons etc but the permissions on the rogue app were nearly 3 times what the legit app required.
The game still ran when you installed it but in the background it was running other daemons giving the hacker the control. One of the big give aways was the ability to send txt messages. No game should need this.
So yes you do have to be vigilant but extra protection is always better if you don't mind having Antivirus software installed...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's why I recommended a firewall over an AV software, when I comes to Android at least it makes more sense to me to protect the flow of information then to waist CPU cycles on scanning for viruses.
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megabiteg said:
That's why I recommended a firewall over an AV software, when I comes to Android at least it makes more sense to me to protect the flow of information then to waist CPU cycles on scanning for viruses.
Sent from my PG86100 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good point. I recently un-installed my anti-virus (was using Avast) because it was really slowing down app installation and updating.

omnia1994 said:
As topic =)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes android devices need antivirus because when you download apps or games from unknown parties aka third parties they mostly have virus or spyware so we need a antivirus which can scan files while downloading and if they have virus or spyware it would stop them if u ask me which av i m using i would recommend Appriva could antivirus reasons its available on play store and its free doesn't use much memory fast and reliable

popularmechanics.com/technology/how-to/computer-security/you-should-put-antivirus-software-on-your-phone-14886208
Wysyłane z mojego Xoom za pomocą Tapatalk 2

[Discussion] Do we really need an antivirus app on android? Attention required.

Hey guys it's quite confusing for me. That do we really need an antivirus on android?
Please submit ur reviews.
If yes,why and which app you suggest.
If no..plese let us know why?
Devs and seniors are mostly welcome and requested.

XDguru said:
Hey guys it's quite confusing for me. That do we really need an antivirus on android?
Please submit ur reviews.
If yes,why and which app you suggest.
If no..plese let us know why?
Devs and seniors are mostly welcome and requested..as ur the ones we trust on XDA.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have never used or needed one. As long as your careful then your fine.

Re: Do we really need an antivirus app on android? Attention required.
XDguru said:
Hey guys it's quite confusing for me. That do we really need an antivirus on android?
Please submit ur reviews.
If yes,why and which app you suggest.
If no..plese let us know why?
Devs and seniors are mostly welcome and requested..as ur the ones we trust on XDA.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just don't download garbage blindly and u should be fine
Sent from my SGH-I777 running AOKP

XDguru said:
Hey guys it's quite confusing for me. That do we really need an antivirus on android?
Please submit ur reviews.
If yes,why and which app you suggest.
If no..plese let us know why?
Devs and seniors are mostly welcome and requested..as ur the ones we trust on XDA.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't see it as necessary, but I do use avast! Free Mobile Security for it's anti-theft part. There are other apps that offer the same.
A german security company ran a test of some anti-virus apps, There were 172 possible hits and 10 real time hits and the results were depressing:
Antivirus Free fra Creative Apps – 0/172, 0/10
GuardX Antivirus fra QStar – 0/172, 0/10
LabMSF Antivirus beta fra LabMSF – 0/172, 0/10
Privateer Lite fra Privateer Labs – 0/172, 1/10
Bluepoint antivirus Free fra BluePoint Security – 2/172, 1/10
Kinetoo Malware Scan av CPU Media SARL – 11/172, 1/10
Zoner AntiVirus Free av ZONER – 55/172, 8/10
Mind you this was a while back and Avast, AVG and other of the larger ones was not included.

never need it , beside it drains battery

In my experience antivirus apps are just here to scare windows users into giving a company more money.
Sure some of them to have nice anti theft features however there are also plenty of very good (free) apps that do this like prey.
Just do not download random apk's from the internet and blindly install them and you will be fine

Re: Do we really need an antivirus app on android? Attention required.
Waste of money.... When i got my first device i spent 5€ for antivarious... After some days i found out that the only thing it was doing, was to blockmy carrier`s messagges.. Nothing else
Sent from my GT-I9001 using xda app-developers app

Antdroid antivirus programs are mostly used for
1)Anti-Theft uses
2)To know any issues with settings in the phone (Faulty or unchecked settings)
3)To know which apps are using network, wifi, GPS etc through privacy advisers
4)Will block malicious websites that are suspicious.
5)Provides call/sms blockers.
6)I have seen some virus attacks for few of my friends on their android mobiles even though they had an antivirus app on them. So I don't know why it happened.
So instead of backing off from single drawback use it for several other uses it provides! (My choice Avast! For Rooted phones, it will work best)

i think it just drain battery faster and use a lot of ram..

Re: Do we really need an antivirus app on android? Attention required.
Used to stick with avast before. ( but it makes the device hell lotta Laggy when any app is installed trying to scan the crap out of it for no good ).
But it's useful with the firewall feature.
As long as its from playstore, you won't need any anti viruses .
In 4.2 i see that Google has included something that they call "verify apps" and that's supposed to check if the app is harmful or not.
And again, download stuff from trusted websites only.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
LIFE!
IT'S WHAT YOU MAKE OUT OF IT!

I agree with the other posts,
You really don't need an antivirus as long as you are careful about what you download.
I was using Aavast, but it made my Tab 2 laggy and slow so I uninstalled it.

Security Suites like LBE Security would be usefull for control permissions, start up, block ads and firewall; but the best antivirus is intelligence and caution

To be honest with you, you just need to be carefull and don't install things from sources you don't trust. Having that said, I still use Avast! Mobile Security because it has an anti-theft feature which I highly appreciate.

Not necessary, just don't go around installing sketchy apps.

Re: Do we really need an antivirus app on android? Attention required.
The worst thing I have experienced in many years is airpush which is essentially no worse than spam ads and is remedied by simply uninstalling the culprit app.. Be aware and you should not need antivirus apps.
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Re: Do we really need an antivirus app on android? Attention required.
Using avast for anti thefts..n got a solution,instead of uninstalling it I just froze it via greenify..n it solved the issue.only the anti theft is working in background and its using quite little memory which is ok for me as per my phones physical security is concern,but the antivirus app that was using a huge memory is frozen..
Hope this idea helps any one who is in confusion to hav or not an antivirus.
Thanx all for your valuable advice and suggests.
Sent from my MT11i using xda app

Re: Do we really need an antivirus app on android? Attention required.
I use lookout security.. according to this Washington post article over 80% of all mobile malware is written for android. Something everyone here should keep in mind
http://m.washingtonpost.com/busines...226316-874b-11e2-98a3-b3db6b9ac586_story.html
Sent from my SPH-L710 using xda premium

As long as you know what you're installing, checking the permissions, not installing non-Market apps too often, and no installing unknown apps over the internet, you should be fine without antivirus.

Re: Do we really need an antivirus app on android? Attention required.
Don't auto download attachments from your email either.
Sent from my SPH-L710 using xda premium

Re: Do we really need an antivirus app on android? Attention required.
I never need it.
Sent from my LG-SU640 using xda premium

Securing adroid devices as much as possible.

Hey guys!
I'm given the task of securing 2 android devices (galaxy tab 7.0 and an S3). The friend of mine who has asked me to do this has been hacked (on an Iphone and on a windows PC) recently (for various sinister reasons) and After I secured her windows environment she bought these devices. A while after using the phone someone started to remotely control the phone and typed 'hell' in our language and she is really afraid. One of the pcs I secured has been stolen since it couldn't be reached remotely anymore, so I guess the threat is pretty serious. Now getting to the point, what would be the BEST way to do this ?
-Flashing custom roms on these (which is the most secure?)
-Seting up an antivirus + firewall on both devices (also I'd like to know which of these are the best NP if its paid)
-Setting up an anti theft app (and same here, I know Cerberus, but I'm wondering if there is a better solution)
The hard part of this is the fact the hackers are very likely experts (they hacked her Iphone back then making it taking photos and logging all keys like a regular keylogger).

What a story!
I strongly recommend avast! AntiVirus which comes with avast! Anti-Theft. Best Part: It's free!
McAfee is supposed to detect more malware but not as many as it would be worth its price.
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H3llwar said:
What a story!
I strongly recommend avast! AntiVirus which comes with avast! Anti-Theft. Best Part: It's free!
McAfee is supposed to detect Moore Malware but not as many as it would be worth its price.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you Buddy! Any additional professional suggestions? Anyone?

Anti-virus is only a curative solution, and can only detect malware after they have already breached your device. Android's security model makes it difficult for an attacker to remotely breach the device, unless they have a bad app installed on the device. When a user installs an app, they give that app certain permissions, and these permissions need to be checked to ensure they aren't being used as malicious apps (why would a camera app need to make phone calls on your behalf?) . The best suggestion would be to exercise good permission checking habits to ensure you aren't accidentally installing a bad app. Also, attackers may also send bad code through SMS, which may appear as a clickable link. I could keep going on possible ways to get compromised, but these are the most prominent.

syung said:
Anti-virus is only a curative solution, and can only detect malware after they have already breached your device. Android's security model makes it difficult for an attacker to remotely breach the device, unless they have a bad app installed on the device. When a user installs an app, they give that app certain permissions, and these permissions need to be checked to ensure they aren't being used as malicious apps (why would a camera app need to make phone calls on your behalf?) . The best suggestion would be to exercise good permission checking habits to ensure you aren't accidentally installing a bad app. Also, attackers may also send bad code through SMS, which may appear as a clickable link. I could keep going on possible ways to get compromised, but these are the most prominent.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Get a PermissionsManager like OpenPDroid or XPrivacy.
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