[Q] Lookout Security or Android Lost? - General Questions and Answers

I'm wondering if I really need AV protection on my smartphone...is it really necessary right now? If not, I see no reason to install an app that preforms an uneccessary function. And I already have Titanium and good privacy apps, So, if AV isn't neceesary at this place in time, there are alternatives I could use for data protection/phone tracking, etc. One of them is Android Lost.
I'm usually on my wifi network or 3G, but anticipate times where I would need to use a public wifi NW.
So is SL the end-all be all, or would AL suffice?

Hello Sam Sung. I thought I would let you know that AV software isn't really nessary for you phone as long as you don't installing applications that are questionable or have no reviews for them or even not on the market and getting them elsewhere. But even if you don't do any of them things I find lookout quite useful because if I lose my phone I can just get online and locate it and go to that position and set off the siren to find it. But I am sure this would only be useful if it is close enough to a location that you would remember that you left it somewhere there or has a close address for it.

Quite honestly, I would keep an AV app on my phone. A great free one is antivirus free. There is more and more malware being created for android devices, so better safe than sorry. It definitely isn't necessary though.
Sent from my HTC Vision using xda premium

Thanks for your responses. Truth is, I really don't want AV running on this phone (E4GT, btw). That said, I'm very cautious and security conscious, which has kept me malware free for many years. I guess I just have to decide which app I want to use for phone locating and data protection (remote wiping, locking). If I can turn off the features I don't want in LS, I may go with that, since it's so hugely popular.
Can the other features be turned off, or is there a comparably effective alternative?

I installed lookout to test it for you. It has features such as backup, safe browsing, location, and others. You can choose which features you want to enable or disable. If you want the premium verion its 2.99 usb/month or 20.99 usd/year. The free version has everything you need. I would use it. Just give it a shot. I hope I helped.
Sent from my HTC Vision using xda premium

l337m45732 said:
I installed lookout to test it for you. It has features such as backup, safe browsing, location, and others. You can choose which features you want to enable or disable. If you want the premium verion its 2.99 usb/month or 20.99 usd/year. The free version has everything you need. I would use it. Just give it a shot. I hope I helped.
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Click to collapse
Sorry to prompt that...I really should have just done that myself, I just thought someone might have experience that could be related. I'll likely try both. Thanks!

I have Android Lost on my phone and I love it. There was a review done on Android Police a while back of the best Android Security apps. It was about 17 different articles and then one roundup article.
http://www.androidpolice.com/2011/1...s-a-clear-winner-in-keeping-your-device-safe/

Norton has a security app out
Sent from my G2X

I would avoid the norton one. From my experience its garbage just like it is for computer.
Sent from my HTC Vision using xda premium

Thanks for all comments, and thanks to squirelltech for a great link. I've decided to go with Avast Mobile Security, which bought Theft Aware and has incorporated it into their free suite:
http://www.androidpolice.com/2011/1...for-the-best-overall-security-app-on-android/
http://forum.avast.com/index.php?PHPSESSID=gb2bhmaekrjpl3ji2tg3m51i07&board=37.0
I can uninstall the suite, and Theft Aware remains, securely hidden, so one can use only the Theft Aware component without the rest of the suite.
I may be traveling soon, so the entire suite may be expedient for strange wi-fi networks. Good time to give it a try.
Does anyone have any comments regarding public wifi networks and the vulnerability of these devices?
Thanks again!

Sam Sung said:
I may be traveling soon, so the entire suite may be expedient for strange wi-fi networks. Good time to give it a try.
Does anyone have any comments regarding public wifi networks and the vulnerability of these devices?
Thanks again!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://lifehacker.com/5844632/droidsheep-brings-firesheep+like-session+hijacking-to-android-devices
http://lifehacker.com/5807740/facen...ndroid-hijacks-facebook-sessions-with-one-tap
pretty easy to hack people at public wifi's

you have done the correct thing i was going to tell you to use avast i have tested every aspect of it antitheft and sim protection and commands they all work internet protection blocks malware spyware good choice

android_29 said:
you have done the correct thing i was going to tell you to use avast i have tested every aspect of it antitheft and sim protection and commands they all work internet protection blocks malware spyware good choice
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the confirmation and the testing .
squirreltech said:
http://lifehacker.com/5844632/droidsheep-brings-firesheep+like-session+hijacking-to-android-devices
http://lifehacker.com/5807740/facen...ndroid-hijacks-facebook-sessions-with-one-tap
pretty easy to hack people at public wifi's
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Inevitable. It's difficult to have faith in humanity these days. That said, I will likely use one highly exclusive wifi spot, but on the chance there should be an issue, I'll remove my few business accounts, wipe passwords, cookies and browser cache. And I don't use accounts on android that might be interesting to a hacker...definitely no financial data or sensitive accounts. I don't even buy apps from my phone. Along with Avast, my innate distrust and common sense, I should be OK.

Related

Best antivirus for galaxy tab

Hi guys
i just read about trojan attack on android phones and hence i am planning to install antivirus software.
Could you please guide which is the best antivirus for galaxy tab which should not be very resource hungry.
Thanks in advance
Sent from my GT-P1000 using XDA App
I use look out
Sent from my SGH-T849 using Tapatalk
pda_crazy said:
Hi guys
i just read about trojan attack on android phones and hence i am planning to install antivirus software.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A report that was released by a company selling anti-virus products for Android. A report that has since been attacked for its credibility, as it seems the "trojan" may simply have been a legitimate (if intrusive) reporting mechanism used by the Chinese store selling those apps.
Bottom line: If you don't side-load content, you simply do not need anti virus on Android. It's a waste of time, money, processing power and battery life. I'm not aware of any known exploits on the Android ecosystem that don't require the user to side-load malware from sources outside the official Android market.
Android isn't windows. Android is a secure architecture from the ground up. Android doesn't have OS holes that need plugging. Android doesn't offer itself up to be infected every time an email is received.
If you're really worried about viruses, simply don't install apps from anywhere except the official Android market. Doing this single thing will do far more to guarantee safety than any anti-virus software.
Now if you do side-load content from questionable sources, an anti-virus product could potentially provide protection. In the real word, anti-virus software rarely recognizes new, zero day exploits. so not all that much protection at all.
After hearing such good things about android i am feeling proud to be android owner.
Sent from my GT-P1000 using XDA App
Do we really need an Antivirus on the Galaxy Tab?
Better safe than sorry especially since there is no rejection poilicy for the market
Sent from my GT-P1000 using XDA App
i think your better served reading the permissions of apps installed.
Things like Applanet that ask for access to log in credentials are far more dangerous then malware.
That is as long as your not getting your apps from chinese markets.
NetQin Android Antivirus
pda_crazy said:
Hi guys
i just read about trojan attack on android phones and hence i am planning to install antivirus software.
Could you please guide which is the best antivirus for galaxy tab which should not be very resource hungry.
Thanks in advance
Sent from my GT-P1000 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
NetQin Android Antivirus, works fine!
TainT said:
i think your better served reading the permissions of apps installed.
Things like Applanet that ask for access to log in credentials are far more dangerous then malware.
That is as long as your not getting your apps from chinese markets.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This.
Antivirus apps are not required. These "reports" are from antivirus creators designed to make you think you need one.
Actually read the reports? They are not viruses, but simply permissions you give it when installing anyway.
I wouldn't have thought antivirus was required, especially given Android's base as a Linux. All it would do is waste CPU cycles.
Spent the last 5 years as a Symbian user listening to people claim that AV on the phones was a 'must have'.
Glad to see some things are the same on Android!
A Trojan Horse on Android/Linux is like an upper class chav, it's not going to happen.
Sent from my GT-P1000
EStrong Security manager isn't an antivirus per se but it seems to do a manual scan for malicious apps. They're very vague as to what it actually does though.
I don't really understand why people feel the need to get anti-virus for linux. To get something malicious you've got to install it yourself and thats pretty damn hard considering the phone will tell you what the app is tring to access and even then the app doesn't have any access to any other apps nor does it have root access to the phones file system.... the most it could really do is collect data about you, or maybe delete files on your SD card or something like that.
there is some very naive linux fanboys in here. there is plenty of reasons to have some sort of malware/privacy security on android. there have been various independant confirmations of apps in the market place containing malware espesially in the last month or so.
lookout is a good one or kaspersky. the both have good scanners and also can protect personal info aswell.
TheATHEiST said:
there is some very naive linux fanboys in here. there is plenty of reasons to have some sort of malware/privacy security on android. there have been various independant confirmations of apps in the market place containing malware espesially in the last month or so.
lookout is a good one or kaspersky. the both have good scanners and also can protect personal info aswell.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would think that since the last reply was from January, people would have learnt that.. The last malware incident that got Google involved within 5 minutes and had over 50 apps pulled was pretty well publicized.
Anyway, people have got to realize that no one OS is invulnerable. It's just a matter of time before people start finding exploits when an OS gets popular - for Android that time is now. Heck, not sure how many people are aware, but roots and jailbreaks ARE exploits themselves. Trying scanning the rooting/jailbreaking tools with your desktop AV and all becomes clear.
darkwoof said:
Heck, not sure how many people are aware, but roots and jailbreaks ARE exploits themselves. Trying scanning the rooting/jailbreaking tools with your desktop AV and all becomes clear.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Precisely. A rooted device is the best to attack for malware apps. If there's a developer that's smart enough, they can get pretty much anything if you're rooted.
Sent from my GT-P1000 using XDA Premium App
Since I'm rooted, I installed Lookout too.
Funny coz it's easily uninstalled eventhough has apps policy/administrator (I forgot the name)
Well.. I use it mainly for the Missing Device feature (paired with PREY also).
GANJDROID said:
Precisely. A rooted device is the best to attack for malware apps. If there's a developer that's smart enough, they can get pretty much anything if you're rooted.
Sent from my GT-P1000 using XDA Premium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
dude you did not understand the last post at all!
you dont need to have your device rooted. a normal market app can root your device without you knowing it, and can then do whatever with your device.
how do you think z4root does root your device? (z4root is an app that does root the phone for you, normally with your knowledge)
Geletis said:
A report that was released by a company selling anti-virus products for Android. A report that has since been attacked for its credibility, as it seems the "trojan" may simply have been a legitimate (if intrusive) reporting mechanism used by the Chinese store selling those apps.
Bottom line: If you don't side-load content, you simply do not need anti virus on Android. It's a waste of time, money, processing power and battery life. I'm not aware of any known exploits on the Android ecosystem that don't require the user to side-load malware from sources outside the official Android market.
Android isn't windows. Android is a secure architecture from the ground up. Android doesn't have OS holes that need plugging. Android doesn't offer itself up to be infected every time an email is received.
If you're really worried about viruses, simply don't install apps from anywhere except the official Android market. Doing this single thing will do far more to guarantee safety than any anti-virus software.
Now if you do side-load content from questionable sources, an anti-virus product could potentially provide protection. In the real word, anti-virus software rarely recognizes new, zero day exploits. so not all that much protection at all.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dude, You have absolutely no clue what you are talking about. MANY malware have been discovered as been submitted and released via market.
http://pocketnow.com/android/google-removes-ten-malware-infected-apps-from-android-market

anti virus for droid inc.?

do u use anti virus for your droid inc.?
No
Sent from my ADR6300 using XDA App
I did at one time run Lookout and didn't have any issues with it. Since trying some many different loads I have gotten out of the habit of loading it. I found that really the only helpful thing it offered was scanning on app installs, but I am only downloading legitimate apps, so in theory I don't even need.
If it helps you sleep at night run it, but as long as you are smart about things just like you would be on a desktop type machine there is no need for it on a smartphone.
SFxBA
i used Lookout as well.
Splash01 said:
i used Lookout as well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i leave lookout on my phone for the find feature. i take public transportation like trains and buses so it makes me feel better if someone where to take it or if i leave it i can locate it. but thats the only reason why i use "anti virus"
Lookout
Sent from me
synisterwolf said:
i leave lookout on my phone for the find feature. i take public transportation like trains and buses so it makes me feel better if someone where to take it or if i leave it i can locate it. but thats the only reason why i use "anti virus"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same, and having used it since it came out I can say it doesn't hog much battery. The added benefit of it scanning on app install isn't necessary but welcome I suppose.
Sent from my ADR6300 using xda premium
I have yet to see a virus on an android phone. Exploits yes, info stealing apps yes, virus no. I use "Wheres my droid" if i need to find my phone. You can make it ring even with it set to vibrate, you can get gps location, and remotley wipe the phone if needed, all by sending a text message with a configurable code word.
you don't need antivirus software for your phone. it's all a gimmick
synisterwolf said:
i leave lookout on my phone for the find feature. i take public transportation like trains and buses so it makes me feel better if someone where to take it or if i leave it i can locate it. but thats the only reason why i use "anti virus"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Or you could just use Prey, you can remotely install it on your phone once it has been stolen/lost and it will send you the location of where it is at and you can even remotely wipe the data. All for free.
Here is a link to Prey's site.
http://preyproject.com/
I do not use an AV on my phone. I generally practice safe computing habits the best I can. Read review, look at what permissions apps use, etc.
I have tested prey in the past though. It looks nice, but I never did end up reinstalling it after I flashed my last ROM.
cmlusco said:
I have yet to see a virus on an android phone. Exploits yes, info stealing apps yes, virus no. I use "Wheres my droid" if i need to find my phone. You can make it ring even with it set to vibrate, you can get gps location, and remotley wipe the phone if needed, all by sending a text message with a configurable code word.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is the best approach imo. Some of my friends have asked me about using an AV but I usually just tell them it's not needed...

[Q] Child security for Play

Hi guys,
My sister has two young sons intent on having Father Christmas bring them their first cellphones this year, and have been dropping hints like napalm about the Play being sooooo good for gaming on the move and currently sooo cheap. It looks like she will bow to their wishes against her better judgement. Her main concern is net security and limiting the access that they have to adult content and potential abuse etc on the handset. Can anyone recommend a good app that can limit the type of content a child can access on this handset?
All suggestions welcome and appreciated
I know of nothing like that per-say. But some launchers and apps give you the ability to hide applications. Your friend could just hide the default browser, giving her children no access to the internet.
I wouldn't give them that phone period if as you say it's against the mother's intentions. Children can do with a cheaper phone, and with none at all.
You can hide the internet browser (and any other app like, say, Settings) quickly and easily with Launcher Pro. The Market now allows you to protect purchases with a password... And there are apps which allow you to password-protect any app before running.
That said, shielding children from the interwebs is not exactly a great idea in the long run.
How old are the kids? I recommend them to be atleast 13/12 so they won't lose it..
Sent from my R800i using XDA App
Logseman said:
I wouldn't give them that phone period if as you say it's against the mother's intentions. Children can do with a cheaper phone, and with none at all.
You can hide the internet browser (and any other app like, say, Settings) quickly and easily with Launcher Pro. The Market now allows you to protect purchases with a password... And there are apps which allow you to password-protect any app before running.
That said, shielding children from the interwebs is not exactly a great idea in the long run.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree that it is at best a bad idea giving young kids a smartphone of that specification, but there's nothing I can do about that now. And yes, shielding kids from the net would be a little unfair as that is one function this thing performs well that they cannot use on, say a Nintendo DSi. These two kids, young as they are, are pretty tech savvy and love to browse the web.
They have a netbook which they share and it has a net nanny on board which has been effective thus far.
My main concern is limiting the amount of access they can have through their web browser on the phone, and keeping their information private and safe. A similar package that might be available from the Android Market? I've looked around the Market myself (X10i's rock, by the way!! ), but haven't seen anything that really serves this purpose. I thought maybe one of you might have been in a similar situation?
With the recent price drop in the Xperia Play (now well under 200 euro in Ireland on top up now), this is going to be a very popular first phone for kids this Christmas and I'm sure there are many other parents who would share the same concerns
Cat_On_Droid said:
How old are the kids? I recommend them to be atleast 13/12 so they won't lose it..
Sent from my R800i using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They are both a little too young in my opinion ( one is twelve and the other fast approaching eleven) to own one of these, but that's really not my decision to make. I'm just their uncle, not their Dad, so I have little or no say. I advised my sister against making this purchase but it fell on deaf ears. So now my priority is about damage limitation and to kid proof their phones instead.
And, honestly, if one, or both of them lose their phones, then I will sleep a lot more soundly! It's a simple enough job to wipe a smartphone remotely so lost data shouldn't be an issue. It would however show they are not yet old nor responsible enough to own a phone and they would have to wait quite a while before getting another! These things don't grow on trees!
The Xperia play is not the hardiest of phones, So you may want to buy a case and put on screen protectors.
Hey man check with the service provider. Most carriers make you get the data package with android phones now, maybe they have a family setting on their end. Personally I blocked the inappropriate stuff from my nieces via our router, but seeing as 3g/4g traffic isn't routed on our end, maybe your service provider may have a setting for it on their end.
DroidWall
But to use it you need to be root and the child could disable it. The best way would be to give them a SIM that doesn't have data access enabled...
But then there is wifi.
How old are the kids ? If they are less than 10, I wouldn't give them a phone at all. If they are more than 10, chances are they have already watched porn and violent scenes so I can't see much of an issue with giving them access to the internet.
I know T-Mobile have an internet security setting... check with the provider
Sent from my R800i using XDA App
adyblers said:
They are both a little too young in my opinion ( one is twelve and the other fast approaching eleven) to own one of these, but that's really not my decision to make. I'm just their uncle, not their Dad, so I have little or no say. I advised my sister against making this purchase but it fell on deaf ears. So now my priority is about damage limitation and to kid proof their phones instead.
And, honestly, if one, or both of them lose their phones, then I will sleep a lot more soundly! It's a simple enough job to wipe a smartphone remotely so lost data shouldn't be an issue. It would however show they are not yet old nor responsible enough to own a phone and they would have to wait quite a while before getting another! These things don't grow on trees!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All networks have a 18+ policy on there networks. Now the only devices or Sims that come with the 18+ lock off is contract phones or Sims as you have to be 18+ to buy one. But on payg phones and Sims the parental lock is automatically and the only way to switch it off is to call the network provider and prove your age by credit card. Debit don't work only credit. But hate to say it. The kids would always be able to find porn by just going onto google images. Unless you turn it on to strict filtering. Now for the data protection and remote lock and wipe I use an app called NetQin. Now it costs £1.50 pm and is done through a text directly from the app. It provides virus scanner, call safety (stops people listening to your calls) web protection (hides your important information while surfing) GPS tracker from there site, remote lock and wipe, and many more. Also the main thing I like. Is if someone else puts there sim in it. It sends a msg to a designated number with the thiefs mobile number, and a msg you setup. I suggest setting it up to say the imei number.
Regards
Blackwatch
Sent from my R800i using xda premium
Blackwatch89 said:
All networks have a 18+ policy on there networks. Now the only devices or Sims that come with the 18+ lock off is contract phones or Sims as you have to be 18+ to buy one. But on payg phones and Sims the parental lock is automatically and the only way to switch it off is to call the network provider and prove your age by credit card. Debit don't work only credit. But hate to say it. The kids would always be able to find porn by just going onto google images. Unless you turn it on to strict filtering. Now for the data protection and remote lock and wipe I use an app called NetQin. Now it costs £1.50 pm and is done through a text directly from the app. It provides virus scanner, call safety (stops people listening to your calls) web protection (hides your important information while surfing) GPS tracker from there site, remote lock and wipe, and many more. Also the main thing I like. Is if someone else puts there sim in it. It sends a msg to a designated number with the thiefs mobile number, and a msg you setup. I suggest setting it up to say the imei number.
Regards
Blackwatch
Sent from my R800i using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
18+ locks are useless imo. There will always be apps that get around it like opera mini. That connects to.the internet using a VPN. Rendering all 18+ locks useless
Sent from my R800i using Tapatalk
Many carriers have porn blocks however if you use opera mini it bypasses it since they are 11/12 they probably already seen it I no i have by then I'm 18 now. There is a app called porn blocker on the market and net nanny hope this helps
Also you should post this in android general not a specific phone since most things for 1 things work on others
Sent from my R800i using xda premium
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.cloudacl&hl=en
or
http://bit.ly/tyDFXZ
On some routers, and you can block websites with keywords that you input from loading.
Sent from my XPlay using XDA App.
AndroHero said:
18+ locks are useless imo. There will always be apps that get around it like opera mini. That connects to.the internet using a VPN. Rendering all 18+ locks useless
Sent from my R800i using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes I know that. That is why I said that they will more than likely still be able to find porn. But it all depends what these kids are like. If there little brats (no offence to op) then I would worry about it but if they are well behaved kids and brought up well and taught its naughty and they are doing well at school then I wouldn't worry so much. Most kids aren't interested these days. They mainly want it for games. Also if they want to use the internet then I would just block the web on the phone and just only let them use it when at home. Put a password in market and browser and when at home you type the password in so they can use it indoors on the set up WiFi that stops them from searching or going on adult sites. So when they are out they can only call and play on games. No web. No browser. No market. That is probably your safest option.
Edit: just went on the market there is a browser called safe browser the porn blocker. It blocks adult content and the kids can't change the settings as they need a password so block the market with a password when they go out and then they can't download amother browser. Hope this helps.
Regards
Blackwatch
Sent from my R800i using xda premium
How old are the kids?
When my kids 3 & 6 borrows my phone for gameplaying I always turn off data traffic.
If they are older, root their phones, edit host file and ban all www and .com adresses.
That wont stop them forever but before they figure out how to fix it, they are probably old enough to find pr0n on other ways...
Sent from my LG Optimus 2x using XDA Premium App
He did say in a follow up post how old they were
Sent from my Xperia Play using xda premium
Thanks for your input guys. Plenty to consider there.
adyblers said:
Her main concern is net security and limiting the access that they have to adult content and potential abuse etc on the handset.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just send the two kids to China, then they wont be able to access adult contents any more.
**** 'Great Fire Wall'.
i've been told this BEFORE so i will REPEAT it no swearing young people read this forum. and most likely you are younger than 18 aswell. i am 18 so i dont care but some people may be offended

[APP] Cerberus Hits 100,000 Users, Offers Free Lifetime Licenses For A Few Days!

A very Powerful Anti-Theft App
The app is always free to download and comes with a 1 week free trial, but a lifetime license is normally $4. I say normally because, as you have likely deduced from the title, the developer is offering free lifetime licenses in celebration of hitting 100,000 users.
To get the license, just download the app and register an account (it requires a username, password, and email address - nothing tricky), then fill out the form and hit Submit. The developers will take care of the rest. The promotion ends with the month (by GMT standards), so better move fast - you only have a few days left!
App: http://goo.gl/12Oye
Website: http://goo.gl/I58Ke
Source: Android Police
I've just reinstalled this. I tried it out back in the early days but was never too impressed. It has come a long way since then though.
The only issue I have with apps like this, including Lookout, is how much information is available to it. Not only does it require permissions to just about everything but if you wanted to (and have root), you can also grant it root access.
You place a lot of trust in the developers of apps like this that your information wont get misused in anyway.
Only 2 more days until its over! Fill out the form now!
hey I filled out the form but didn't get anything in my email do I have to wait more or what?
Do you need to wait for a license to be activated? Filled out the form and haven't received an e-mail and the license status hasn't changed.
Really glad I saw this thread. Was looking for a good security app and I am really impressed by how well cerberus can control your phone.
Edit: sorry I need to slow down a bit. From the website:
All licenses will be activated on March 1.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It says licenses will be activated March 1st. Read it before you post.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
qccoles said:
It says licenses will be activated March 1st. Read it before you post.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol!
Posted with SwiftKeyX on my CM9 Motorola Photon!
I hopped on this. Was looking for a good standalone app that provided web based methods of access. Thanks. I shared this post on my facebook profile as well to get the word out. I know a couple of co-workers that could of used this including one who did actually lose their phone.
The browser interface is pretty awesome. Couldn't believe how accurate this app is. I'm glad that I finally decided to get on this at the right time!
Just curious if there were any other apps that offered the SMS control that this app does. It's probably the defining feature, since no data = no way to reach your phone. The SMS idea is honestly amazing.
However, I'm curious to see the battery hit (since I would assume it's constantly active). Battery's the main reason why I leave something like webkey off by default...
2hvy4grvty said:
Just curious if there were any other apps that offered the SMS control that this app does. It's probably the defining feature, since no data = no way to reach your phone. The SMS idea is honestly amazing.
However, I'm curious to see the battery hit (since I would assume it's constantly active). Battery's the main reason why I leave something like webkey off by default...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the developer claims there is no battery drain until you activate the app via web commands or sms commands, it's no different than any dormant app on your device. since Cerberus isn't broadcasting anything or doing anything until you tell it to, it's logical that there is no impact on CPU or battery.
i've been using it for a few days now and i can't say my battery drains any faster than usual.
as for another "find my device" app that takes sms commands, avast! mobile security does. i use it regularly for the lost device protection and firewall capabilities. if you don't have google voice, avast will also take care of blocking calls and sms for you too. i have only recently switched to Cerberus because of the free life time service and web interface, avast does not offer a web interface for finding your lost device yet. also, avast will run constantly, due to it's more robust nature. you can install the theft aware portion of avast! and discard the main app though, putting it on par with Cerberus' offering.
really really thanks, I was just looking for something like this!
My free trial ended about 2 months ago and since I am 14 and parents don't trust a 14 year old with a credit card. I couldn't get the life time license but this might be my chance.
Thanks for this awesome offer. Really powerful app. Hope I don't have to use it...
Love this app! I had been using Mobile Defense beta for quite some time as it had a great web UI with options. But this has a lot more options. Personally, it didn't pinpoint my location as great, but that could just be my device (rooted Thunderbolt). Still, it was close and I'm sure with some extra work I'd be able to find my device if it were ever lost.
I like the extra options for rooted users. Mobile Defense had this. The ability to embed it in the ROM is very helpful.
This is feature rich and even without free license offer, I still purchased this because I appreciate all the work that the dev put into this! For that 14yo kid on here, you need to tell your parents to purchase this for you. Any smartphone nowadays is worth $$. My kids have lost phones before and for $4, it's better insurance than having to buy a new phone! So tell your parents this..."buy me the $4 app and keep my phone, that you bought, safe...or pay full/partial price if it gets lost or stolen." To me, as a parent who buys his kids' phones, this is a no-brainer. Not to mention the fact that as a worried parent, I can login and creep my kids' phones to see where they are. Yeah, I do that. Don't judge. When you have teenagers some day, you'll understand.
As far as gripes, the only one I have is that a better How-to/Help section could be way better. I like the Q/A type, but it's short on useful information such as exactly how to use the wipe features. Yes, these are no-brainers, but do I get a chance to cancel if I accidentally hit it? What's the process? Is it like the government nuke big red button? Once you hit, you can't undo? Maybe a better tutorial would be better. Also, exactly how do you use the SMS feature? I found a number embedded in the menu within the app, but the Help section on the website just mentions SMS commands. If I never looked at that number, how would I know how to use this function?
When you write how-to sections, you have to write it from the perspective that you're explaining to someone who has NO IDEA how to use this. If you know the app inside and out, and then create a how-to section, most likely you're going to leave a lot of information out.
Keep up the great work!!

Android Malware Scam Nets $265K, Lands IT Execs in Tokyo Jail

I am a Galaxy Note user and it is my first android phone. Love it so far but worry about security sometimes given the permissions are so vague.
Anyway I found this article interesting:
http://blogs.cio.com/mobile-security/17170/android-malware-scam-nets-265k-lands-it-execs-tokyo-jail
What do you guys (and girls) think?
Is this tip of the ice berg type stuff? Or just stuff that porn addicts are going to run into?
Could any AV really have detected and stopped this thing?
Interested in all opinions.
Cheers!
First things first: If you are rooted, use LBE Privacy Guard to add a bit of protection to your phone. That way they can't just send all your contacts out without you knowing about it. Make sure you set individual permissions for every app you install.
Secondly, if I get any annoying notifications, I just uninstall the app that's causing them. Since Android does not execute application code when uninstalling, you don't have to worry about the app trying to break your phone (which is really hard considering the sandbox design of Android) as a final revenge of some sort.
Third, I think most of the articles about malware are pure fear mongering. They are usually posted by AV software makers who want to sell their own products. As long as you stick to the Play Store and always check app permissions, you should be safe. If you start installing any app you find without checking where it came from or what permissions it wants, you will have malware issues soon. Self protection and a little bit of common sense will help you quite a bit in this matter.
Sent from my GT-I9300
Thanks for the recommendation on LBE -- I will check it out.
Yes -- I see most of the high volume posters here say that AVs are a waste of time and system resources.
Permissions can be tricky. Case in point -- I am looking at an anti-theft for my phone and am considering Avast and Cerberus. BOTH are very intrusive (requiring root access for advanced features. Avast is a large and reputable company so that alleviates my concerns a bit. Cerberus is a better developed offering in terms of features and benefits (they have a portal while Avast is still stuck on SMS only management of lost phones). The problem is I know nothing about the company or people behind then and I pretty much have to give them access to my entire phone in order to use all the features. As a relative noob it is really difficult to make an informed decision on whether to give all these permissions or not.
I'm using Cerberus. I've tried it a couple of times, works perfectly. But as always, you never get 100% security.
Sent from my GT-I9300
Yes -- I trialled it and decided to buy yesterday. Features and benefits wise its an easy decision if you want an anti-theft app. I worry a bit though that they seem so small --- I hope they properly secure the infrastructure from which they host all these accounts.
member68 said:
I'm using Cerberus. I've tried it a couple of times, works perfectly. But as always, you never get 100% security.
Sent from my GT-I9300
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