Do we need antivirus or anti-spyware apps on our devices? Are you currently using one? If so, which one do you use and would you recommend it for others?
I am not using it and dont see need for it but all my friends use it. They use Lookout app!!!!!!!!
Budge said:
Do we need antivirus or anti-spyware apps on our devices? Are you currently using one? If so, which one do you use and would you recommend it for others?
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I don't use one either. Never have
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using xda premium
If you sideload apps from untrusted sources, it might be a good idea to have one. I've seen my bud get alerts installing apk's from newsgroups.
Look at the permissions, comments, the vendor.
Do not blindly download apps and you will never need Android Antivirus.
I've got Lookout as well, but only for the feature that allows you to find your phone incase you lose it. I figured, why not activate the antivirus feature, I doubt I'll ever need it though to be honest.
It's not like the Lookout antivirus program costs anything. So why not use it? Plus, as the poster above noted, you have the locate function ready if it gets lost.
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I've used both AVG and Lookout. It never hurts to have an antivirus installed.
I'm using AVG like on my PC.
Never got any virus on my PC and don't want on my android phone.
I'm using Avast, but mostly because I use the Anti-Theft plug-in and also the Firewall, so it doesn't hurt to have the AV turned on as well.
If it weren't for the Anti-Theft and Firewall, I wouldn't be using one.
Avast has done a great job protecting my laptop, so I installed it on my phone.
Why not use an antivirus app? Well, battery drain, slower performance, and the fact that you probably don't need it are a few reasons.
If you're careful about apps you download you should never have an issue. My rule of thumb is not to download an app from the Market with fewer than 100,000 downloads, unless it's an app that I know is safe based on a recommendation from a knowledgeable person here on XDA. I also read the reviews and check out the dev first.
But, if you don't mind battery drain and slower performance, and it makes you feel safer, by all means go ahead. Just don't pay for an antivirus service--the paid services don't do anything that the free ones don't.
Related
Are there any recommended for Honeycomb?
personally not bogging down my tablet with an AntiVirus
I wouldn't mind having an anti virus on my android. Considering that you can download viruses from the market it should be very important to have.
Doing a simple google search should get you an idea of what is availible. AVG and Lookout seem to good. I think I'll give AVG a shot.
i dont run it anymore, but i really like lookout.
Using Kaspersky in my phone. Very non intrusive and no performance penalties.
From the makers of AVG free desktop products: https://market.android.com/details?id=com.antivirus
I read somewhere that eset have released an antivirus for Android which runs really well, I've not tried it myself though.
Kind Regards,
D4rKlar
D4rKlar said:
I read somewhere that eset have released an antivirus for Android which runs really well, I've not tried it myself though.
Kind Regards,
D4rKlar
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thanks for the heads up, eset is the best in the business... i'll definitely give their mobile offering a try.
+1 for ESET. The app is fantastic - I downloaded it last night.
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Anyone in here personally encountered a virus on their TF?
Only use the best.....and the best is AVG.
Personally not going to bother but if I had to use one I would go for ESET's as their desktop products are some of the best around imo.
But then again I don't even bother with Dekstop AV anymore.
I sideloaded Lookout for now. They are in the process of optimizing a version of Lookout for tablets. I follow them on Twitter and they seem to be pretty good at keeping up to date on current Android malware.
Someone asked earlier if anyone has had a virus issue with their TF, but I'd like to broaden that and say has anyone had a virus issue with Android at all? I know there are some but it's not nearly as prevalent as on Windows, correct?
Been using android devices for the last 3+ years and the most malicious thing I've picked up was prob Skype Lite
Without A Doubt The Best Antivirus Protection (no, this is not spam):
http://bit.ly/60VPs
I have an android phone n was wondering it I need this protecting to take space n battery of my phone. Does anyone thing It's truly necessary thanks
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Absolutely useless.
CorradoSud said:
Absolutely useless.
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Thank you I though so to since It's runs on Linux right
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Yes it runs linux but taking care on the battery and space is needed for good responsiveness from your mobile on multitasking.
I found the program alright, if not a little battery draining. But turning off the seemingly-hourly backups and just doing them manually every so often helped, and I managed to locate my phone in somebody's pocket at a party
jarocho151 said:
I have an android phone n was wondering it I need this protecting to take space n battery of my phone. Does anyone thing It's truly necessary thanks
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its better to be safe than sorry. there have been viruses that have spread on android phones (ex. droiddream)
the gps location and scream features are worth it.
Any antivirus isn't so worth using as an antivirus YET, but in a few months/years, they will be our saviours. See...right now there aren't many malware around that can harm you if you don't root your phone or download untrustworthy apps. But there will be soon, as for example a serious one called "Droiddream", discovered not so long ago.
(Can't post outside links yet, but just google "Droiddream" and you'll have a read at how bad viruses will get in not so long)
If you're careful with what you download on your phone, you should be fine. If you're constantly trying new apps and downloading various things you might want to at least have a slight peace of mind!
It's hard to be careful with what you download if the Android Market itself spreads malware. So yes, use an antivirus app just in case that trustworthy app from the market turns out not so trustworthy after all.
Ok here's what I want lol my normal anti spy virus extra WITH USB lock so my phone can't be flashed and a cwm password is that so hard...... Core blimey
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I dont think that a mobile needs Antivirus...
but if u want one.. market has alot..
I'm currently using Lookout on my Galaxy S2, I dont think there is any with a usb lock function, Although lookout has some really good features if you want to pay for them.
not necessary to install anti-virus software on cellphone
xujunhua said:
not necessary to install anti-virus software on cellphone
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Famous last words.
I have Lookout free version. Pretty decent but I have yet to come across a virus.
You can't get a virus on Android, windows or apple platforms
Ask us any Android Related Questions @FeraLabsDevs on Twitter (Even If You've Bricked)
Unnecessary because the market remove any suspicious apps.
Maybe good for lost or stolen phone which they provide a good protection against that.
U don't need one
I agree its pretty secure but i do have one still
If you want to be secure enough, I would recommend rooting your phone, then install something like Droidwall, LBE, and some other app like that.
That should really set you up just fine!
If mobile security is all you want, then keep your bootloader locked.
as for this , you don;t worry about that ,there is little virus can cause your phone in troule
Mobile security isn't to much to worry about. but if you are still worried i suggest bitdefender.
I am using lookout on my sensation 4g and it has nice features like others have said just no USB lock
Antivirus software
While I tend to agree that antivirus software for your phone probably isn't needed for software found in the markeplace, is there still a risk for those programs side-loaded from other sources? Maybe not. I personally don't see the potential threat as being big enough for me to use it on my phone. But, as already mentioned some security programs also offer additional features that are nice - ie finding your phone if it's lost.
Damn I see a lot of stupid/dangerous replies to this thread. Going to be really funny when these people download a malicious app from the marketplace/Play.
Just to clarify there are no viruses for mobile platforms but that's because a virus is defined as malicious code that can pass it's self on. What we do find is malicious code in apps which is classed as malware rather than a virus. And yes these do exist on the market despite what some of the people on here have said and yes they exist on both Andoird and iOS, not heard of any on Windows yet.
You are the best antivirus. Just don't install suspicious apps from Google Play.
blaked said:
Ok here's what I want lol my normal anti spy virus extra WITH USB lock so my phone can't be flashed and a cwm password is that so hard...... Core blimey
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I'd go with AVG antivirus free then
avast! Mobile Security v2.0.4400 using up 110 MB ram leaving free ram only 27 MB.
is this normal?
is an antivirus really required on a rooted jellybean phone?
are there better alternatives to avast! Mobile Security?
No, it's not needed since you normally download your apps from Play Store. It's safe. It not only hogs battery and ram, it also collect anonymous user info and data.
To be frank antiviruses are not required actually.
They drain battery,ram usage,etc..and makes few games to run non smoothly..
SENT FROM MONSTER ! ! !
HIT THANX OR I WILL JUST
CRY...
I've been running android naked in terms of anti virus for years and have never had any malware problems (and I even occasionally sideload things)
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It does add some nice anti theft and firewall features.
Do people even write viruses/malware for android? Can't say I've ever come across anything myself that would justify an AV.
Is there an antivirus which only works on demand and not in background?
ZeitgeistGlee said:
Do people even write viruses/malware for android? Can't say I've ever come across anything myself that would justify an AV.
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There's quite a lot malware around but I think mostly it's not in official play store
Big_Berny said:
There's quite a lot malware around but I think mostly it's not in official play store
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You're right...
Quite a relief now I need to uninstall my AV on my phone.
I use anti on my HTC one. Not sure if needed or not.
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In my 4 years of using an android I've never really felt the need to use an Antivirus.
Frankly, an antivirus on your phone is purely to keep paranoia in check. There's no point in using it as a locator after theft, because the first thing thieves do is wipe the phone.
Ironically, most infected apps are actually found in the Play Store, not on the 'alternative' websites. (unless you start downloading crap off mysterious Russian websites that have filenames like 'install.Apk') I know a few people who download litterally everything, and even they never had malware on their phone.
All the news articles on android malware are from the play store. But they usually only target eastern European users.
Your best antivirus is still common sense. If something seems fishy, it usually is.
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As title says Ive installed AVG but pop up appeared saying I need an Xframe or something which I can get on XDA forums..anyone?
Av is of limited use IMHO, but you'll have to make your own decision
It may not hurt but you can always wipe your phone. Keep regular backups.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Free mobile app
Pretty much all anti-virus/anti-malware apps are useless in Android since they're sandboxed just like any other app.
BirchBarlow said:
Pretty much all anti-virus/anti-malware apps are useless in Android since they're sandboxed just like any other app.
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They are especially useless against root apps.
the best anti virus for android is common sense. Dont install anything from random websites, dont pirate apps since allot of them have malware, and keep porn to a minimum. pretty simple
I've always assumed AV software on a phone is if you're using it as a mass storage device, transferring files between PC's. It is then more use protecting the PC rather than the phone. I've never used one and never had any problems.
If you're not rooted it makes sense because you're an average user usually and there is malware for Android like there is for PCs. It's annoying but oh well.