Would you trust all Apps? - General Topics

Somebody tried to convience me by LOL'ing my concerns, that all permissions are necessary and no soft on Android Market, that could be harmful or say: abusive.
Sent from my XT910 using XDA

No, Android is riddled with viruses.

Before I started developing apps I just ignored all the permission and installed. Now I realise how foolish that is, if an app has permissions to access your files, it can access ALL your files. Android should emphasise the permissions more IMO.

On windows phone, yes.

never!

Apps ask for so much permissions, I feel like the devs can do whatever they want... I mean, you're supposed to give away all your personal data to random people!? I usually avoid installing apps that for no reason ask for personal logs, reading sms, gps position and a bunch of other stuff, but usually games and apps ask for every permission available, it just feels creepy. That's why I tend to keep the number of apps on my phone to a minimum.

Android does have malware which although usually caught quickly can sometimes get through so it makes sense to check the permissions of an app because there are unscrupulous developers out there who do get such apps on the market.
If you use common sense (eg if a live wallpaper wants to read your texts or make calls then its probably not safe to install) you should be fine.
For someone to say android is riddled with viruses is just scaremongering as neither I nor anyone I know have had malware etc from the market because we use common sense but at same time anyone who claims there can't be viruses malware etc on market is just as wrong.
Bottom line is use common sense and if you can read the market comments then it also helps you decide if an app is ok.
But yes there are malware / virus apps and yes they have been on market before.
Dave
Sent from my LG P920 using Tapatalk

Thats why root is a must to cut off from network access, at least.
Sent from my XT910 using XDA

mistermentality said:
Bottom line is use common sense and if you can read the market comments then it also helps you decide if an app is ok.
But yes there are malware / virus apps and yes they have been on market before.
Dave
Sent from my LG P920 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Very true

z33dev33l said:
No, Android is riddled with viruses.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Half truth.. As usual.
Sent from my PC36100 using Tapatalk 2 Beta-5

Related

Is security lookout necessary?

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
Sent from my PG86100 using XDA App
Absolutely useless.
CorradoSud said:
Absolutely useless.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you I though so to since It's runs on Linux right
Sent from my PG86100 using XDA App
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
Sent from my PG86100 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.

Lookout Mobile Security?

What is everyone's opinion of Lookout Mobile Security, or any security/virus scanning app for their Android devices? I have been using Lookout for many months and I don't have any particular problems with it. I have recently flashed a ROM and I am running with limited apps (for the time being) but before I reinstall everything I previously had, I wanted to find out what others think.
I have read some articles recently that suggest mobile security apps are not really that needed as long as the person is cautious about the things they install. This can probably be said about anything that relates to software but do programs like Lookout drain the battery more? Do they slow down our phones? Like I said, I have been using it for many months so I do not have much experience without it.
I look forward to hearing what others have to say.
My apologies if this is in the wrong section. I just realized that I might have been better posting this in Q&A.
Yeah totally wrong section. Q and A or General.
X,
Sent from my Infuse.
Not really needed, unless you plan to install any Chinese/Japanese sex apps like "screaming Japanese girls".
Also be attention to the permission an app needs before you install it. It comes up on the screen when it prompts to install. For example, a wall paper app does not need access to contacts.
yea..i uninstalled a while ago.. i never seen the benefit..
Excellent, yeah that's what I was thinking too. I haven't been running it in a week and even when I did, nothing ever came up. I know that problems can occur with bad apps but like you guys I will just be careful and 'verify' the permissions of the things that I install. Thanks!
I don't think the virus scanning stuff like Lookout is worth it for droida and is kindof a ripoff itself.
However I do use the seekdroid app to help find my phone via location if I misplaced it... which happens every now and then.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997 using Tapatalk
However I do use the seekdroid app to help find my phone via location if I misplaced it... which happens every now and then.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Samsungdrive has that feature
http://www.samsungdive.com
Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk 2 Beta-4

Antivirus/Malware & Traffic Monitoring

I am newly registered to the XDA but I have followed for some time now. I have rooted a LG Optimus M as well my AT&T Galaxy S2 Skyrocket ( two separate devices...)
I recently switched to the :good::good::good::good:CM9 nightly builds:good::good::good:. Good so far in that realm minus a weird gallery issue.
My real question is what are people doing about antivirus/malware protection on a rooted phone? I have tried AVG and a couple of others, but the interface doesn't really show what it is doing. I also have a Macbook Pro and use Little Snitch for monitoring traffic going in and out. I can approve or deny traffic on a one time basis or forever. Is there also an app that would provide this type of functionality as traffic going out that I have not approved is generally my first clue that something might be going on.
This is my first post (N00bie) so I apologize if it is not formatted like some of you professional XDA members.
Thanks in advance.
onealvideo said:
I am newly registered to the XDA but I have followed for some time now. I have rooted a LG Optimus M as well my AT&T Galaxy S2 Skyrocket ( two separate devices...)
I recently switched to the :good::good::good::good:CM9 nightly builds:good::good::good:. Good so far in that realm minus a weird gallery issue.
My real question is what are people doing about antivirus/malware protection on a rooted phone? I have tried AVG and a couple of others, but the interface doesn't really show what it is doing. I also have a Macbook Pro and use Little Snitch for monitoring traffic going in and out. I can approve or deny traffic on a one time basis or forever. Is there also an app that would provide this type of functionality as traffic going out that I have not approved is generally my first clue that something might be going on.
This is my first post (N00bie) so I apologize if it is not formatted like some of you professional XDA members.
Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
dr.web is the best
onealvideo said:
I am newly registered to the XDA but I have followed for some time now. I have rooted a LG Optimus M as well my AT&T Galaxy S2 Skyrocket ( two separate devices...)
I recently switched to the :good::good::good::good:CM9 nightly builds:good::good::good:. Good so far in that realm minus a weird gallery issue.
My real question is what are people doing about antivirus/malware protection on a rooted phone? I have tried AVG and a couple of others, but the interface doesn't really show what it is doing. I also have a Macbook Pro and use Little Snitch for monitoring traffic going in and out. I can approve or deny traffic on a one time basis or forever. Is there also an app that would provide this type of functionality as traffic going out that I have not approved is generally my first clue that something might be going on.
This is my first post (N00bie) so I apologize if it is not formatted like some of you professional XDA members.
Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ello, be warned that once you post you can't stop. I don't have any real input as I just install AVG and use common sense to not download ****ty apps. So I'll probably learn some good things.
+1 on Dr. Web
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using xda premium
Fo sho
I try not to install "****ty apps". I went on the play store and looked at the dr.web app the previous person suggested. I see a lot of negative feedback on that app... Works, doesn't work, won't uninstall, blah blah blah.... I think I will see what others post about this issue and make the best informed decision I possibly can...
whosgotlag said:
Ello, be warned that once you post you can't stop. I don't have any real input as I just install AVG and use common sense to not download ****ty apps. So I'll probably learn some good things.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use lookout
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using xda premium
Naked :s
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727R running SKY-ICS 4.2F3-7
Welcome to xda also !
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using xda premium
onealvideo said:
I try not to install "****ty apps". I went on the play store and looked at the dr.web app the previous person suggested. I see a lot of negative feedback on that app... Works, doesn't work, won't uninstall, blah blah blah.... I think I will see what others post about this issue and make the best informed decision I possibly can...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
some of those people are idiots on there haha but also they may have a phone thats incompatible with the app whereas the skyrocket is compatible.. Ive pretty much tried every anti virus and dr.web is hands down the best and has very little battery usage
EDIT: the people that have uninstall issues probably forgot that they gave the app device administrative access... which you have to turn off to uninstall
I don't use antivirus I just pay attention to comments look at authors other apps and look up similar apps mind you I take these steps for not so well known apps common sense is key my friend just like with a computer
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using Tapatalk 2
Agreed...
Guitarboarder28 said:
some of those people are idiots on there haha but also they may have a phone thats incompatible with the app whereas the skyrocket is compatible.. Ive pretty much tried every anti virus and dr.web is hands down the best and has very little battery usage
EDIT: the people that have uninstall issues probably forgot that they gave the app device administrative access... which you have to turn off to uninstall
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree, a lot of people are idiots on the play store. I am not saying it is a bad product, I am going to check out all responses to my posting and see what works best. I don't even mind paying for the app if it truly does what it says.
I was reading an article on my Flipbook (Google>>Don't get faked by Android antivirus apps<<) the other day that said a lot of the Android A/V apps miss a lot of malware. I know these apps can't catch every iteration but really??? 50%??? That is horrible...
onealvideo said:
I agree, a lot of people are idiots on the play store. I am not saying it is a bad product, I am going to check out all responses to my posting and see what works best. I don't even mind paying for the app if it truly does what it says.
I was reading an article on my Flipbook (Google>>Don't get faked by Android antivirus apps<<) the other day that said a lot of the Android A/V apps miss a lot of malware. I know these apps can't catch every iteration but really??? 50%??? That is horrible...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
this is the best article actually its a study seperates the boys from then men in android virus protection lol scroll down to the page with test results like 8 pages down haha I just checked and it was 8.. with the colored bars on the right side
http://www.av-test.org/fileadmin/pdf/avtest_2012-02_android_anti-malware_report_english.pdf
I use Avast.
Tried AVG, Lookout.... Presently evaluating Avast, so far it's good but it seems to take a long time to scan new apps & updates, not sure if that's good or bad?
Sent from, The Eclectic Chair.
I use nothing
AV-TEST
Guitarboarder28 said:
this is the best article actually its a study seperates the boys from then men in android virus protection lol scroll down to the page with test results like 8 pages down haha I just checked and it was 8.. with the colored bars on the right side
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is the same report as the article I mentioned. Good, I am on the right track then...
I installed Dr.Web, but immediately presented with a purchase page. :crying:
I looked over the results of the test and settled on Lookout for now. It seems when I install any app, it will automatically scan that app for me... I like that approach. I may purchase it later... maybe...
I will let you know if I run into any problems with that one... I have to say if you don't have some sort of Antivirus, you may be asking for problems... Seems with rooting and modding that we are doing, you never REALLY know what someone has programmed into a mod or app. I still want something like Little Snitch that monitors all inbound/outbound traffic and lets me decide whether to allow/deny connections....
Would be a nice feature in my mind...
----------
Galaxy S2 Skyrocket CM9 Nightlies
onealvideo said:
This is the same report as the article I mentioned. Good, I am on the right track then...
I installed Dr.Web, but immediately presented with a purchase page. :crying:
I looked over the results of the test and settled on Lookout for now. It seems when I install any app, it will automatically scan that app for me... I like that approach. I may purchase it later... maybe...
I will let you know if I run into any problems with that one... I have to say if you don't have some sort of Antivirus, you may be asking for problems... Seems with rooting and modding that we are doing, you never REALLY know what someone has programmed into a mod or app. I still want something like Little Snitch that monitors all inbound/outbound traffic and lets me decide whether to allow/deny connections....
Would be a nice feature in my mind...
----------
Galaxy S2 Skyrocket CM9 Nightlies
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As long as you're not side loading apps and pay attention to the permissions that's all good.
You also have to not use open networks where they can poison and intercept your info. I stay off those and don't side load.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using Tapatalk 2
Side Loading
xcrazydx said:
As long as you're not side loading apps and pay attention to the permissions that's all good.
You also have to not use open networks where they can poison and intercept your info. I stay off those and don't side load.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I don't do side loads. Like sticking a random memory stick in your computer...
I only load from the play store. I do however wish I could have Google Wallet without hacking other than root or CM9...
LBE privacy guard.
I've used it for a long while now. Clean, simple, and only presents me with a super user style allow/deny for permission requests. It let's you enable or disable internet connectivity for an app, but not specific requests to specific hosts like little snitch. Its great for other permissions too, locations, contact lists, etc.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using xda app-developers app
Perfect!
emmellst said:
LBE privacy guard.
I've used it for a long while now. Clean, simple, and only presents me with a super user style allow/deny for permission requests. It let's you enable or disable internet connectivity for an app, but not specific requests to specific hosts like little snitch. Its great for other permissions too, locations, contact lists, etc.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly what I was looking for!
Thanks thanks thanks!!!!

Do Android malwares exist?

Some say they don't some (including FBI) say they do.
Who is right???
Sent from my SM-G900K using XDA Free mobile app
some
csm121295 said:
Some say they don't some (including FBI) say they do.
Who is right???
Sent from my SM-G900K using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
they do exists but very less as compare to Windows.
Do anti-virus can help this problem?
Some say Android anti-virus is useless though...
Sent from my SM-G900K using XDA Free mobile app
[email protected] D€\/¡! said:
they do exists but very less as compare to Windows.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you sure? In about 20 years I never saw malwares on Linux, Android and OSX. Windows only!
Yes but unless you're an idiot you won't get them
You need it though because antivirus app have safe browsing option and can help find your device if lost. Less malware though but it can detect the risk of having a kind of app. Im using lookout.
sent from SmT210/R using xda premium
im just trying to help so I hope it works
To my experience, I've never gotten a virus. None of my phones have issues. Nor have I ever heard of it. Linux is complex system, though viruses exist everywhere. And in many forms you have a slight chance of getting a virus.
Using anti-virus apps are worthless and don't really work. They slow your device down allot, and usually ruin your experience.
Its hard to get viruses on android devices. So you shouldn't be worried.
Have fun
don't u worry child these malwares are not that harmful.
if u get any problem just reset ur device and have fun
Don't worry about them the latest Google Play Services has a lot of virus security patches
i have heard of virus on android but still have yet to get one, if you do get one, i fixed my friends chinese tablet by just factory resetting it, the only harm it does is spam adds and gets apps on your device and slows down.
Trozzul said:
i have heard of virus on android but still have yet to get one, if you do get one, i fixed my friends chinese tablet by just factory resetting it, the only harm it does is spam adds and gets apps on your device and slows down.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeap, so some refer to anti virus apps and that makes it worse.

[Q] I've installed AVG on my Nexus 5 (Lollipop) but do I need it?

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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.

Categories

Resources