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Need for Antivirus apps?

Do we need AV apps? With all these recent articles about android mobile security? Any suggestions which to use?
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None. They just slow things down.

I think you'll get a mixed response on this one. I'm of the mind that you should, especially if you do banking or any other sensitive transactions on your phone.
Just my $.02

Go to market and install Lookout. Its more like an all in one AV with phone locator and some other cool features. Give it a try.

I haven't stayed with one rom long enough to worry about a virus

Lookout hasn't seemed to slow mine down, and it checks each downloaded app for known malicious code, plus has settings/address book backup, and phone locator if it becomes horribly misplaced. And its free.....

Does android devices need an antivirus?

As topic =)

omnia1994 said:
As topic =)
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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...
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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.
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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 =)
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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
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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.
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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.
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Get a PermissionsManager like OpenPDroid or XPrivacy.
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Best App for Tracking Lost Phone

Hi all,
Can someone suggest the best app for locating a lost android phone?
After nearly loosing my S4 last night (running for a bus, fell out my pocket and ended up in a ditch...fortunately I bussed back as a last hope and found it!!!) I am searching for the beat app for this.
Thanks for any suggestions..
Conor
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Almost all antivirus companies have device tracking enabled through web.if you configured and recalled the data.you can track the location of phone and can remote swipe/sms and many more.I have tested that using kaspersky and NOD32 and webroot.this is the only chance to track else after stolen people throw away SIM,format the phone or change the IMEI so impossible to track back.

I'm using avast! (Free) It has quite an extensive lost/stolen system built into it aswell as all the antivirus stuff. One thing I like about avast! (Not sure who else has this) it has a setting called 'Geo fencing'. Once set, if your phone leaves a, user set, distance from your current point, it automatically locks your phone and triggers any other protection activities, and sends a SMS to a pre-set cell number. Good for night clubs or busy shopping malls incase you get pick pocketed.
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Avast! is pretty good when it comes to tracking.

Thanks for suggestions. Don't necessarily wanna install an anti virus on the phone.. Find they slow it down ( I know some people may disagree, but that's not the topic)
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Android now has a built in phone locator which can be activated in Settings > Security > Device administrators. Check Android Device Manager.
Uses Google's push service so it doesnt poll battery.
Link to web interface: https://www.google.com/android/devicemanager
In addition, I use AndroidLost from Play Store. Runs through Google servers so no background usage. Has an advanced plethora of controls on the web interface. Check it out.

Google Device Manager
I have enjoyed using Google Device Manager. It has the ability to ring my phone for 5 mintues so I can find it easier. As well as the ability to locate it. Although like everything else depends on data connection. So if I lost in a park with a dead battery... NO DICE.

SteckDev said:
I have enjoyed using Google Device Manager. It has the ability to ring my phone for 5 mintues so I can find it easier. As well as the ability to locate it. Although like everything else depends on data connection. So if I lost in a park with a dead battery... NO DICE.
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AndroidLost supports SMS controls. You could send an SMS message to activate GPS and auto reply the location, or you could send a message to enable WiFi/data and track that way.
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croach246 said:
any suggestions..
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try lookout or plan B from google play store
Check this out! Links to useful Guides and " Banned " Documentaries ​

Try Google Device Manager if you don't want to deal with a whole antivirus

Thank you for all the suggestions !! I'll look into each one as soon as i get a moment. I'm sure others will benefit from these as well
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Rawket said:
Try Google Device Manager if you don't want to deal with a whole antivirus
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agreed, i use android device manager. used to use the samsung version, but now that google offers it then i'll use that one.

I used to use Avast, but now I can just use Google's Device Manager or even CyanogenMod's which is crude for now.

Device manager seems to work well. It allows you to locate the device from another browser using Google maps, allows yo to ring the phone even if it's on vibrate or silent and once set up allows you too lock/erase all data from it.
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cerberus is the best option for little money ( 3 € ) can have about 5 devices, and allows for many things, what I'm wearing and not disappointed.

Check out "Wheres my droid" from the play store. It is full of great features. Can set up triggers from text or phone numbers to make it ring. You can get is location from sending a specific text to your phone. You can lock it down,take a pic and even wipe it clean. Great app
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Need a program, which one not affected by factory reset.

case coreorb
Actually i use Prey, it works pretty fine, you can download it on google play
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.prey

wsw-wyatt-earp said:
Check out "Wheres my droid" from the play store. It is full of great features. Can set up triggers from text or phone numbers to make it ring. You can get is location from sending a specific text to your phone. You can lock it down,take a pic and even wipe it clean. Great app
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Had a look at this. May still try it. Or use both device manager and Where's my droid
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Zorbeyd said:
Need a program, which one not affected by factory reset.
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Actually, this is a really important point. Which of these apps are still able to perform their advertized functions after it is being lost? Supposedly, whoever is in possession of the phone will through out SIM card and do a factory reset so all apps that use google services will not work anymore as they are Signed out... Are apps from antivirus suites immune to this?

How to stop anyone spying on my phone?

Hi, I am having some problems on my phone. Recently, I saw some duplicates of my files, some were missing and my mobile has become real slow. I see synchronization more often than before this might be the reason my data package gets exhausted fast. It worries me as I don't install new apps just the standard ones. I have doubts that one of my friends did that because they use it occasionally. How do I know if someone is spying and how do I stop them?

SherazHashmi said:
Hi, I am having some problems on my phone. Recently, I saw some duplicates of my files, some were missing and my mobile has become real slow. I see synchronization more often than before this might be the reason my data package gets exhausted fast. It worries me as I don't install new apps just the standard ones. I have doubts that one of my friends did that because they use it occasionally. How do I know if someone is spying and how do I stop them?
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Hello, first thing to do is scanning the device with a anti-spyware app

To avoid everyone spying on your phone, you should always keep it off.
Sent from this galaxy

I used the first app Anti Spy on Google Play and it found Android Spy app but was asking me for premium version. I found this quick guide on stopping someone from spying on my cell phone in my following list and fortunately found this app in running services. I uninstalled and rebooted the mobile and it's working fine now, came down friends were trying to peek me for prank.