Database Info

antivirus apps

I currently have AVG free app running on my android. I find its scanning of everything downloaded to be rather annoying. Also I dont like it saying p"protected by AVG antivirus" on my lock screen. Is having an antivirus app really neccassary--I dont go crazy with downloading and dont surf random obscure websites. I haven't heard of too many people getting viruses if at all so are antivirus apps really nexxessary?

+ive never heard of phone viruses either but theyre a possibility(a small one but there nonetheless) my superstitions and the "wheres my phone" feature make me use lookout
to get a vius to android tho would be difficult because it doesnt use executable programs and before insyalling apks shows the permissions also, downloads are shown in notifications
but i kno keyloggers exist

I use lookout for the hell of it. I don't think a virus is an issue as much a malicious apps spills be. It is mostly non invasive and notifications can be turned off. My two cents.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App

I feel like an idiot now that I realize I can turn off those notifications
Swyped from my Epic on Bonsai

I was using Norton mobile security.. now using kaspersky mobile security. It has more options (sim block, wipe, find phone blah blah)

you don't need an anti virus. just don't install 3rd party apps that came from unreliable sources.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App

It happens, don't let anyone tell you otherwise.
http://www.google.co.uk/search?sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8&q=android+market+viruses

Unlike windows where viruses can infect your computer from virtually Any email/pic/etc. Android cannot get viruses. however, malicious programs do exist. What makes them different is that the user has to install them. Therefore it is entirely in your control. Use some common sense and you will be fine.
For an antivirus to protect you, the malicious program has to have been previously identified and defined by the security program's staff. By which time It's likely been removed from the market. And if it catches it then likely It's too late anyway.
In other words, having an AntiVirus is basically a redundant security feature that a) wastes space and CPU cycles, and b) only gives a false sense of security.
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I use Dr.Web . Got a free 1 year license

Do you people really think an antivirus is right now necessary for Android?

I stick with lookout, AVG always gives a ton of false positives.
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sageDieu said:
I stick with lookout, AVG always gives a ton of false positives.
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i agree with you mate...specially who had root phone and ability of superuser, it benefit for the their own sake (developer) ..not urs

Didn't want to start a new thread so I'll add to this one....
If you use antivirus apps which one do you use? I found two that seem pretty good. The first one is lightweight but unsure of how good the detection is, also infrequent database updates. The second one is well known in Korea, better interface and has frequent database updates but has a larger footprint.
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.zrgiu.antivirus&feature=search_result
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.estsoft.alyac&feature=search_result

I use Lookout since I don't see any downside as it doesn't hog battery/memory and is just not annoying. I don't know if it's likely that I could get a virus - but since there isn't really any downside for me using Lookout, I use it.

I'm using F-secure 1 year free license with Optimus 2x

I am thinking about starting to use some kind of AntiVirus, but I want to ask if there is visible lazyness of system while using antivirus.
I have HTC DHD.
Thank you in advance for your answers.

eLPeCKo said:
I am thinking about starting to use some kind of AntiVirus, but I want to ask if there is visible lazyness of system while using antivirus.
I have HTC DHD.
Thank you in advance for your answers.
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Not that I've ever noticed. The only time you even know it is there is when you're installing an app and it gives you a notification that it is scanning and then the results. It doesn't cause any slowdown or anything. (This is Lookout I'm talking about, idk about any others.)
Sent from my MIUI SCH-i500

sageDieu said:
Not that I've ever noticed. The only time you even know it is there is when you're installing an app and it gives you a notification that it is scanning and then the results. It doesn't cause any slowdown or anything. (This is Lookout I'm talking about, idk about any others.)
Sent from my MIUI SCH-i500
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Thank you very much for your quick reply.
I am going to give a try to Lookout and will see If than to others also.

AVG says superuser app is virus.
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4silvertooth said:
AVG says superuser app is virus.
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Personally I just run Lookout as well. Hasnt caught anything yet, but hope that just means I haven't been bad in my file and app choices.

Lookout mobile security

I'm wondering, should I keep it? It seems useful but then again, android back ups contacts via gmail. Are the other features worth it? Or is there a better alternative?
Should I just delete it then?
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4G using XDA App

It's more of a personal opinion than fact. To me, anything that can help you find a lost/stolen device is worth while. There are other apps that will do that too, though, so you just need to find the one that you prefer.

Can you recommend other alternatives? I kinda like lookout, but I feel like having an anti-virus/malware program on a phone is kinda pointless.
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4G using XDA App

HTC Sense/HUB has an excellent stolen phone locator/alarm, i prefer it over lookout, but since im not S-OFF/rooted, i cant uninsatll it :/
EDIT: Lookout is a great idea cuz each day there is more and more malware going to the market, but its just like norton, if the database isnt updated, the new threats arent detected plus its a bit of a resource hog

Solidus_n313 said:
HTC Sense/HUB has an excellent stolen phone locator/alarm, i prefer it over lookout, but since im not S-OFF/rooted, i cant uninsatll it :/
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But half the time Htc hub doesn't work or you can't log in. lookout as been fine for me
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Hgaara said:
Can you recommend other alternatives? I kinda like lookout, but I feel like having an anti-virus/malware program on a phone is kinda pointless.
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4G using XDA App
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give Cerberus a try
http://market.android.com/details?id=com.lsdroid.cerberus

Been using wavesecure for over a year now, and it has worked without any issues. wavesecure have now been aquired by mcafee, and the latest version also includes maleware scanning, and other useful tools. Fully customisable so the features you dont need can be turned off.

maybe I'm just tripping but I could have sworn my phone slowed a bit after signing up/turning on Lookout.
after getting rid of it(factory restore), my phone seems faster.
I now scan all the files going into my phone with my computer before hand. works for me.
oh and if you have insurance it comes with fine/wipe/alarm feature.

Does Lookout drain the battery life?

xnifex said:
give Cerberus a try
http://market.android.com/details?id=com.lsdroid.cerberus
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+1 (10chars)

I personally uninstalled lookout, it doesn't update that much, and it uses to much RAM. I am using Dr.web now.

TheStigx said:
I personally uninstalled lookout, it doesn't update that much, and it uses to much RAM. I am using Dr.web now.
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use this, does laptops too
http://preyproject.com/

Zoner Antivirus
I use Zoner antivirus. Has loads of features and it's free. The comment about 'do we need antivirus software on our phones' made me laugh though! Android is just as vulnerable as Windows... and as it's more popular than any other mobile OS, it's guaranteed to be targeted by cyber-crims
It all comes down to the individual though. No one can say which is best, just like ROM's - there's some you like and some you don't.

i will give Zoner a shot

Do you use an anti-virus app?

Curious what you guys think about the need for an antivirus app on an Android device. Since it's a Linux kernel, I don't know if it makes a lot of sense to install such an app. Are there other threats that could warrant using antivirus on Android?
Do you have an antivirus app installed?
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I am currently using dr web. I would always recomend antivirus, the larger the marketplace the more you're going to see virus is written for androids. Never hurts to be prepared.
Sent from my Xoom using XDA App

bobblack said:
Curious what you guys think about the need for an antivirus app on an Android device. Since it's a Linux kernel, I don't know if it makes a lot of sense to install such an app. Are there other threats that could warrant using antivirus on Android?
Do you have an antivirus app installed?
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You are going to get some mixed answers about this, the problem with anti-virus is it uses more cpu so that means a bigger drain on your battery and performance.
If it is effective or not at identifying threats and stopping them....that is hard to know for sure.

I don't mess with anti-virus... never had a problem so far running Ubuntu in 2 years or on my Droid 2 for nearly a year. Just my $0.02-worth.

AVG Pro

does anyone use AVG pro on their device??
just noticed that its been using 30% of my battery in a day! thats more than the screen.
do you really need avg for phones?

No. Just don't download stupid stuff
Sent from my GT-N7000 using XDA Premium HD app

removing avg lol

Avast Free is one of the best one`s according to a group test of mobile anti-virus
John.

Tinderbox (UK) said:
Avast Free is one of the best one`s according to a group test of mobile anti-virus
John.
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Agree with that firewall worth it on its own
Sent from my GT-N7000 using xda premium

Though you have to be rooted for the firewall to work.
John.
thering1975 said:
Agree with that firewall worth it on its own
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ill have to look into avast and rooting ics
cheerz all xxx

Tinderbox (UK) said:
Though you have to be rooted for the firewall to work.
John.
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Yep perfect if rooted
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are we really need antivirus for our android? i think we don't need AV.

J3batDerhaka said:
are we really need antivirus for our android? i think we don't need AV.
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You're right. There is absolutely no need for it as long as you're smart. Its a ridiculous battery drain too.
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I have used avast with GB and ICS and i dont have any battery drain problems, I use to use watchdog and avast was always very low in the cpu usage, apart from when i does a full scan.
John.

Many Hacker tends developing malwares in popular OS
Preparing umbrella before raining is good idea

Yeah, I would rather have a gun and not need it, than need a gun and not have one.
Rainbowboy said:
Many Hacker tends developing malwares in popular OS
Preparing umbrella before raining is good idea
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I Use AVG Pro and never had battery drain issues..
For people who say AV is not required on Android, i had a malware attack on my phone and AVG immediately detected it. Later found that the same happened with one of my friend on his phone without any AV and his memory card started adding some unknown files automatically.

I use avast mobile security, the best I tried.
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scrott901 said:
does anyone use AVG pro on their device??
just noticed that its been using 30% of my battery in a day! thats more than the screen.
do you really need avg for phones?
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Really? Mine only uses like 4/5 percent?

Agree that we don't really need Antivirus for our phone but I do use Avast, mainly for the anti-theft which is great!
I noticed the battery drain is negligible.

If you ask me you dont need AV if you are smart enough.. because specially ICS takes alot of RAM resources... Just use some app like Droid Wall to control your outbound network access and you ll be safe

phanitej said:
I Use AVG Pro and never had battery drain issues..
For people who say AV is not required on Android, i had a malware attack on my phone and AVG immediately detected it. Later found that the same happened with one of my friend on his phone without any AV and his memory card started adding some unknown files automatically.
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I also run AVG Pro. Been using Note all day so far (around 9 hours), According to BadAss Battery Monitor Pro, AVG has used 1.3% of the 44% Application battery usage.

Android antivirus useless??

I have read an article from a website claiming that Android antivirus are useless since all Abdroid apps run within a sandbox and this greatly hinders antivirus from fully function. Is this valid claim? I thought the apps can function beyond sandbox to certain extent as long as they ask me permissions.
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You don't need anti-virus apps in your device.. linux is self secured...
U might use anti-virus if you want to slow your device I guess u don't wanna do that
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Hello, Thanks for your reply
whay do you mean by "Linux is self secured"? What does it do?
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csm121295 said:
Hello, Thanks for your reply
whay do you mean by "Linux is self secured"? What does it do?
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Linux is self secured in that users do not have permission to run applications for which the permissions do not allow. For example normal users cannot access configuration files. Root access is required. In order to install or change applications root access is also required.

Don't need anti-virus app on your android mobile.
Just remember don't install the app from non-play market.
And note that the permission before installing.

And you can always try applications from XDA. we are trusted people
Sent from my GT-I9300 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

True. I think XDA apps are as reliable as play store apps since apps on XDA gets constant feedbacks from other developers.
However, that also means that, just like playstore apps, I should be aware of relatively new and unpopular apps.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Free mobile app

csm121295 said:
True. I think XDA apps are as reliable as play store apps since apps on XDA gets constant feedbacks from other developers.
However, that also means that, just like playstore apps, I should be aware of relatively new and unpopular apps.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Free mobile app
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Yes exactly
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1104 86838584
csm121295 said:
True. I think XDA apps are as reliable as play store apps since apps on XDA gets constant feedbacks from other developers.
However, that also means that, just like playstore apps, I should be aware of relatively new and unpopular apps.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Free mobile app
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Would not even trust all apps from play store as google is not checking them before adding to the store. so they might be harmful as well... Hence, XDA apps are even trustworthier I would say :good:

During my years of Android experience. I have never heard of any Android phone getting a virus?
If you have anti-viruse softwares on your device. The only thing that'll do is slow your device down and restrict you to certain content.
So yes. Android anti viruses are useless.
If I helped, don't hesitate to hit that Thanks button

csm121295 said:
True. I think XDA apps are as reliable as play store apps since apps on XDA gets constant feedbacks from other developers.
However, that also means that, just like playstore apps, I should be aware of relatively new and unpopular apps.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA Free mobile app
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Isn't there usually built in antivirus components into android especially in 5.0

csm121295 said:
Hello, Thanks for your reply
whay do you mean by "Linux is self secured"? What does it do?
Sent from my SHV-E210S using XDA Free mobile app
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And seriously... there is already not a lot of viruses developp on linux, so on android...

There's no way an app could infect your phone when you aren't rooted, so Anti Virus on Android is useless.
Even if you are rooted, when you don't download the most obscure apks, chances are nihil you get a virus (or otherwise harmed). If you don't fully trust an apk, you than screen it using googles apk installer. It doens't slow down your device and works good.

Thanks for the insight
Sent from my HTC One using XDA Free mobile app

It can happen
Just recently, a friend got a virus on her Galaxy S6 from browsing via Chrome to her local CrossFit site, which is as follows:
http://brandonevenson.com/
Just downloaded ESET Mobile Security & Antivirus to give it a test run.
Thoughts?

Antivirus apps are all just gimmicks and completely useless also often causing more problems mainly by drastically hindering performance. A real computer virus is just impossible on a Linux based system like android because the nature of androids architecture isn't a comfortable environment for viruses to run quietly and stealthily and would take the most intense development Google longs for and for what some nerds contacts and porn browser history? The only thing close to a virus is maybe malware which then is no more than popup ads and such. So ask yourself who to worry about when so many antivirus apps are deceiving millions of people...
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---------- Post added at 07:41 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:37 PM ----------
Antivirus apps are just like task killers, battery boosters , etc.. They are really bad for a modern android
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who needs antivirus? i used it before. it was just annoying.

Antivirus is must for an anroid phone
csm121295 said:
I have read an article from a website claiming that Android antivirus are useless since all Abdroid apps run within a sandbox and this greatly hinders antivirus from fully function. Is this valid claim? I thought the apps can function beyond sandbox to certain extent as long as they ask me permissions.
Sent from my SHV-E210S using xda app-developers app
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Antivirus is must for your android smart phone. Because many a times we come across an app exchange through which virus entry possibilities increase.

best antivirus
pushkardua said:
You don't need anti-virus apps in your device.. linux is self secured...
U might use anti-virus if you want to slow your device I guess u don't wanna do that
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try AVG best smartphone antivirus with easy to use interface...

I believe the Android antivirus are useless but that doesn't mean there is no virus. There are viruses and I will continue to believe that all android antivirus are useless unless SafeBytes release their antivirus app for Android. I hope this meeting will be fruitful.