[Q] I've installed AVG on my Nexus 5 (Lollipop) but do I need it? - Nexus 5 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

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.

Related

[Q] Are you using an Antivirus/Anti-spyware app?

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.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727
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.

Mobile security all I want

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
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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
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA
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I'd go with AVG antivirus free then

Would you trust all Apps?

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

memory hogging antivirus

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)
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app
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.
Sent from my HTCONE using xda premium
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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Do Android malwares exist?

Some say they don't some (including FBI) say they do.
Who is right???
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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
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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...
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[email protected] D€\/¡! said:
they do exists but very less as compare to Windows.
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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.
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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.
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Yeap, so some refer to anti virus apps and that makes it worse.

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