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Which Firewall and Antivirus to use?
- Thread starter Nosnibor
- Start date
This is a bit of a contentious subject and opinion differs. The best protection is just to be caerful with what you install. There's a pretty good (albeit lengthy) guide here: http://androidforums.com/android-ap...ps-avoid-viruses-guide-those-new-android.html
That being said, I have Lookout installed simply for its phone finder and remote lock function.
That being said, I have Lookout installed simply for its phone finder and remote lock function.
AngryHatter
Android Expert
None, nada, zip, zero.
As the Latin Haggis pointed out, the best defense is a smart owner.
As the Latin Haggis pointed out, the best defense is a smart owner.
ardchoille
Android Expert
You would only need a firewall if you deploy world-facing severs on your phone. And there aren't any active Linux viruses, so no need for an anit-virus app. also, each app runs in it's own sandbox so it technically isn't able to affect other apps.
huh?
Unless you have apps on your handset acting as publicly-visible servers and accepting unsolicited requests from outside sources, a firewall is not necessary. Without a server anything that does come knocking on your door will simply get no answer.
but
butbut .... what about all those apps out there i read about that are conecting to the internet and steeling my info 
Nothing can steal your info unless you let it. Take care when installing apps that their required permissions make sense for what the app does, only install apps from trustworthy known sources, and you'll be safe enough. The How To Be Safe.... sticky at the top of this section is an excellent guide, if you haven't already found it.
ardchoille
Android Expert
I'm sorry, I should have explained that better.huh?
This is a much better explanation. Thank you, Slug
Any app can steal information, consider the recent news about the Dolphin HD browser - tracking and uploading all of the URLs you visit. although it now seems it was unintentional, it did happen. A firewall isn't designed to protect against this because a web browser needs internet permissions. I doubt there is an app around that could have prevented this. The weakest link in any computer system is the user.but
itsallgood
Android Expert
While I do agree that being careful of the apps you download, I still use one. I use Lookout Premium. Love the remote locate and swipe the internal memory and SD card. Safe browser when using both non mobil and mobil websites. Backup and restore. App Permission notices and phone/app scans.
ardchoille
Android Expert
Although I haven't used it yet, I have heard good things about this app from many people.
zuben el genub
Extreme Android User
Sometimes it's not about being safe. There is more and more bundling of crap with some computer apps, and I'm sure Android won't be far behind.
Mozilla is bringing out a FF version with BING as the default browser. I want no part of Bing, it's blacklisted on the computer. Groupon is another site that is blacklisted.
I want to blacklist these on the phone. I rooted to get rid of bloatware and other stuff I did not want, so getting other apps I do not want bundled is a pain.
Mozilla is bringing out a FF version with BING as the default browser. I want no part of Bing, it's blacklisted on the computer. Groupon is another site that is blacklisted.
I want to blacklist these on the phone. I rooted to get rid of bloatware and other stuff I did not want, so getting other apps I do not want bundled is a pain.
jefboyardee
Extreme Android User
I just allow downloads from the market only and assume they’re watching out for me -- sounds silly but it works.
There are apps that you can install that prevent other apps from getting permissions to parts of the phone that you don't care for it to have. But they all require root access.
LBE Privacy guard is a good one and is probably the best overall. I also use DroidWall to prevent any freshly installed app from getting internet access, although LBE can prevent that as well (but LBE defaults everything to on, which I don't like).
As for malware protection, I don't feel any of the malware protection apps are worth their salt. Now, they also have additional features that may make them worth it (remote data wipe and location services, for example), but I wouldn't use one just because I feel threatened by malware.
LBE Privacy guard is a good one and is probably the best overall. I also use DroidWall to prevent any freshly installed app from getting internet access, although LBE can prevent that as well (but LBE defaults everything to on, which I don't like).
As for malware protection, I don't feel any of the malware protection apps are worth their salt. Now, they also have additional features that may make them worth it (remote data wipe and location services, for example), but I wouldn't use one just because I feel threatened by malware.
zuben el genub
Extreme Android User
@Nosnibor
I wasn't responding to you. You need to read some of the posts below yours.
@jerofld:
I am rooted, Will look that app up.
I wasn't responding to you. You need to read some of the posts below yours.
@jerofld:
I am rooted, Will look that app up.
AngryHatter
Android Expert
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.gmail.exathink.appshield&feature=search_result
Not all.
There are a few, actually.
AngryHatter
Android Expert
SeekDroid 99 cents.
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w/ custom message
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Nice! Thanks for the link.
AngryHatter
Android Expert
jefboyardee
Extreme Android User
You are comparing windows (an old iteration at that) to Linux. Apples to oranges.
Not only that, even if did want it, there
Please give reasons that you can confirm as to why your choice is the best.
ok now this is what im looking for--INFORMATION--
You get 10 out of 10 for your responce, as to MY first post.
You are comparing windows (an old iteration at that) to Linux. Apples to oranges.
lol the only thing i know about Linux is..........i recently found out my phone is Linux lol