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Antivirus app

If you're careful with what you install and where you install from, you don't need one.

However, I used Lookout when I first got an Android handset and it did its thing, quietly in the background. I didn't really notice it having an impact on battery or performance.
 
+1 for Avast and it's anti-theft and tracking features.

Android has remained largely free of viruses but they're not unheard of-- even on the Play Store. It doesn't seem to hurt my performance to run anti-virus except that it does a few seconds of scanning when I install apps. With Avast, I could turn off the pre-installation scan and go with a manual scan or a weekly scan but I don't mind waiting an extra 5 seconds to install an app.
 
Err no. due to it's Linux core, Android is virus free. What you get is other types of malware; Trojans, spyware, and now via NFC (Just google for NFC Exploit Android) scary stuff. The main problem is a lack of awareness among users about how permissions work and their implications, and security in general. I'fe just competed a BSc. in Computer Security & Forensics, my dissertation was an empirical study in Android security awareness. PM me if you have any Android-related security concerns.
 
I use avast here. I figure that as long as it's free, and doesn't have any impact on my battery, it can't hurt to have it.
 
I don't use any anti-virus app.

I only download from Play Store and Amazon App.

Then I use common sense about links, etc. just like I do on a computer.

If you really want one, Lookout often gets high marks in reviews
 
RazzMaTazz said:
Not true. Most people use the term "virus" to mean malware-- which definitely exists on Android and can be prevented with anti-virus software like Avast or LookOut.
You Should Put Antivirus Software on Your Phone - Android Virus Malware - Popular Mechanics. <<<--- this article is kind of misleading, the only way an app can send out spam like it states is if the user downloads an app that has the permission to send texts. App permissions are clearly defined before an app is installed. Further the latest android OS allows you to set a limit to the amount of texts that can be sent in a specific time. And even further most carriers allow the blocking of sending out "premium" texts. But obviously just downloading trusted apps and paying attention to permissions is pretty easy.

Not true.
Myth Busting: Is Linux Immune to Viruses? - Linux.com <<<<---this article really only pertains to linux PCs. android apps run in a sandbox environment, virus e-mail attachments can't do anything.
Click to expand...


So, again, since all android apps operate in a sandbox environment, (unless they are specifically given root access, an app can not access root without the user specifically allowing it.) An android virus[malware] can not accomplish much. So like others have said, if you are only installing trusted apps from trusted developers, from only the play store, you won't be seeing a virus. :)

however if you like to side-load apps and do beta testing for unknown devs, avast, lookout, avg are all good apps.

http://androidforums.com/android-ap...explained-security-tips-avoiding-malware.html
 
RazzMaTazz said:
Android Malware exists on the Play Store and elsewhere.
Newly Discovered Android Malware Was Downloaded Millions Of Times

Android malware scores nine million downloads with fake ad network SDK

Most Mobile Malware Hits Android Devices

Yeah... If you don't do anything risky, read all the fine print, and you only load pristine apps from trusted sources, you're unlikely to get infected, much like with a Windows PC.

Or you can install an antivirus app.
Click to expand...
That's oversimplifying it :). PCs/MACs are susceptible to "drive by" viruses/malware. Android is not.

The one article you linked to, again, points out that SMS malware is/was the number one type of malware on Android. Like I said above, Android has built in safeguards for that now and so do most carriers. No need for an antivirus for that type of malware :)
The fake ad network malware (BadNews) that the other two articles point out can hardly be called a virus. It sent out fake ads to get people to download shady apps that were not in the play store. (this is where common sense kicks in). The one article states that it was never found in the play store, while the other hints that a few unsuspecting developers may have included the code in their apps that were in the play store. But "badnews" itself really did no damage, it merely pointed you down a dark alley.

Look at what companies did the research for the articles you've posted...the developers of anti-virus apps; think they might be a little biased? or looking on sensationalizing malware to capitalize on new revenue?

http://www.howtogeek.com/129896/htg-explains-does-your-android-phone-need-an-antivirus/

http://www.extremetech.com/computin...rus-apps-are-useless-heres-what-to-do-instead

A pro vs con article: http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/do-you-need-antivirus-on-android/

Lastly, I have my own little case study...my wife and sister-in-law... they have both successfully infected EVERY single PC they have ever owned multiple times, with some type of malware/ad-ware/virus. My wife has been using android for about 3 years, my sister-in-law, has been using android for about 2 years. Neither have infected their phone.

However anything with a computer chip can get a virus, as the articles linked do point out (anti-virus or not). Those "millions" of users who did get a virus on their phone may have even been actively running an anti-virus app on their device. Mine, and the majority of other seasoned android developers/users point, is that the risk of getting a virus/malware/trojan is so small (just by following common-sense) that it is not worth sacrificing the system resources that a "live-scanning" anti-virus app uses. But as phones are becoming larger and with better hardware/batteries, antivirus apps may not become a second thought. Android will probably eventually incorporate one right into the OS. As of now, the Android OS (on jellybean) does automatically scan every app installed against a database (sideloaded or not). Google using Android app security scanner in Android 4.2 Jelly Bean - Techworld.com
The built in scanner wasn't that successful when debuted, but I haven't seen any updates on whether Google has improved their malware database.
 
Thanks for the detailed response. Good stuff. Good articles. Something like that should probably be a Sticky.

Sounds like Antivirus apps are:
1) Worthless for anybody on Android 4.2 or greater. Otherwise...
2) Of very little value for people who eat out of the Play Store or Amazon Store or perhaps occasionally side-load an app from a trusted source.
3) Moderately useful for those who download cracked apps, etc.

So for me (category #2 above) I'm probably getting very little value but Avast is free and it doesn't seem to bog down the performance of my phone, so hmmmmm... I just have a hard time deleting it. Maybe if I need more performance or memory sometime. I'll have to think about it.
 
Knowledge and understanding is power. Once a user understands the pros and cons, they can use that knowledge to make an informed decision about whether they need antivirus/malware protection.

Fwiw, I have it on my own handset. It's part of the security package I use and only scans downloads and app installs, so why not? Besides, sometimes I have to risk taking a hit by checking out suspicious links. Better me finding out a posted link is bad than some innocent member. :)
 
RazzMaTazz said:
Thanks for the detailed response. Good stuff. Good articles. Something like that should probably be a Sticky.

Sounds like Antivirus apps are:
1) Worthless for anybody on Android 4.2 or greater. Otherwise...
2) Of very little value for people who eat out of the Play Store or Amazon Store or perhaps occasionally side-load an app from a trusted source.
3) Moderately useful for those who download cracked apps, etc.

So for me (category #2 above) I'm probably getting very little value but Avast is free and it doesn't seem to bog down the performance of my phone, so hmmmmm... I just have a hard time deleting it. Maybe if I need more performance or memory sometime. I'll have to think about it.
Click to expand...
I personally like Avast for all of its features. The firewall(for rooted users) and anti-theft features are top notch. I recommend avast a lot if people are really adamant about having an antivirus, or are just looking for an ant-theft app.
 
Avast is a good app but you might face problems like entering password every now and then while editing settings which is quite annoying also the location finder does not work when the GPS is off.
 
I personally used and loved AVG Antivirus because I find it very reliable and loved how it scans every app that I install.
 
I think the overall conclusion here is: the best anti-virus/malware is your brain.

And whether or not you need to supplement it with an app is debatable.
 
Thanks for all the input and articles and opinions!! What do you guys think are more vulnerable at getting viruses/malware/spyware. Android or iOS?
 
dylanrod24 said:
Thanks for all the input and articles and opinions!! What do you guys think are more vulnerable at getting viruses/malware/spyware. Android or iOS?
Click to expand...

Probably Android. Being open source, it is easier for attackers to infect your device with malwares through random apps you install. This range from going to *God knows what website* to installing apps you thought were safe through Play Store.
 
tastycaramel said:
Probably Android. Being open source, it is easier for attackers to infect your device with malwares through random apps you install. This range from going to *God knows what website* to installing apps you thought were safe through Play Store.
Click to expand...

Isn't play store safe?
 
I used Lookout for my first Android device and then I began to use Avast. IMO, I prefer Avast if you're looking for an AV app, but as EP said, as long as you're careful of what you download you don't need one really. :)
 
adware is an annoyance. Not a virus. There is a difference.

Also, the apple store has had more than it's share of reported malware infections. And, generally speaking, if you ask me, apple users are numbed by the Marketing of "security through obscurity" and won't know how to or will react slowly to any kind of infection compared to Android users
 
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