A
AppStupid
Guest
I need to know ASAP if I need an app for an antivirus, a separate one for security, and an app for a vpn? Thanks
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I only use a VPN, and that's really because of where I am.
Between a rock and a hard place?
No, a KFC restaurant. 
Jhayzone
Android Enthusiast
Anti-virus on Android is more of a placebo effect as most AV just check the apps permissions then decide if its harmful or not. A good example is my experience before where I downloaded two games with both have medium level of ads(full screen video and banner) but only one was reported harmful because of excessive ads just because it do location advertisements(location permission) while the other one don't.
Only VPN is what I consider acceptable but you have to choose wisely on what VPN service you want to use.
Only VPN is what I consider acceptable but you have to choose wisely on what VPN service you want to use.
"Counterclank" ...Never heard of that one before. Good ol' AppChina. 
I think if you're looking at apps from outside of Google or Amazon, i.e. you're sideloading from whatever untrusted sources, you might need some kind of security. This is what comes with an Oppo phone, which does have a malware scanner included.
I think if you're looking at apps from outside of Google or Amazon, i.e. you're sideloading from whatever untrusted sources, you might need some kind of security. This is what comes with an Oppo phone, which does have a malware scanner included.
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bradhaddin81
Lurker
To secure your online identity you must use VPN otherwise your internet information can easily use by hackers. I also use VPN for android which protects my online movements.
LauraSmithMS
Newbie
I must say if you use the internet via your phone then you must use antivirus plus a VPN to hide your online details and to kick the spying eyes on the network so basically a VPN for Android is for internet security and privacy and to get access to blocked and geo-restricted websites. As far as antivirus is concerned it is a must for every device how can you even ask about it? LOL
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Which Chinese or Indian security(data mining) company do you work for?
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AZgl1500
Extreme Android User
ummm, Android does not need an Anti-Virus program on it, and I am highly suspicious of any company that wants to push such a program on you.... IMO, all of them are Data Miners and want to sell your private info.
As for VPN? the only time you will need that is if you are using WiFi away from your own home locked WiFi router. If you are using OTA data from your carrier, there is no need for it at all...
FWIW, I am using PureVPN, but, I rarely turn it on anymore as I don't get out and about as much as I used to. Besides, Google is a PITA when it thinks you are from Hong Kong, I can't read Mandarin or Dutch, or German....
LauraSmithMS
Newbie
Are you saying Android doesn't need an antivirus? I lost my Android tablet because of the fatal virus which hits it till death, and that time I was relying on the free basic version of antivirus which was even not updated, so what else could be the reason of the infection? I am not saying to install any other 3rd party antivirus but to use a manufacturer provided antivirus, like Samsung has its own smart managers including Anti-malware etc. As far as VPN is concerned my main purpose is to use it to access Netflix US when I am outside the country.
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AZgl1500
Extreme Android User
If you never install an app that does not come from the Play Store, the phone will not get a virus.
IF, however, you click on one of the advertisements that show up on the bottom of an app, those can sometimes install a rogue malware that causes weird overlays on the screen... those somehow get embedded into the OS partition.
I don't go surfing around the world on my phone to strange lands, especially anything that is in China. I stay with known good websites, I use Ghostery as my browser, and it takes care of me.
None of my Android phones have any kind of an AV program on them. Most of them are Data Miners selling your HIPPA info.
* Browser Ghostery Privacy Browser - Android Apps on Google Play
IF, however, you click on one of the advertisements that show up on the bottom of an app, those can sometimes install a rogue malware that causes weird overlays on the screen... those somehow get embedded into the OS partition.
I don't go surfing around the world on my phone to strange lands, especially anything that is in China. I stay with known good websites, I use Ghostery as my browser, and it takes care of me.
None of my Android phones have any kind of an AV program on them. Most of them are Data Miners selling your HIPPA info.
* Browser Ghostery Privacy Browser - Android Apps on Google Play
Phalon4
Android Enthusiast
I would recommend that you research websites from www.whois.com before having your device IP address bounce around in 3rd party web trojans. AdBlock browser app is a good search tool to use because it helps keep cookies from being embedded into your device search system. Lookout antivirus security is another to help with stock device browser. But if you not familiar with a site it's best not to browse there. Fyi porn sites are notorious for having spyware and trojans that will creep into your device and set up camp that will be hard to get rid of. And for most of all only install apps from Google Play Store and it's not recommend to install apps that has been blocked that you would have to go into your Settings to install apps from unknown sources.
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LauraSmithMS
Newbie
you are right some webistes have malicious pop-ups that could also be the reason, but even though Google play store has also some malicious apps that I hesitate now to download even if they seems alluring because of untrusted developers I don't want to lose my phone again
KateTaylor
Lurker
I never installed any other antivirus other than provider's basic version but never faced any virus issue, VPN is not for virus or malware it is an encryption tool so it depends on why you want to use it
kristmitche86
Newbie
Yes, From the start of Android phones they have a security problem which is very much resolved now but still many Android phones and devices are getting hacked and it looks me that VPN is the last choice we have otherwise nothing else.
AZgl1500
Extreme Android User
not one of my Android phones has ever been hacked, nor has it acquired a virus on it.
the only way for that crap to happen is for the user to click on one of the popups that come with Free Apps....
I did that once accidentally with big thumbs that touched while I was not looking....
picked up one of those overlays that insist I buy some kind of game.... and it would not go away.
FDR and it got fixed.... to never, ever, happen again. I now have "Insurance"
it is called a blank moat of nothing around all edges of the phone so that my fingers don't overlay it enough to activate apps.