Android malware?

[irregularjoe]

I'm new to smartphones but not computer tech. So my first question is: Are there viruses/ malware worries with Android? Do you need some kind of antivirus app?
All replies appreciated,
Joe
Edit: I'm not sure where to post this. If there's a more appropriate place, please let me know.

 

[gonzoguy24]

I do not think there are any that are known yet. I would say...google it. Also...do not download apps from unknown developers and then same as you would on a computer do not click suspicious links etc etc...I worry about this too but I think that we will hear about it if an issue arises! Hope this helps

 

[irregularjoe]

I do not think there are any that are known yet. I would say...google it. Also...do not download apps from unknown developers and then same as you would on a computer do not click suspicious links etc etc...I worry about this too but I think that we will hear about it if an issue arises! Hope this helps

Thank you.

 

[beitinsw]

There are a few apps that "give" you a photo (e.g., a photo from your favorite pro sports team) after every phone call. Somehow this allegedly charges $.99 each time. I'd avoid that crap.

Just read the comments for each application. They are usually pretty honest (or brutal if necessary).

 

[Carl C]

There are a few apps that "give" you a photo (e.g., a photo from your favorite pro sports team) after every phone call. Somehow this allegedly charges $.99 each time. I'd avoid that crap.

Just read the comments for each application. They are usually pretty honest (or brutal if necessary).

Yes these photos are called "Ring Clips" and can be found on the Market under the name "Ring Clips". However , the same Developer has some games called Taps 7 , taps 10 , taps 120 , taps etc.... Which are known to show them Pictures after calls too {So don't download these}

But It is NOT true that it charges for like every photo , Android does not allow this functionality to purchase / Charge stuff within apps. So your safe with that. Also , Theirs really no such thing as a virus for Android

Carl

 

[myAndroid]

In November we saw Mobile Spy come out with a version for Android. Mobile Spy has been labeled spyware by major AV vendors because it actively hides itself from the user and allows remote administration of the application and monitoring capabilities. Since then, in January, MobiStealth came out with a version for Android. Also in December Android developer Droid09 released a banking application into the Market that was phishing for back account information. As far as I know, Mobile Spy and MobiStealth are not and never have been available on the Market, so the user would have to allow the device to run apps that aren't downloaded from the Market. However, both of these apps require physical access to the device to install and for initial configuration, so making that simple change is not going to be difficult. The Droid09 app was quickly recognized for what it was and has since been removed from the Market, but not before an unknown number of users downloaded and installed the app. Requests to Google sent from AV vendors for Android asking for a sample of the phishing app have gone unanswered, so no signature has been created, at least that we know. Most reputable AV vendors for Android "should" have signatures for Mobile Spy and for MobiStealth. That's really all that we know about for Android at this point...if I'm missing anything, please someone let me know.

 

[myAndroid]

to answer irregularjoes final question about whether AV software is necessary, the answer should be yes. AV apps these days are non-intrusive (well, most of them). SMobile, for instance is quite affordable and offers tons of functionality outside of just AV. Look into it. But, as you mentioned you are familiar with PC security concepts, the same hold true for mobile. The technology is still based largely upon signature detection...so your mileage may vary.

 

[irregularjoe]

That's good info. I'll check it out. Joe

 

[nx1977]

Have wondered what happens if a malware app is found. Would Google tell us by way of a notification?

 

[deepearson]

Do you know of a good parental control / filter app for a Motorola Cliq from Tmobile? Android v1.5

 

[nx1977]

Get parental controls enabled by T-mobile.

 

[myAndroid]

Check out SMobile Systems. Their parental control & monitoring software suite is the best on the market. It's bundled with AV protection as well.
SMobile, Mobile Security Software, Exclusive BlackBerry Antivirus Provider

 

[myAndroid]

Have wondered what happens if a malware app is found. Would Google tell us by way of a notification?

No, they'll quietly take it down. No notification to users who may have even downloaded the malicious app, as far as we know.

 

[nx1977]

No, they'll quietly take it down. No notification to users who may have even downloaded the malicious app, as far as we know.

Well they dont even notify you f new updates to apps, so wouldnt be surprised.

 

[myAndroid]

Well they dont even notify you f new updates to apps, so wouldnt be surprised.

if you downloaded an application from Android Market, you will receive notifications in your notifications bar of updates that are newly available applications on your device. This happens all the time for me...

 

[nx1977]

if you downloaded an application from Android Market, you will receive notifications in your notifications bar of updates that are newly available applications on your device. This happens all the time for me...

Didnt on my Hero,or wife's Spica (both 1.5) but does perfectly well on my Desire running 2.1

 

[jan2lid]

I'm new to smartphones but not computer tech. So my first question is: Are there viruses/ malware worries with Android? Do you need some kind of antivirus app?
All replies appreciated,
Joe
Edit: I'm not sure where to post this. If there's a more appropriate place, please let me know.

I have been using Lookout for the last few days. It scans every app that you download. Not sure how effective it is however as this seems to be quite a new field in virus protection.