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Antivirus that you're using
- Thread starter archz2
- Start date
Common sense, checking permissions, being careful what I install and where from.
DragonSlayer95
Resident Air Bender
+1
chrisluger2012
Newbie
I am using Avira Antivirus which is the best in my opinion.
Italo
Android Enthusiast
+1
vosg
Android Expert
+1. You really don't need antivirus software if you use some common sense.
funkylogik
share the love peeps ;)
Not sure if I can claim to use common sense lol but I don't use an AV app. I don't feel it's necessary or even useful.
What can be really useful if, like me, you're too lazy to check an app's permissions is an app like this https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.appspot.swisscodemonkeys.detector
When you install an app it alerts you to ad push networks and any permissions that COULD* be used in a harmful way
*I say COULD because just because something is flagged, doesn't mean it's dangerous, that's when common sense comes in :thumbup:
What can be really useful if, like me, you're too lazy to check an app's permissions is an app like this https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.appspot.swisscodemonkeys.detector
When you install an app it alerts you to ad push networks and any permissions that COULD* be used in a harmful way
*I say COULD because just because something is flagged, doesn't mean it's dangerous, that's when common sense comes in :thumbup:
I use zoner.
The main reason is use these AV apps is because they provide me with a way to find my phone if it is lost or to do a remote wipe of the data. The anti-virus part just gives me a (false ?) sense of security and as long as it does not interfere with performance I do not object.
Zoner has an easy way to find/wipe my phone by sending a text message which I have tested out. You do not need to leave the battery eating GPS on for it to work; some find your phone apps require this. The Zoner text will turn the GPS on remotely. Also, you do not need a data plan to remotely control the phone (I do not have one).
I tried using AVG. This was a favourite AV for my PC. AVG requires that you log into a computer to try and find/wipe phone. Unfortunately it never worked well for me. Maybe it was because i did not have a data plan.
I also had a very horrible experience with Lookout. When I tried to test the find my phone feature, it bombarded my phone with text messages. I tried to uninstall it and it would not stop. I think I finally reset my phone. That was a few years ago so maybe it is fine now. Also, it could have been a specific problem with my particular phone. Android is like a box of chocolates; you never know what you're gonna get.
The main reason is use these AV apps is because they provide me with a way to find my phone if it is lost or to do a remote wipe of the data. The anti-virus part just gives me a (false ?) sense of security and as long as it does not interfere with performance I do not object.
Zoner has an easy way to find/wipe my phone by sending a text message which I have tested out. You do not need to leave the battery eating GPS on for it to work; some find your phone apps require this. The Zoner text will turn the GPS on remotely. Also, you do not need a data plan to remotely control the phone (I do not have one).
I tried using AVG. This was a favourite AV for my PC. AVG requires that you log into a computer to try and find/wipe phone. Unfortunately it never worked well for me. Maybe it was because i did not have a data plan.
I also had a very horrible experience with Lookout. When I tried to test the find my phone feature, it bombarded my phone with text messages. I tried to uninstall it and it would not stop. I think I finally reset my phone. That was a few years ago so maybe it is fine now. Also, it could have been a specific problem with my particular phone. Android is like a box of chocolates; you never know what you're gonna get.
Plus I use Bitdefender.
gregg1100
Android Enthusiast
I am careful in what I download from Playstore plus I have Avast, which is a free continuation from PC antivirus. Quite a few apps seem to want access to phone calls---WHY ???. There is no way some apps need that, so I don't usually use them. Been knocking off a good few that never get used now anyway.
funkylogik
share the love peeps ;)
That's usually so the app can close itself nicely when you receive a call. Most permissions can be explained :thumbup:
I've had Lookout on all my devices so far.
Guru82
Well-Known Member
Been trialing KS Mobile's CM Security. It's apparently pretty good at detection rate and is easy to use. Does contain things I'll never use, such as links to Clean Masters tools... Memory Boost meh. It also has anti-theft features; Locate, Yell and Lock. But I make sure I Set up Lock & Erase with https://www.google.com/android/devicemanager as well.
Edit: Also use a decent pin or pattern on lock screen. Making a pattern that is fast enough to unlock, but tricky enough to keep prying eyes out of your phone, until you send a beefy lock screen password with a please return message using Google Device Manager isn't that hard. Just send a local/home number and/or a family/friend mobile contact number for return. If you're really keen on a return you could also include a message that a reward amount is negotiable. If the person is indecent on the reward negotiation, it is theft and at least you'll have contact with the thief to report.
Android AV Test link: http://www.av-test.org/en/tests/mobile-devices/android/
Edit: Also use a decent pin or pattern on lock screen. Making a pattern that is fast enough to unlock, but tricky enough to keep prying eyes out of your phone, until you send a beefy lock screen password with a please return message using Google Device Manager isn't that hard. Just send a local/home number and/or a family/friend mobile contact number for return. If you're really keen on a return you could also include a message that a reward amount is negotiable. If the person is indecent on the reward negotiation, it is theft and at least you'll have contact with the thief to report.
Android AV Test link: http://www.av-test.org/en/tests/mobile-devices/android/
chanchan05
The Doctor
The Anti-Theft part is what's really needed, as well as the permissions checker, but that's about it. Sometimes I just am too lazy to read every single permission so I use Bitdefender Clueful (free app) to detect which of the apps have access to the outside world lol.
Other than that, Cerberus would do nicely. Those are the two that I have.
However I must say that some of the security features of these apps are pretty good for non-techy users who does not understand the permissions. Clueful for example rates some apps with internet connection green because it's needed for ads or for the app to work, but flags the app when it uses the internet to leak your device ID. It's easier to understand for the layperson. Anti-phising features of bitdefender and avast mobile also works well to prevent you from getting to known phising sites.
Basically, you get the AV app for all of its extra security features, not the AV itself. Lol.