Do You Actually Need Mobile Anti-Virus

[SamuraiBigEd]

More importantly, if such a new kind of malware came out that was able to exploit an Android vulnerability in this way, having "antivirus" installed would not protect you from it.

This is not entirely true, if the software uses an advanced heuristics scanner it can detect "wild" viruses and malware. Will it catch every one, no but it can reduce your risk of exposure. I have had Eset NOD32 do just this on more than a few occasions on my PC, and the files submitted turned out to be new threats.

The truth is no anti-virus or anti-malware is fool proof, none of them catch everything even if it is known.

Your best antimalware isn't software. It's this:
http://androidforums.com/android-ap...explained-security-tips-avoiding-malware.html

Very good tip, by our own alostpacket! Thanks for linking to that.

In closing, considering the number of good free apps available in the Play Store if it gives someone peace of mind then go right ahead, and if it saves them anguish later even better.

 

[aysiu]

This is not entirely true, if the software uses an advanced heuristics scanner it can detect "wild" viruses and malware. Will it catch every one, no but it can reduce your risk of exposure. I have had Eset NOD32 do just this on more than a few occasions on my PC, and the files submitted turned out to be new threats.

The context was referring to just visiting a web page in the browser, not downloading a .apk. There are no known attacks of any kind like that in Android. If suddenly such a vulnerability was exploited, "antivirus" isn't going to magically protect you from it.

 

[Shocky]

You may need anti virus if your downloading applications from public torrent sites which is always a bit of a risk.

But otherwise no, if you trust the source of 3rd party applications your downloading then you don't need anti virus software.

It's hard to imagine getting a virus from anywhere else, Android is isnt popular enough, ie most virus/malware you will find online are targeted towards windows

 

[Kamau]

You may need anti virus if your downloading applications from public torrent sites which is always a bit of a risk.

But otherwise no, if you trust the source of 3rd party applications your downloading then you don't need anti virus software.

It's hard to imagine getting a virus from anywhere else, Android is isnt popular enough, ie most virus/malware you will find online are targeted towards windows

And that's hitting the mail on the head.
Android may not be as popular as Windows, but loot at how popular it is on the cell phone market. Then, remember how much more people are using their cell phones to do things they use to only do on a pc. There's a reason cell phones have cut into the computer market. Tablets and smartphones have started the home computer down a spiral staircase, so you can rest assured that malware & viruses will start their major ascent pretty soon.

 

[Shocky]

rest assured that malware & viruses will start their major ascent pretty soon.

I'm sure the amount of virus/malware out there for Android will increase but the question is will it ever be as bad as it is for windows where anti virus is required.

Probably not would be my guess, but only time will tell I guess.

 

[Crashdamage]

Again, just to be clear...There's NO active Linux or Android viruses. NONE. There is some malware, yes. Viruses are a type of malware, but not all malware is a virus. That's very important distinction to keep in mind. Viruses are a much more serious problem than other types of malware.

 

[Kamau]

http://www.androidauthority.com/find-and-call-spamming-app-android-ios-99897/

http://www.androidauthority.com/spa...otnet-found-targeting-android-devices-140870/

They may be small now, but they are starting to make their way into the linelight. I am not sying they are worth fretting over, but as I said all along, it won't be long before some kid with too much time on his/her hands will figure something out that will cause nothing but trouble.
They say that the price of freedom is eternal vigilance. Just something to chew on.

 

[aysiu]

That's still an app you have to choose to install yourself. It doesn't just magically appear on your phone.