security

[ds2306]

Since I am new to this OS I would like to know if there are any threats out there that could harm the OS and if there are any what do i do to prevent them
Although i know android is based on Linux which means it very much secure already
But still better safe than sorry

 

[Deleted User]

Hello, welcome to the world of android! I did start out by having an AV installed but have read so much about them being more trouble than they are worth with battery life for example. I now don't have one on my s2 at all. If you are careful what you download or click on there can't be too much damage to be done. As with a pc you just have to be smart with what you do.

 

[nieltab]

You dont have to worry. Just dont download those chinese apps and check the amount of downloads and ratings.

if you stick to google play youll be fine.

 

[chanchan05]

I have Avast installed, but for the anti theft features not for the antivirus.

 

[annebrooks64]

I think of mine the same way I think of my laptop. Only download from known sources, don't click on suspicious links in messages etc.

 

[Hadron]

If you look in the Android Things to Know sticky in this forum (http://androidforums.com/showthread.php?p=3864016) it includes a link to a thread on understanding app permissions and avoiding malware.

As others have said, the main thing is being careful where you install stuff from. Google's store is pretty safe, whereas some site offering pirate copies of paid apps is very likely to be full of malware.

 

[ds2306]

Ok so considering a hypothetical situation:
If I have a infected file on my windows pc and if I send that file to my android phone will it affect my phone in any way??

 

[Hadron]

Android and Windows are completely different operating systems, so if you mean will Windows malware do anything to your phone, the answer is no.

Obviously if you have android malware on the PC and load it to your phone, that's a different matter. Even then though you need to actually install it.

 

[chanchan05]

You could have 10GB on Windows viruses and malware on your phone and it won't do anything other than give you memory low warnings if you are near your limit. You could possibly infect other PCs though, but not so sure since Android now uses MTP not mass storage.

 

[Davdi]

AS already said, check permissions before installing, and if you're not happy with what's wanted, don't install it. For example, if a (say) music player wants to access your contacts list, make calls and send texts I'd be VERY wary as phone functions are not necessary to the app's stated purpose.

(There's supposed to be a Russian video player that wants to make calls and sent texts. It sends texts to premium rate numbers at $5 a time).

Email the developer to ask for an explanation. I've done this a few times, and got a polite response with an explanation. Doesn't mean I trust it though.