So what is everyone's favorite security app of 2011- and why? I know some people think security apps are not necessary. If you feel security apps are not necessary, let us know why. Any security apps that don't work on the 3D? Don't keep that info to yourself! In light of the recent news reports about phone hacking, news about malware in the android market, and criminal activity concerning phones in general, I thought it was a timely subject to discuss. Please don't let the thread devolve into a flamefest! We are better than that!
Edit: I know the poll is kinda big but I made it big on purpose. I had no idea there were this many different security apps out there until I did the research for this poll and I figured I couldn't be the only one so I put em up here so others could find out about them too. If I missed your favorite app, I'm sorry! Just give a shout out for it in the comments!
Lookout is what ive had on my phone since evo4g release date. The guys know their stuff that make it. They were on cnbc special one night showing hacking in open wifi areas.
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Ive used Lookout and SmrtGuard on my 4G. But have not used any on my 3VO as of yet
Mobile Defense is probably the most reliable one I've used, it sucks that they are in limited beta though.
no need for security
NewZJ said:
no need for security
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It's nice to know you can access methods to: remote lock, track, alarm & wipe your phone when its not in your possession anymore.
That whole virus & malware mess (if we can even call it that) is easily avoided with the common sense app, I agree.
As for malware you don't really have to worry about anything atm. HTC has done a god job of patching all of the security holes they all use.
I think htc also may have something built into the phones to track then if they are lost but I doing know as I haven't set it up myself yet.
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xHausx said:
As for malware you don't really have to worry about anything atm. HTC has done a god job of patching all of the security holes they all use.
I think htc also may have something built into the phones to track then if they are lost but I doing know as I haven't set it up myself yet.
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I think its ties into HTC hub... When I set my account up it said something about "lost or stolen phone" can't confirm for sure but yeah they have something within the phone its self
3D > iClone
Noiro said:
It's nice to know you can access methods to: remote lock, track, alarm & wipe your phone when its not in your possession anymore.
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Yea you can do all of that with HTCSense. com
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I think you need to put AndroidLost on that list. That app is great.
Isn't there a setting in our devices by default that allow you to find a lost or stolen Evo 3D? I haven't played with it and know nothing about it. I just remember disabling it because I heard it sucks your battery down pretty quickly.
Htcsense.com website is the one built into phone... Right now its a huge disappointment as many have reported it not working. It is in beta and when it works 100% it will be a great asset
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I'm curious to see what people recommend for lost phone apps.
robnelle said:
So what is everyone's favorite security app of 2011- and why? I know some people think security apps are not necessary. If you feel security apps are not necessary, let us know why. Any security apps that don't work on the 3D? Don't keep that info to yourself! In light of the recent news reports about phone hacking, news about malware in the android market, and criminal activity concerning phones in general, I thought it was a timely subject to discuss. Please don't let the thread devolve into a flamefest! We are better than that!
Edit: I know the poll is kinda big but I made it big on purpose. I had no idea there were this many different security apps out there until I did the research for this poll and I figured I couldn't be the only one so I put em up here so others could find out about them too. If I missed your favorite app, I'm sorry! Just give a shout out for it in the comments!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
look out is good tho only reason you would need a anti virus is if u are going crazy with the random apps on the market which have spy ware in them. Linux is pretty much virus free the only way you could get something is if you give it permissions to do so. I never need a anti virus.
Anyone familiar with "Phone Locator Pro" (https://market.android.com/details?id=com.rvo.plpro)? It looks pretty nice, too bad they don't have a trial. :/
I use AegisLab Antivirus Free, the option Appscan is outdated.
Scan is pretty fast and lightweight, and according to author, they will support SD card scan soon.
I got Seekdroid on the amazon app store when it was the free app of the day and it seems to work really well. Plus, the website interface is very good/easy.
I believe they also just released a free "lite" version of the app if any want to check it out.
I was using lookout, but am trying myphone without it to see if it saves any battery..but may end up putting it back on, even if it doesn't work as some say, having that sense of mind that you're phone is "protected" is kinda relieving
Just came out today guys.....tell me what you think.Tektrak works on iOs and android. Can't be removed from phone.Awesome
http://www.androidpolice.com/2011/0...otection-with-ios-for-a-full-family-solution/
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wonder how they stack upto theft aware
I use lookout + lbe privacy guard
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Related
I'm curious how many actually use an antivirus on there phone and if so which and why I've used lookout and anti-virus free but I'm looking for a battery efficient app that actually does its job properly all the time thanks for any input
My opinion, they're generally worthless, battery killing, problem causing programs.
The only good thing about lookout is the lost phone feature, which can be done with far better apps that are designed just for that.
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juhde said:
My opinion, they're generally worthless, battery killing, problem causing programs.
The only good thing about lookout is the lost phone feature, which can be done with far better apps that are designed just for that.
Sent from my DROID X2 using XDA Premium App
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Just dont download sketchy stuff
slowz3r said:
Just dont download sketchy stuff
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Seriously. No anti virus will protect you from everything. And I think it is worthless for phones at this time.
Awesome info and since getting the dx2 I haven't had one or felt the need on my fassy I tried others and never felt like it was doing me any good so I was curious I don't feel the need for one other then outside/3rd party apps is there a safe way to work threw those type of apps thanks
The best thing you can do for security is make sure you don't have any networks stored as netgear or linksys because if it finds that network in a public place it will connect to it and someone can packet sniff your passwords
If you are going to connect to a wireless network in an airport, always ask someone what network is the airports, people can set up laptops or cell phones for the purpose of tricking people to connect to them so they can packet sniff you
http://www.blog.jbi.in/security/firesheep-a-packet-sniffer-that-creates-security-nightmare/
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I used lookout which actually checks each apk to make sure that the should aren't known culprits.
Running a mobile phone with android without anti-virus protection is asking for trouble. Would you run your home machine without it? Android malware has picked up 300% in the last 4-5 months with rootkits and all sorts of nasty things coming down the pipe. Here is a site with some of the more recent stuff listed for androids: http://community.ca.com/blogs/securityadvisor/default.aspx
I've ran lookout, avg, and kaspersky mobile so far and have had 2 instances where lookout and kaspersky reported issues with software upon installing.
A rundown of what's out there and some reviews of them would be wonderful but I haven't come across a site with it yet. If someone else has please chime in...
On my windows machine i have one, on my linux system i don't,, on my android (linux) phone? Not a chance, make sure your permissions are alright, use your head keep a nandroid backup and you don't have to worry
Oh and on your link there the only "scary" thing said specifically that it was for windows based systems
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PnoT said:
Running a mobile phone with android without anti-virus protection is asking for trouble. Would you run your home machine without it? Android malware has picked up 300% in the last 4-5 months with rootkits and all sorts of nasty things coming down the pipe. Here is a site with some of the more recent stuff listed for androids: http://community.ca.com/blogs/securityadvisor/default.aspx
I've ran lookout, avg, and kaspersky mobile so far and have had 2 instances where lookout and kaspersky reported issues with software upon installing.
A rundown of what's out there and some reviews of them would be wonderful but I haven't come across a site with it yet. If someone else has please chime in...
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If you don't instal shady software, you won't have a problem.
Sent from OH MY GOD IS THAT A SQUIRREL!
juhde said:
If you don't instal shady software, you won't have a problem.
Sent from OH MY GOD IS THAT A SQUIRREL!
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You're seriously naive and have no clue about being security conscious in this day and age.
Google took down a ton of applications from its own appstore because of being infected with malware and then some more later on that contained a rootkit. Did any of those application fit your definition of "shady"?
The world as we know it is not a rosy place to shrug off protecting your investments and hard earned cash. If you chose to be that way then so be it but giving bad advice is not smart.
P.S. I have some swamp land in Florida I'll sell you CHEAP so send me some $$ to my payal account and I can forward you over the details after payment is made.
PnoT said:
You're seriously naive and have no clue about being security conscious in this day and age.
Google took down a ton of applications from its own appstore because of being infected with malware and then some more later on that contained a rootkit. Did any of those application fit your definition of "shady"?
The world as we know it is not a rosy place to shrug off protecting your investments and hard earned cash. If you chose to be that way then so be it but giving bad advice is not smart.
P.S. I have some swamp land in Florida I'll sell you CHEAP so send me some $$ to my payal account and I can forward you over the details after payment is made.
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You're the naive one, I've been running android for nearly 3 years and never had a single problem, because I don't run around installing crap just because it looks cool. You obviously do since your super cool and necessary anti virus apps have found at least 2 problems in your phone.
Sent from OH MY GOD IS THAT A SQUIRREL!
They Couldn't Hurt My Credit Score If They Took My Information, Actually They Might Improve It For Me.
First of all, android is linux base so there are no viruses known to be around. If you want a battery management, then I suggest using Juice Defender Ultimate.
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Furioustylez said:
First of all, android is linux base so there are no viruses known to be around.
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ROFL
Edit : that guys other posts are just as hilarious and uninformed
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I highly recommend LBE Privacy Guard as an extremely useful security tool. It will classify your installed apps in three categories, Untrusted, Trusted, and System. Any app you are unsure of you keep its default Untrusted status, and you can edit it's custom profile to disable any privileges you see fit. Just got a Cartwheel counter app you are unsure of and it requires internet and identity info to install? You simply edit the LBE profile after installing to disable the app's access to internet, etc. Any time an untrusted app tries to use a permission a simple pop-up appears with an allow/disallow. This action can also be set as default for every time the app calls on this function. Very robust, highly recommended, and COMPLETELY FREE.
That said it might not do anything to protect from the more advanced malware that might be out there, but is a great defense for the more simple ones.
Just no. Seriously.
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Furioustylez said:
First of all, android is linux base so there are no viruses known to be around. If you want a battery management, then I suggest using Juice Defender Ultimate.
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That is wrong. There is malware for android because it has become so popular, and it is designed to be simple but it gives the apps more control.
Honestly, I used to use one but since I read ratings and am stingy about what I install, I figure I am fine.
When they say "malware", its referring to apps that steal your personal info. So like I said there before, no viruses for linux base products.
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Hate to disagree with you but the proper definition of malware is:
mal·ware/ˈmalˌwe(ə)r/
Noun: Software that is intended to damage or disable computers and computer systems.
Now, there most definetely is malware for android. You just have to be conscientious of what you install.
hey people,
i have been reading as of late that cyber crime has been increasingly growing on smartphones. should i install AV protection on my atrix is the question.
what is your opinion?
No.
As long you don't download warez apps - you are safe.
Something I've been wondering about is video files. I get a lot of video files from questionable places and I'm just wondering if these can ever contain anything malicious. Any thoughts?
I use Lookout, if you ever install third party or non-Market apps I would recommend it, although in 14+mo I have only found one app it flagged as malicious as I was trying to install it.
It's a great question to ask.
All my apps come from the Android Market, but I browse the net a lot.
Most of it is normal websites, but I still wonder if and when it will become "necessary". (then again there's always the emails)
Especially since Android is growing, and not all hackers are friendly...
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Coming from CrackBerry site where everyone touts BB security and thinks there is someone on every street corner just waiting to hack your phone.. I've wondered this as well. However.. I've yet to read of anyone ever having their financials stolen due to cellphone hackery. Of course.. anything's possible.. but I think as long as your smart about WHAT your downloading and from where.. there shouldn't be any issues. Most of the Trojans out there come direct from China and aren't being plagued in our Market.. yet. At least Google's good about yanking apps that are deemed malicious when they do discover them.
^ The only one that really caught my attention was the wallpaper malware incident a while back.
I'm pretty good at trying to figure out why an app needs permissions, but the average user doesn't care which IMO is kinda scary...
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Android security problems are GREEEEEATLY exaggerated. When the media finds one malware app, they start spreading the news all over the internet.
Though, in 99% of cases such app isn't even on the Android market.
Well guess what? Same goes for iPhone - if you jailbreak and install an app outside the iTunes market that contains malware - you get screwed.
So yeah, the only way to get malware is by installing something from an untrustworthy source.
Additionally, you can use an app like Permissions Denied to monitor / retract permissions from untrustworthy apps.... or better yet - just don't install such apps in the first place. There are always alternatives for everything.
Howdy, folks.
I'm in a position where I might need to deploy a couple dozen or more Android handsets to field sales reps with specific software preinstalled.
My problem is how to secure either the individual applications in question such as my POS and payment gateway software which have confidential business information such as account numbers, passwords, item, pricing, description, or other data from being changed.
Is there an Android app that would enable me to prevent users from viewing or manipulating various programs or config files or from installing unauthorized applications from the Android Market or sideloads? Or, perhaps there's an app that just locks down the entire phone, disabling any installation, deletion or manipulation of applications?
I think y'all know what I need. Let me know if I'm not clear.
Thanks in advance!
Wow. I'm surprised nobody has a solution for this. So there's nobody out there supporting Android in a corporate environment that has to protect custom apps or keep certain data or settings from prying eyes?
Really, really? Nobody out there has had to lock down Android phones for corporate deployment?
The best bet would be to talk to the provider/manufacturer directly. Our handheld mobil devices (intermec) were purpose built and more restricted than most.
Hard to find answers for locking down your phones here, as most people are probably here to get around manufacturers restrictions.
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baboonsRus said:
The best bet would be to talk to the provider/manufacturer directly. Our handheld mobil devices (intermec) were purpose built and more restricted than most.
Hard to find answers for locking down your phones here, as most people are probably here to get around manufacturers restrictions.
Sent from my ADR6300 using xda premium
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This isn't the sort of project that a manufacturer would be interested in, or I could afford to work on with them. It'd be only a couple dozen or so handsets, which is not volume enough for any OEM to bother with.
As to where I'm asking, ****... I figured this'd be the BEST place, 'cause y'all know how to get around everything so any recommendations would be pretty airtight.
I know theres pleanty of apps that will allow you to lock certain apps so they cant be opened unless you enter a password. I dont think this is does all of what youre asking but i think its the best thing youll find.
Locking down acess to certain settings within your POS app would have to be something that is an included feature of the app. Im pretty sure a third party app woulldnt be able to do it.
BillTheCat said:
This isn't the sort of project that a manufacturer would be interested in, or I could afford to work on with them. It'd be only a couple dozen or so handsets, which is not volume enough for any OEM to bother with.
As to where I'm asking, ****... I figured this'd be the BEST place, 'cause y'all know how to get around everything so any recommendations would be pretty airtight.
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Click to collapse
Just trying to help out. Next poster is right though, pos software should have its own security built in.
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I'm no dev, but maybe root, uninstall vending apk(market), install app locker, unroot, and maybe go with at&t...their phone won't allow installing non market apps(I think). A dev might even be able to make a rom that will restrict usb to charge only...that seems like a good start.
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Lots off "App Protectors" in the Market
What's the best app on the android market for locating a stolen phone?.
I'm looking for something which can relay the approximate phone location (based on gps/wifi) and lock the phone. Also, being operate with a different sim card would be a plus.
TIA.
I use Avast Mobile Security. I haven't tried any other ones, but Avast has all the features you mention (locate, lock on new sim) and a bunch more. It can be activated by texting the phone, which is nice. It's free.
Thanks.
Have you tried to see if it actually works, say, by texting it and checking if it relays the phone position?.
The apps which have caught my attention (so far) are Avast, Lookout, and Prey.
Haven't used any of these, so looking for feedbacks, and suggestions.
Cheers
Yeah I looked at Lookout and Prey a bit before grabbing Avast. Lookout isn't really free - it locks you out of features the other apps have unless you pay an annual fee. The big difference seemed to be that Avast is more SMS-based than the others. I mean, you can activate any of them by SMS, but Avast responds by SMS, whereas it looks like the others just update their respective websites. I think this is a big advantage for Avast - a thief might turn off wifi / data, but he's probably not going to keep the phone in airplane mode. It might be a problem if you can't find someone else's cell phone to use, but really, it's 2012 here, that's not going to happen.
Also, if you're rooted, Avast has an option to avoid uninstall even after a hard reset. I haven't rooted yet, though, so I haven't tried it out.
I haven't tested any of them, actually. Just blindly trusting the developers.
Thanks.
Prey seems to have promise, but the reviews on the market are discouraging. Might give Avast a loko then .
Cheers
Look at cerberus , I use it and think it is top notch!
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Thanks. Cerberus is a free trial for one week, and need to buy license afterwards.
mike_1111 said:
Thanks. Cerberus is a free trial for one week, and need to buy license afterwards.
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It is worth the investment in my opinion
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http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1536518
anyone knows how does avast compare with androidlost? pros and cons?
If its already lost or stolen you csn remote install plan b Google it.
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using cerberus right now. so far so good. i have tried to take a picture, sound the alarm from the cerberus website and it's worked. lucky for me because i got the full licences for free
joeTaco said:
I use Avast Mobile Security. I haven't tried any other ones, but Avast has all the features you mention (locate, lock on new sim) and a bunch more. It can be activated by texting the phone, which is nice. It's free.
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thanks for sharing.
Please use the Q&A Forum for questions &
Read the Forum Rules Ref Posting
Moving to Q&A
The best one for sure is calle Got Ya! it take a picture of you when you dont know the the lock code and e-mails it to you instantly. you can secretly text the phone "where are you" and i will text you back with a google map link of the exact location. I've had it on both phones for like 3 months and I just love it.
what's the difference between the lite and paid version?.
the snapshot feautre is nice, but only if the mobile has front facing cam (mine doesn't).
A few relevant links:
anti droid theft: http://www.antidroidtheft.com/
http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/6-apps-lost-android-phone/
http://lifehacker.com/5643460/how-t...cover-your-stolen-laptop-or-android-with-prey
Hi Guys,
We know they exist, we get warnings in the news and on internet but I never met anyone who had a virus on his/her phone. And I live in China (Shanghai) with 30 Millions people. I'm starting to wonder if it's really important to have an anti-virus app. Of course wisdom tells me it just need one virus to make it worth. But with all the crazy phone people that are here, there must be someone who had a virus at some point. If so, what kind of virus? How many? And do you think an Anti-virus app is really necessary? Are you using one? Are you wearing condoms?(Whoa forget that last one, too many questions.)
I don't have one for the moment but maybe after reading your comments I'll get one. Will see.
I personally dont use one. Antivirus can (should) detect mallitious apps that might take advantages of user permissions and send sms, call someone or steal personal info without notice. Also almost all antivirus solutions offer anti theft protection (not so useful as it sounds).
My oppinion is that they are not worth the ram ussage if you are not installing free cracked apps from unofficial sources which is the most common place to install malicious app by mistake.
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No. I don't have any anti virus apps too. I feel it is unnecessary.
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Using smartphones for 10 years.
never needed oe used an antivirus program (except one occassion, to briefly see its features)
So any of you know someone who had a virus?
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Had once in symbian Commwarrior.A but never installed virus soft.
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I don't think I need one! I don't do online banking from my phone! Other than that It will slow down the phone unless you are not doing something dodgy.
I put an Anti Virus on my first Android phone as I fell for all of the scare tactic bull**** companies give you to download their products, but no, I don't on my S3 and never have. If you ask me and probably half of the XDA members, most Android "viruses" are non existant, and are mentioned to scare you into buying their products (most have a paid version that will "scan better"). As a matter of fact I've researched it quite a bit and only came across 2 legit Android viruses, both of which are from illegally downloading APK files from a non-google site.
So to answer your question, unless you download apps illegally, you're fine. Only Android security I spent money on is Cerberus Anti-Theft, it's really good should you get your phone stolen. The only downside is that you have to either have Data or WiFi on 24/7 so if it does get stolen you can access it from the control panel, but there is sadly no other way. Just make sure if you do spend your hard earned dollars on it that you get Titanium Backup or another equivalent so if you wipe your phone you don't lose it.
blackyz said:
Had once in symbian Commwarrior.A but never installed virus soft.
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Interesting, symbian is not as popular as Android.
What was the virus doing? I mean was it calling people or sending sms to your contact?
no, other that stealing nothign they could do,
but my visa is prepaid and my birthdate is senstive info.
Oh my... of course I have an antivirus app for my phone. In fact I have 10. My phone needs virus protection inception. If I don't have at least 5 antivirus apps on my phone, I won't feel remotely safe.
I typed this by hand.
Techniques said:
I typed this by hand.
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It's ok I can read by eyes.
I've been using avast for about 3 months now, having picked up anything, all about preference tho if you feel safer with it then just get one
I've never had antivirus, it just uses way to much CPU, RAM and unnecessary storage on your device. My phones never played up or messed up. I think its just a money making scheme tbh. It slows your phone down and is definitely not needed
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no, and i think it' not necessary an antivirus
if you know what you do you don't keep virus .... IMHO
Just be careful which apps you're about to downloa - don't install fart-soundsboards for example.
I use Lookout Mobile Security but mainly for the remote locate feature. It's free for up to two active phones in one account (account is tied to your e-mail).
Never had it report a virus though... don't think it hurts and never noticed it slowing down my phone, not even my previous HTC Desire
Eh, I ran Lookout when I first got an Android phone, but I don't think it ever accomplished everything other than introducing a slight delay after installing an application. I do run the JB-compatible version of LBE (which includes a ton of bloat - including an anti-virus), though, as I do like to block permissions, but I'd switch to PDroid in an instant if it were available for TouchWiz ROMs.
i think AV is useless on the phone.
had avast for sometime (got "scared"), other from a little battery drainage didn't feel slower or anything.
removed it to check battery stats without it and just figured it's useless...
as for anti-theft, you get apps that do just that, so no need for AV for anti-theft security.
Depends how confident you are as a smartphone user. If you check your app permissions (or if it is from a reputable enough dev), you shouldn't have any issues. As has been said above, cracked apps are the most dangerous, so be extra careful with those!
Also faik apps can't run hidden on android... so if you are an advanced user you should be able to check with a task manager what apps run in the background. If it isn't running in the background (and isn't your keyboard), then I doubt it can log your keystrokes etc.
So yeah, I don't use one. If phones get powerful enough such that the performance/battery impact is un-noticable, I'd probably install one (as I do on my PC - nod32), even though android is a more closed environment. If you're a noob who installs tons of cracked apps though (p.s. I'm not saying these attributes are necessarily linked lol), then of coure you should use one.