Hi all,
I just happen to find out that avast releases a mobile security for android and I have been a big fan of avast antivirus until today,....it crosses my mind to ask all of you on your opinion about this one too...
Do We Need Any Kind of Mobile Security for an Android?
and if you think we should have it,
What Are You Using and Why Do You Think You Need It?
Thanks In Advance.....
Personally I have never used an Antivirus on any of my Android phones.
If you install apps from the Market or from any other source you feel is trustworthy, you shouldn't need an app monitoring everything on the phone. This is not Windows, so an antivirus would decrease the phone's performance, while the chances of actually needing it to take action are slim.
iR¡[email protected]!* via Tapatalk
bloodsuckingcomputer said:
Hi all,
I just happen to find out that avast releases a mobile security for android and I have been a big fan of avast antivirus until today,....it crosses my mind to ask all of you on your opinion about this one too...
Do We Need Any Kind of Mobile Security for an Android?
and if you think we should have it,
What Are You Using and Why Do You Think You Need It?
Thanks In Advance.....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I always kept Lookout on my previous phone, but because of available memory on X10's, I no longer do. I do have the apk on my sdcard and I've loaded Lookout and scanned and unloaded it a few times just to satisfy myself that it really isn't needed. And the more memory available, the better.
tal333
iridaki said:
Personally I have never used an Antivirus on any of my Android phones.
If you install apps from the Market or from any other source you feel is trustworthy, you shouldn't need an app monitoring everything on the phone. This is not Windows, so an antivirus would decrease the phone's performance, while the chances of actually needing it to take action are slim.
iR¡[email protected]!* via Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I never have one for my self either,but attracted avast for so long,leads me to asking such thing,thanks for your advice anyway,I think I won't be needing one too for now
TAL333 said:
I always kept Lookout on my previous phone, but because of available memory on X10's, I no longer do. I do have the apk on my sdcard and I've loaded Lookout and scanned and unloaded it a few times just to satisfy myself that it really isn't needed. And the more memory available, the better.
tal333
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is also one of the reason,why I never have any kind installed myself,unless if ever own a phone that comes with 2gb of ram,i'll be rest assured that my phone won't have serious memory shortage...for now I think, I'll pass.
Recovered my mobile data with the help of mobile security app
I use mobisecurity.net which i found to be best anti-theft application till now . It compatible for Android, Symbian and Blackberry.
Recently i lost my Symbian device but with the help of mobisecurity i could track the location and wipe all my personal data before anyone can misuse it. But later i easily recovered and restored it from my account. :good:
No, just use antithief if you like...
I used nod, Norton, avast ....
None of them detected only 1 virus but I keep tons of apps in my sdcard & all of them are cracked (can't buy apps in here, market unavailable )
Wasting CPU performance & ram :thumbup:
Sent for xda via tapatalk
# always wear your seat belt as it saved my life...:beer:
# sorry for English
I think the best antivirus is your brain. If you install apps from playstore than youre good. However some apps that has very low rating, downloads, or the description is very creepy could been harmfull.
I prefer idea that if you use apps like facebook, instagram etc. from playstore so you dont have to scan it with antivirus because they are from trusted developers and they have milions of download. So if they were defected or malware, they could be already reported.
If you install apps from untrusted sources they could contain mallicious code.
Conclusion: For daily user which daily use phone for calling, sms, facebook, gtalk and install "famous" or good known apps from playstore is antivirus useless because it is fast impossible to have malware on his phone. Using apps from other sites is good too but only if you can trust that site .
this is only my opinion. you will never have 100% security but it is fast imposible to catch malware on your phone.
Related
Anybody use an anti-virus or anti-malware app like Lookout or Kaspersky Mobile? Is it even necessary and do they have any adverse affects on functionality or battery life?
Never used any anti-virus apps in the 2 years I've been rooting my android phones. I've literally downloaded hundreds of zip files and flashed them onto my old moment and my current shift. Also I never use task killers.
Edit: Forgot to mention the effects on battery life, I cannot say for anti-virus on my phones but that is the reason I stopped using task killers, even if u kill the application it will keep trying to run in the background, same thing happens with the anti-virus apps. Plus the anti-virus app will pop up a notification asking you permission for everything, and scans every single last file you download. Correct me if I'm wrong just the experience I had bc i had to convince my gf family to take the anti-virus/task killers off their phones bc it was just wasting their battery life.
DWake014 said:
Edit: Forgot to mention the effects on battery life, I cannot say for anti-virus on my phones but that is the reason I stopped using task killers, even if u kill the application it will keep trying to run in the background, same thing happens with the anti-virus apps. Plus the anti-virus app will pop up a notification asking you permission for everything, and scans every single last file you download. Correct me if I'm wrong just the experience I had bc i had to convince my gf family to take the anti-virus/task killers off their phones bc it was just wasting their battery life.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's what I'm wondering. I don't mind the pop-ups every time you download something but if it saps battery life, that would be a deal-breaker for me.
No noticeable difference with battery life. I use lookout only for locating phone and to make phone alarm from a secure web site. Once htcsense fixes/ improves their beta program of performing these same tasks I will use that
Sent from my PG86100 using XDA App
Lookout is a must have
Sent from my PG86100 using XDA Premium App
I have used lookout several times and have not noticed any effect on battery life.
Sent from my PG86100 using XDA Premium App
I'm using NetQin Mobile Security Pro (it's free in the market)... Haven't really tested it much but seems really smooth and has a lot of positive reviews. It gives you a lot of options like managing data traffic, backup contacts, and phone finder (some extra features require pro membership). But yeah... It's not all that important with Android but there is always a slim chance you download a malicious app or something, never know.
I have lookout running and haven't noticed any real extra usage in battery because of it.
I used to use Advanced task killer but found it more of a nuisance. Never worried about anti-virus since everything is screened by google before being hosted in the market and if something gets by the can remotely uninstall it, then a hard reset will fix anything that the app could have damaged.
bckoolaid said:
I used to use Advanced task killer but found it more of a nuisance. Never worried about anti-virus since everything is screened by google before being hosted in the market and if something gets by the can remotely uninstall it, then a hard reset will fix anything that the app could have damaged.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I thought Google let anything on their market, but screened apps brought to their attention by users or companies like Lookout. In fact, Lookout has reported many malicious apps in Google's market.
Plus a co-worker's wife was a victim of a malicious app from Google's market. It started making unwanted calls and texts. I think the extra safety net is worth the minor battery drain. I notice no difference in battery or performance. I still get well over 16 hours of battery (I still have 40% at that time). I use Lookout too since they seem to be the one reporting most malicious apps found.
So I've been using Lookout since yesterday and haven't noticed any difference in my battery life.
Just a quick tip for Lookout - you can schedule when you want it to scan all of your files in the settings. (for those concerned with battery life impact due to scanning).
Yup. I just have it set to scan once a week.
I use lookout and still get great battery life.
Sent from my 3VO using XDA App
Lookout is awesome. the way i see it, it scans my apps to make sure no bad app slipped through the cracks and most importantly i can "scream" my phone anytime from the website. also, the wipe feature is for premium customers but my thinking is that you could purchase at the time of losing the phone and still be able to lock and wipe the phone. definitely a must-have.
I use Lookout, I've used a few other anti malware apps and didn't like them. To many malicious apps on the Market to not have it.
Google only checks apps if they receive complaints.
Anybody have experience with Antivirus Free from Creative Apps? Seems to be less of a memory hog but I'm not sure how effective it is.
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.zrgiu.antivirus
Anyone tried Super Security Standard? I've seemed to have good luck with it and it only scans when I tell it to or when I dowloadan app.
Kaspersky is developing a great mobile solution as well. One of the, if not the best desktop antivirus solutions next to NOD32
VoXPCS said:
Kaspersky is developing a great mobile solution as well. One of the, if not the best desktop antivirus solutions next to NOD32
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They already have one. It's a paid app.
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.kms
I have noticed these chinese apps some how self installing on my S2.
Any idea how to get to the source of these unauthorized installs? (Lookout & AVG & NetQin don't detect them as malicious or find any reason for how they are getting on there).
Currently using KH3 + CFRoot.
Why do people give so little information when they post?
What Chinese apps? (Please provide a screen shot if the app name is in Chinese) .
This sounds really really bad.
Has this happened to any one else?
It should not be possible for this to happen.
Does your phone have any connection with China or have you installed any Chinese software?
If this is happening then you must have done something yourself to start the process. Nothing can install itself without your consent, unless there's malicious software that's bypassing the system and installing for you, but you would have had to install that first.
So, as above, a lot more information is needed. Personally, I'd just do a complete wipe and hard reset and never install anything from untrusted sources again, including warez, 3rd party app stores and the Chinese Market, which is known to have had dodgy software before now.
My friend got an S2 from China and it was preloaded with all those Chinese apps. Examples include QQ Security Suite and some other apps. I used Titanium Backup to uninstall but after each restart, the app re-appears!
I was surprised that Titanium couldn't uninstall. It says it uninstalled successfully but it just re-appears. The only thing I could do is to do a re-flash to a Hong Kong firmware without all those pre-loaded Chinese apps.
But before you wipe everything, please help us try and find out how it happened?
Again has this happened to any one else? Because I want to know if this could happen to my phone!
Mine also did this on stock rom i would uninstall samsung apps reboot and it would reappear on my menu. Is it possible the rom comes with an auto install script for the preloaded apps?
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA App
otester said:
I have noticed these chinese apps some how self installing on my S2.
Any idea how to get to the source of these unauthorized installs? (Lookout & AVG & NetQin don't detect them as malicious or find any reason for how they are getting on there).
Currently using KH3 + CFRoot.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you have CF-Root, you have super user installed. Review your permissions. You can also install LBE privacy guard and set permissions for all apps as well, including many system apps (you'll need to 'untrust' them first).
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA App
Sorry for the little information guys, was 5am and very tired
I deleted the second incarnation of the app as soon as I saw it (worried about personal details being taken etc.) however it if it reappears again then I will screenshot it.
Virus scanners don't detect them as malicious, when the program opened (after stealth install) I went through it, albeit in Chinese it looked like a legit program and the menu worked etc.
I have market 3.1.3 installed (got the apk off the internet) and a few apps that got removed from the market place (torrent clients and certain games I couldn't find etc.) so it could well have been put in them.
I'm thinking about a hard reset, not using titan backup to avoid it coming back and a re-flash.
Also my phone has no connection with China (purchased in the UK), this has only happened recently.
Is there any more info needed before reset etc.?
Looks like the suspect apps removed from the market may have been the cause.
Does anybody know if running as root alows all download apps to run with root permissions?
LouisJB said:
Looks like the suspect apps removed from the market may have been the cause.
Does anybody know if running as root alows all download apps to run with root permissions?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Issue is the damage seems to have been done, looks like I have no choice but to reflash etc. Need a virus scanner that has root so it can do a deeper scan.
Superuser is a lot like UAC on Windows Vista/7, it will popup and ask you to allow/deny.
Also is there any way to wipe the device while re flashing to ensure this gets removed?
I found a folder on my Internal Storage "QinqiQuan" (Google Image search pinpoints this as one of the apps) which translates in Chinese to English as "Infringement", however the app itself appears to be a legitimate Chinese social app so I'm not sure of my original concern regarding "Infringement" being copyright related etc.
Another few suspicious folders were "the9GameCenter" & "waze".
In future I'll be sticking the Market and official sites, even if that means doing without certain apps that aren't available on my handset/region
Isnt waze a community based sat nav app?
poults said:
Isnt waze a community based sat nav app?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The apps themselves appear legitimate, but I didn't authorize the installs which is what worries me.
I wiped internal storage, wiped data and then re-flashed + CFRooted.
Hopefully what ever it was, won't come back
And how about the security in your computer? As we know, you can install an app in your phone via your market account using your computer. Perhaps someone is playing around with your market account. If this is the case, changing your password would be a good idea.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA App
angelomaldito said:
And how about the security in your computer? As we know, you can install an app in your phone via your market account using your computer. Perhaps someone is playing around with your market account. If this is the case, changing your password would be a good idea.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I have changed my password and turned on all the Google security settings, albeit a bit of pain, does give peace of mind
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda premium
I doubt it matters but, I have an Evo 3D.
Lots of articles out there on Antivirus apps for phones and their (mostly personal blogs) opinions on them.
Thing is, I am not too worried about viruses, I mostly just install apps from the Google or Amazon appstore, and sometimes sideload from XDA, so my vector for viruses is pretty small.
I am more interested in remote access to find my phone if it gets lost and stolen, and I figured since many antivirus apps now support this feature too, I might as well get both in one package (although I am usually weary of "Jack of all trades, master of none").
So yeah, not hard to see that Lookout and Avast are the two most popular. While I don't care about the other features that Lookout gives you such as phishing protection, backing up contacts (Dosen't Google already do this with your G-mail account?) and call history, etc. It does have one feature I do care about.... remote lock. I wouldn't mind buying Lookout... but you cannot, its a monthly (or yearly) fee instead.
I don't mind paying for the best (although $3 a month for a phone seems kinda excessive for me) but I don't know what the "best" is, especially since everybody grades them on their antivirus features while its the lost/stolen phone features that I care about. Avast has nearly all of Lookout's features (at least the ones I care about) for free though, except for the recently added "Signal Flare" feature that I thought was a pretty good idea.
Which would you recommend if I purely care about the phone tracking features and the security is just a bonus?
P.S. Is there any way Avast can be remotely controlled through some PC client or web interface instead of SMS?
Also, any idea if once I root my phone, I can reinstall Avast with superuser permissions?
I read that Avast can survive even a hard reset if installed on a rooted device.
The only "security" app anyone should ever invest in is Cerberus Anti Theft. Nuff said.
Cyber Akuma said:
Also, any idea if once I root my phone, I can reinstall Avast with superuser permissions?
I read that Avast can survive even a hard reset if installed on a rooted device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can survive only avast anti theft but not avast anti virus
Sent from my GT-S5660
---------- Post added at 05:48 AM ---------- Previous post was at 05:44 AM ----------
Cyber Akuma said:
I doubt it matters but, I have an Evo 3D.
Lots of articles out there on Antivirus apps for phones and their (mostly personal blogs) opinions on them.
Thing is, I am not too worried about viruses, I mostly just install apps from the Google or Amazon appstore, and sometimes sideload from XDA, so my vector for viruses is pretty small.
I am more interested in remote access to find my phone if it gets lost and stolen, and I figured since many antivirus apps now support this feature too, I might as well get both in one package (although I am usually weary of "Jack of all trades, master of none").
So yeah, not hard to see that Lookout and Avast are the two most popular. While I don't care about the other features that Lookout gives you such as phishing protection, backing up contacts (Dosen't Google already do this with your G-mail account?) and call history, etc. It does have one feature I do care about.... remote lock. I wouldn't mind buying Lookout... but you cannot, its a monthly (or yearly) fee instead.
I don't mind paying for the best (although $3 a month for a phone seems kinda excessive for me) but I don't know what the "best" is, especially since everybody grades them on their antivirus features while its the lost/stolen phone features that I care about. Avast has nearly all of Lookout's features (at least the ones I care about) for free though, except for the recently added "Signal Flare" feature that I thought was a pretty good idea.
Which would you recommend if I purely care about the phone tracking features and the security is just a bonus?
P.S. Is there any way Avast can be remotely controlled through some PC client or web interface instead of SMS?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah
http://my.avast.com
But you need avast anti theft
After instal anti theft you can remove avast anti virus and instal other av protection. Avast anti theft still will be there in system partition to protect your phone/remote control
Sent from my GT-S5660
look at the price
Both products have a ton of features. But with Avast you get all the "extra" features for free. With Lookout, you need to pay to get all the features. And Avast *does* have a web interface for remote control (it didn't used to, but it does now).
And yes, Avast can even survive hard resets when installed on a rooted device.
droidnoid15 said:
Both products have a ton of features. But with Avast you get all the "extra" features for free. With Lookout, you need to pay to get all the features. And Avast *does* have a web interface for remote control (it didn't used to, but it does now).
And yes, Avast can even survive hard resets when installed on a rooted device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If Avast is anything like the PC version, you can shut down 8 out of 10 (or whatever the number is) shields, firewall, etc. with virtually no compromise. They are all over kill. You just need a file scanner that runs when an file or script is executed or copied to the device.
So on Avast for Android, can you turn off everything except Anti-Theft and the most primary/basic scanning function to minimize overhead and battery usage?
Does anyone know if avast anti theft features can be removed by doing a factory reset? I know cerberus can still wipe the phone as long as another rom isn't installed.
shiboby said:
Does anyone know if avast anti theft features can be removed by doing a factory reset? I know cerberus can still wipe the phone as long as another rom isn't installed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No they cannot be removed even with a factory rest if you have installed the Root version of Avast Anti Theft. This version goes in your system partition and is not deleted in a factory reset.
But if the ROM is changed or a Nandroid backup is restored which does not have your Avast Anti Theft installed then all features and control is lost.
Regards,
RaHBeR
I know that a Virus can be an issue on the nadroid phone but is a BIG issue? And if so which Anti-Virus woukd be ideal both as a free option and paid one, also taking into mind battery consumption and system footprint?
HunterKiotori said:
I know that a Virus can be an issue on the nadroid phone but is a BIG issue? And if so which Anti-Virus woukd be ideal both as a free option and paid one, also taking into mind battery consumption and system footprint?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
anti virus apps aint worth it.. i dont know anyone that uses them.. they deff kill ya battery..
HunterKiotori said:
I know that a Virus can be an issue on the nadroid phone but is a BIG issue? And if so which Anti-Virus woukd be ideal both as a free option and paid one, also taking into mind battery consumption and system footprint?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i use norton and yeah they're useful... it found 5 malware apps on my phone... and battery only uses 2 percent batt. so it doesn't eat a lot of bat.
HTC EVO LTE
Just use avg to scan New apps as they are downloaded-installed. Really the only way u can get viruses on your phone since android isn't an exe haven.
As for the active protection internet crap, it is just a battery killer. Unless u have problems clicking on viagra ads and browsing jailbaitvirusjailbreak.com... Who doesn't tho rite?
Sent from my EVO using xda app-developers app
These security firms pad their findings and make it look worse then it is, avg released a report last year about some 200 malware apps and neglected to mention they were apps that were sideloaded because the majority had already been removed by Google. These companies thrive on ignorance and fear.
So I'm guessing that anti-virus apps are kinda useless unless I'm installing apps that are not on google play right?
That's the short story...
There are phishing schemes out there too, so antivirus can help if you click on ads on accident or on purpose.
Best thing for that though is Ad-free or Adaway. They remove all ads from your phone whether it be thru the browser or in app.
You need to be rooted to use them, but they can be found on the playstore easily.
So, if you are looking for protection from apps not downloaded from google playstore then use avg or Norton, whatever u feel is the best. Keep in mind that all you need is the virus scanner and for it to be updated regularly. All the other bells and whistles contained within the programs are unnecessary.
There are only 2 ways you can get malware on your android phone. One is thru installing apks (apps). They are the executable files (exe) to windows. Unlike windows our android phone gets an install prompt to install the app as well, so u have a warning. If u didn't initiate the install or don't recognize what it is then don't install it.
Basically, if u only download your apps from google playstore you have nothing to worry about. Google scans all of the apps before they post them on play. Sometimes things get thru, but they are usually ridiculous apps made in Russia or other foreign countries. That's not to say a great app from the US won't ever sneak a virus in, but typically it doesn't happen.
Oh, and the other way malware can affect you is by clicking on ads. They are usually on sketchy sites anyways. These will be phishing schemes. The sole purpose of them is to obtain your personal info for financial gain.
Like I mentioned above, install Adaway, or adfree. If you have rom toolbox use the ad blocker in there. Or if you are not rooted then just don't click on any ads. If you do then make an educated decision before doing so. Good "phisherman" can disguise whole websites to look exactly like your bank's. Everyone can be fooled so just use your brain my friend.
Well, hope I answered your question thoroughly. I'm off to play some vidya games. Black Friday rules for game prices btw.
Good luck.
Sent from my EVO using xda app-developers app
So Google verify apps now has an always on scanning mechanism for catching harmful apps, but little is talked about if this is all you need now, negating the need for a 3rd party virus protector or not. So does anyone know what the ideal config is with this now?
Sent from my LG-D801
demoncamber said:
So Google verify apps now has an always on scanning mechanism for catching harmful apps, but little is talked about if this is all you need now, negating the need for a 3rd party virus protector or not. So does anyone know what the ideal config is with this now?
Sent from my LG-D801
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here's your protection: Don't install sketchy apps. That's literally 99% of avoiding issues. Get them from the Play Store or from recognized developers. Read the reviews. Don't install apps that have too many permissions that are not necessary (ie, like a racing game that needs full access to your contacts, accounts, can send SMS, etc). There are no viruses for android, but there can be adware and malware, though those are rare unless you just don't pay attention to what you are doing or installing.
Thanks, but that's all info I already knew.
I believe its naïve to have no protection at all. But it's also stupid to have two active virus/malware protectors as well. Which brings us back to my initial question.
Watch out and be smart, dont download your apps and contemt von every offering webpage. especially your sources for app and rom content are a bigplayer in getting malware or not. Dont get your stuff blinded and the google verify should be enaugh protection for you. - there is still no 100percent safe protection against getting malware/virus. Even if you got all highrated protector-apps out there alltogether.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
demoncamber said:
So Google verify apps now has an always on scanning mechanism for catching harmful apps, but little is talked about if this is all you need now, negating the need for a 3rd party virus protector or not. So does anyone know what the ideal config is with this now?
Sent from my LG-D801
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No there is no need of anti Virus , as android does not support .exe format so no virus (in simple words)
demoncamber said:
So Google verify apps now has an always on scanning mechanism for catching harmful apps, but little is talked about if this is all you need now, negating the need for a 3rd party virus protector or not. So does anyone know what the ideal config is with this now?
Sent from my LG-D801
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you check permissions of app before install, you don't even need AV. If an app requires access to vital data, like Contacts use XPrivacy to stop such permissions.
Ads are a bit like viruses. You can use AdAway or AdFree or Mothe of Ad Blocking to block them.
Sent from my GT-I9001 Gadget of Mass Destruction with CM11 using XDA Developers App.
The question I'm asking is, is the Google apk verifying as good as a virus protector or is it googles answer to built in virus/malware protection for android?
Sent from my LG-D801 using Tapatalk
demoncamber said:
The question I'm asking is, is the Google apk verifying as good as a virus protector or is it googles answer to built in virus/malware protection for android?
Sent from my LG-D801 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Few days back, there were some malwares on play store. (They removed it now). But google apk verify gives false positive. (like themer)
but to be on safe side install some good AV. I suggest Avast. It is free.
Personally I dont use any AV, but you can use whatever you want.
Sent from my GT-I9001 Gadget of Mass Destruction with CM11 using XDA Developers App.