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Sorry to post a new thread about this but I was searching the atrix forums and could not find anything on it. Any thoughts on anti virus apps such as lookout security a necessity? Thanks.
stevehkim said:
Sorry to post a new thread about this but I was searching the atrix forums and could not find anything on it. Any thoughts on anti virus apps such as lookout security a necessity? Thanks.
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I don't think it's worth it. I've only heard of really weak Android "viruses". I hardly see the point of antivirus for Android. As long as you stay on the Market and don't download anything that seems extremely weird I think you're ok.
BravoMotorola said:
I don't think it's worth it. I've only heard of really weak Android "viruses". I hardly see the point of antivirus for Android. As long as you stay on the Market and don't download anything that seems extremely weird I think you're ok.
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+1
seems like all it would do is slow your phone down and/or decrease battery life
although i should say I don't even have antivirus on my pc
I have Lookout and just have it running in the background and doing weekly scans and backups. You don't have to see it, and it doesn't even eat battery power.
For me, better to have it than not. Just in case.
Not worth it if your a flashaholic
Sent from my MB860 using xda premium
I was at the Android BBQ Cyanogen panel and someone asked this. Straight from the Master's mouth, unless you are going crazy downloading unknown sources from China you do not need it, it's ineffective.
2leaponover1 said:
I was at the Android BBQ Cyanogen panel and someone asked this. Straight from the Master's mouth, unless you are going crazy downloading unknown sources from China you do not need it, it's ineffective.
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Honestly, I think this is a bs statement for anyone to make. Any time you connect any device to a computer you risk a virus migrating/transferring/infecting that device. Any time you download anything from the internet, no matter the source, you risk a virus. Just because it came from the Market does not mean it's clean. Similarily, just because you flash a new ROM doesn't mean any virus you had will be gone. Wiping is no guarantee unless you completely wipe everything, which nobody does.
Many years ago people did not care about, or even know about, anti-virus on their home computers.......yup, big mistake! System crashes, personal information lost, important files lost/corrupted, remote management, identity theft, etc.
There is nothing wrong with employing anti-virus on your cellphone. It's an internet/wireless/network connected device, and should be treated just like any other such device.
Personally I use Lookout Premium. I have found it works well for me, and uses next to no resources. I can't speculate on other anti-virus for phones such as AVG as I haven't used them. The best offence is a good defence.
CaelanT said:
Honestly, I think this is a bs statement for anyone to make. Any time you connect any device to a computer you risk a virus migrating/transferring/infecting that device. Any time you download anything from the internet, no matter the source, you risk a virus. Just because it came from the Market does not mean it's clean. Similarily, just because you flash a new ROM doesn't mean any virus you had will be gone. Wiping is no guarantee unless you completely wipe everything, which nobody does.
Many years ago people did not care about, or even know about, anti-virus on their home computers.......yup, big mistake! System crashes, personal information lost, important files lost/corrupted, remote management, identity theft, etc.
There is nothing wrong with employing anti-virus on your cellphone. It's an internet/wireless/network connected device, and should be treated just like any other such device.
Personally I use Lookout Premium. I have found it works well for me, and uses next to no resources. I can't speculate on other anti-virus for phones such as AVG as I haven't used them. The best offence is a good defence.
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Yup Caleant is right. As a matter of fact they just recently(maybe a few months back) took down like 20 or more apps from the regular android market and some were quite popular too for being infected. I believe they were all infected with the dream virus or something like that. So that other statement that guy said about how you only need it if your installing from unknown sources or apps from china is complete BS!
android is based on linux do i have to remember you? ....
just be cautious and everything will be alright
Sent from my MB860 using xda premium
Ov3rd0se said:
android is based on linux do i have to remember you? ....
just be cautious and everything will be alright
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And then the same as any Linux kernel it will be succeptible to rootkits and various other security issues - how often is the Android kernel patched? (go have a look over at exploit-db...)...also there is java on top of that Linux kernel...therefore....
Another vote for using it here - I am running Bit Defender - its uses little to no resources and no battery and it is definitely better to be safe than make assumptions
+1 for Lookout, it actually has alerted me of malicious software and aborted the installation once before. Here is a good and recent example of just how easy it is for malicious apps to be downloaded from even the Android Market.
I did not use antivirus for my other phones as they either had very slow processor (backflip) or very little ram (x10) and they did slow the phone down. However, with the atrix, I do have a antivirus (lookout) and find it useful. I mean, come on, what do you lose? Also, i tried avg once, it flagged superuser as an unsafe app and told me usb debugging is a unsafe option. It was SO annoying i uninstalled it.
Its good but personally I don't use it.All my files go to my pc get scanned and then put to my phone.I backup almost everyday for good measure and I constantly switch between ROMs for fun so for me its not really a big deal,but for others it might be very important
I use kaspersky mobile security and wouldn't feel comfortable just installing apk's without some form of check.
sk8trix said:
Its good but personally I don't use it.All my files go to my pc get scanned and then put to my phone.I backup almost everyday for good measure and I constantly switch between ROMs for fun so for me its not really a big deal,but for others it might be very important
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All downloads and all data go through your PC first? This would have to include Market downloads, web pages you navigate to through your phone browser, etc. It's impossible to run all files through your PC first.
CaelanT said:
All downloads and all data go through your PC first? This would have to include Market downloads, web pages you navigate to through your phone browser, etc. It's impossible to run all files through your PC first.
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That's what I thought too when I read his post. Just smile and nod lol.
Virus and CM7
I'm running CM7 on my Atrix. All was going very well until recently when it stopped recognizing the car dock. I am not running an antivirus yet (which will change given the above posts, regardless of the answer to this question.
Could a virus have been the culprit?
No sir, I seriously doubt that.
I use androidlost
CaelanT said:
All downloads and all data go through your PC first? This would have to include Market downloads, web pages you navigate to through your phone browser, etc. It's impossible to run all files through your PC first.
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What I meant was about apps outside of the market and most things including apps I get outside the market.....things even from this site I download to my pc and scan.as far as internet well you're on your own but unless your on some porn site or torrent or creepy forums there isn't much chance to be hacked.I'm not in anyways saying that u shuldnt use lookout or apps like it but how many people can you name or even think of the top of your head that got hacked on their android device.....not a whole lot......
I heard about Lookout for checking CIQ on phone and saw that they have a security app. Also saw something by NetQin. I used to use BitDefender on my pc but then it got buggy.
My first smartphone and I'm paranoid. So do most people use a security/anti-virus app on their phone? If so, which do you suggest?
I've had more than my fair share of smart phones. This is my 4th one this year. As for me, I've never used a virus scanner on my phone or any of my computers. I'm just smart and make sure I don't download things I don't know what they are.
I've been using the free version of Lookout for about 3 years through an OG Droid, Droid 2, Droid X2, and now my Rezound. I've never had any issues with it. It seems to work the way it's supposed to.
Not really necessary. But it's up to you really, personal preference in this matter.
Yeah, I have read that Android doesn't propagate viruses, but seems like there would still be a chance of getting malware or spyware.
Also, does anyone worry about intrusions via bluetooth or something from another person even without using a trojan? I used to read about that ability years ago, where someone could go through your files and grab what they wanted via bluetooth. Is there a way for anyone to do that with our phones?
Heavily researched this the other day. Not sure if you're worried more about the malware side of life, or the potential of theft - but if you're looking to ID a perp for trying to gank your phone, nothing comes close to the feature set in Cerberus.
Android market link: https://market.android.com/details?id=com.lsdroid.cerberus&hl=en
Android Police review: http://www.androidpolice.com/2011/1...s-a-clear-winner-in-keeping-your-device-safe/
Hadn't even heard of it before last week, but after 10 minutes of messing w/ it, I was sold. Better than anything else in the market by far in terms of what it does & I can confirm everything is working on my Rezound. Also, it's only $3 and change. Can't beat that
Also, for reference, I previously used Prey, but I like this much better.
(Favorite feature is the front cam snaps that get sent to my email, each time my pattern lock is incorrectly swiped)
feralicious said:
Yeah, I have read that Android doesn't propagate viruses, but seems like there would still be a chance of getting malware or spyware.
Also, does anyone worry about intrusions via bluetooth or something from another person even without using a trojan? I used to read about that ability years ago, where someone could go through your files and grab what they wanted via bluetooth. Is there a way for anyone to do that with our phones?
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I wrote a paper on Bluetooth for school. Those attacks were fixed with Bluetooth 2.0
platinumthomas said:
I wrote a paper on Bluetooth for school. Those attacks were fixed with Bluetooth 2.0
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Hm... how does it do that, in layman's terms?
I'm paranoid a bit since our phones are now pretty much like laptops. I have my laptop on lockdown though and this is my first smartphone so I want to be sure I'm not leaving a security hole open for some nefarious character to take advantage of.
Well, I know I already mentioned Lookout, but I'm going to mention them again. These guys seem to know what they're doing. I mean, as this article states, Google trusts them enough to tell them what to remove from the market, so I would assume that they're pretty legit. Again, I've never had an issue with anything, and I've been running Lookout for a while.
The new avast!, which bought and incorporated Theft Aware, seems like the best option on the market to me....It's what I use.
dustintheweb said:
(Favorite feature is the front cam snaps that get sent to my email, each time my pattern lock is incorrectly swiped)
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Nice feature, I'm going to check it out just for that.
Check out Zoner
Sent from my HTC Rezound 4G using XDA premium.
I use lookout, been using it for over two years now on 4 android phones.
Sent from my rezound.
I've just recetly got the sgs2, great phone, but it cost quite a bit hence I'd like to get one or more apps on it to make it completely theft proof.
What do you guys believe are the best apps out there to make your phone theftproof?
Tasker. It will make it theft proof and hundreds of other things!
Sent from my Nexus S using xda premium
NicholasQ said:
Tasker. It will make it theft proof and hundreds of other things!
Sent from my Nexus S using xda premium
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As good as tasker is, I don't think it's a good choice for an easy solution to security. Theft aware and Cerberus are worth a look
What do u mean theft proof? If you leave it at a restaurant and someone takes it, goes into recovery and wipes it?
Sent from my MB860 using XDA App
benjo1989 said:
As good as tasker is, I don't think it's a good choice for an easy solution to security. Theft aware and Cerberus are worth a look
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Yea it's not easy but highly customizable. Take a look at brandals guide to tasker profile for phone loss.
Sent from my Nexus S using xda premium
firefox3 said:
What do u mean theft proof? If you leave it at a restaurant and someone takes it, goes into recovery and wipes it?
Sent from my MB860 using XDA App
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I'm so glad I have a Nexus One. With the newer versions of the BlackRose bootloader, you can't access recovery mode, flash anything, etc until you enter a user defined password
+1 for Theft Aware
firefox3 said:
What do u mean theft proof? If you leave it at a restaurant and someone takes it, goes into recovery and wipes it?
Sent from my MB860 using XDA App
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Rather the ability to get the device back in my own hands, having my personal information secured is a plus, but I'm mostly concerned about retreiving that expensive piece of phone.
I'll look into the suggested apps, thanks a bunch allready!
Android webkey. You get complete control of your phone from any PC. If your phone is stolen and you want to lock it you get set a pattern lock, or leave a message or go into google maps and see the location. Of course the other person will see this going on so you better hope the thief has it in his pocket when you do this!
How do Tasker and other apps mentioned here help prevent theft?
I'd recommend Avast security - they have an option to install an antitheft onto your root partition so even if someone does a factory reset the app keeps running
And you can make it play a siren, send messages, and track the guy. Best of all - you can uninstall Avast once you got the security thing running.
Firstly, get some software that allows you to track it, send messages, take pictures using the camera etc.
I recommend cerberus, for a one-time-fee of €3 and a free 7 day trial.
Cerberus can also text/email if a non-authorised sim card is used.
Also, change the splash screen and the boot animation.
Changing the splash screen is difficult to do for someone not technical or into phones, so it's unlikely they'll be able to change it. Make sure it includes your name, an alternative number and an e-mail address. That way the phone is basically unsellable if stolen. If you want to sell it, just change the splash screen back.
Lastly the boot animation - also add contact details or make it something non-stock, just to again prove it's yours.
First thing a phone thief will do is removing the battery. Then he goes home and removes sim card. Hooks it up to his computer and wipes off everything.
Then you can buy your phone back on ebay. For a price off course.
Keep your phone in your pocket mate. This is the best advice you will ever get.
Just bought cerberus, and while it's features are more or less the same as theft aware, the support for it is truly amazing. I had a minor issue and emailed them and got a prompt response. Other advantages include support for 5 devices, automatic GPS enabling for rooted users and a nice flashable disguised CWM package
Also FYI, avast bought over theft aware, so look into avast, not the old software. It IS a pain to uninstall the rooted anti theft, but that's a good thing. Avast us? Ore intuitive, but I feel like like it's heavier on the system and there's no web panel, so keep that in mind.
Just try out a few, and pick the one that best fits your needs. FWIW, androidpolice had a mobile security shootout series that you may want to look at.
BEST OF LUCK!
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I777 using xda premium
avgjoemomma said:
I'm so glad I have a Nexus One. With the newer versions of the BlackRose bootloader, you can't access recovery mode, flash anything, etc until you enter a user defined password
+1 for Theft Aware
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Sorry to resurrect such an old thread, but I just ran across this mention in my google searches... I am VERY interested in a bootloader password. In the two years since this post, has this idea been carried over to any other Android phones?
ZippyDan said:
Sorry to resurrect such an old thread, but I just ran across this mention in my google searches... I am VERY interested in a bootloader password. In the two years since this post, has this idea been carried over to any other Android phones?
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My need for the bootloader password back then was to add a layer of security for my data. Device encryption provided by newer versions of Android fulfill my paranoia
so what do folks recommend (if any) for an app to track your phone in case of loss or theft? Camera access?
three west said:
so what do folks recommend (if any) for an app to track your phone in case of loss or theft? Camera access?
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The only one that comes to mind is Lookout. My brother lost his phone and we were able to find it through the app.
Sent from my MB870 using Tapatalk 2
I have heard some good things about Cerberus, but I personally have yet to try it.
Sent from my MB870 using XDA
Cerberus is the best. Make sure you use Titianem backup to make it a system app, so it can't be deleted.
Sent from my Cyanogen 7.2 Droid X2 using your girls computer.
I use prey
Sent from my ADR6425LVW using XDA
I want an anti-theft app that will:
1. Locate phone
2. Ring phone
3. Wipe phone
4. Lock phone
5. Order drone strike on stolen phone's location
Yes, killer app sir, killer indeed.
SeekDroid
Sent from my cm7 using XDA
I use Avast anti virus. LaserChicken, it's anti-theft settings have all of those options. I have yet to "report it as stolen" to see how it works, but I will today for sure and get back to you guys. I went with it because on top of root support options it has an option specifically for Cyanogenmod. Apparently, if you install it with that option it will "survive Cyanogenmod ROM flashes".
Cyanogenmod all day
Quick Tip: If you ever don't have your device, you can download an app like 'Where's My Droid' from the Play Store on a computer. It can send an email or text to another phone of the GPS coordinates.
This all pending the amount of juice left in your battery.
I got mugged at night and my phone had barely any battery by the time I could finally get to a computer. I kept trying the next few days, in case they charged it, but I'm sure they already took the card out by then.
I look forward to the day we reach the threshold of two days of continuous use. What a milestone!
I signed up for Cerberus when they were giving away free lifetime licenses. Its awesome.
The question is this: do we really need an antivirus?
I'm asking because i have an XT910 from may this year and I've tried different ROMs with or without an antivirus
and my conclusion is that we dont need them. Nothing has happened to my phone so far despite of what I've read on internet.
In case we need protection, can somebody explain exactly why?
Thank you
They are both a hog and needed. Read the mcafee article about malware. I redo my phone each day to stay protected
Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2
Of course McAfee is going to tell you that you need one, that's the business they are in. I have tried them here and there but it has never found any malware or viruses and I will put any app on my horn from any source (some shady) with no issues whatsoever! I do not have any important stuff on my horn that I can't get back if needed and not worried about someone getting phone numbers either. So my 2 cents is that, all they do is suck precious battery life and speed out of your device.
Sent from my AT100 using Tapatalk
I've never had antivirus on my DROID,DROID X or my DROID RAZR and I've never any malware issues I don't think we need antivirus
Sent from my XT912
Does somebody ever found a virus then? How are they looking or manifesting?
I've used and still do some torrent apps and still no virus.
I would like to pay for them (at least for some), but no money for that
I've never had any antivirus nor any Malware Issue..
Having an antivirus would just suck up your battery unnecessarily..
Its like an year now using XT910..
No issues, Great phone !! :angel:
I've downloaded so many things on my phone, you wouldn't believe it..100+ movie's, Xbox 360 games, music, photos, apk's, windows programs, everything...and I've never had any problem with viruses or malware or anything like that...the apps are there just to make you feel like your phone is secured, and for the companies to get a little $$$ off of the suckers that pay for the full versions of antivirus apps.
Sent from my XT912 using xda app-developers app
killjoy1179 said:
I've downloaded so many things on my phone, you wouldn't believe it..100+ movie's, Xbox 360 games, music, photos, apk's, windows programs, everything...and I've never had any problem with viruses or malware or anything like that...the apps are there just to make you feel like your phone is secured, and for the companies to get a little $$$ off of the suckers that pay for the full versions of antivirus apps.
Sent from my XT912 using xda app-developers app
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+1
I wonder if those viruses really exist
I dont think we need antivirus
I have been using android for past 3 years and i can say that there was never a virus on my phone. I tried many antivirus software's but they are not really a compulsion unless you download some 3rd party .apks form xyz source. I would say that antivirus are resource hogs and they are for noobs who just download anything and everything from anywhere without verifying the source.