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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...
Sent from my MB860 using xda premium
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...
Sent from my GT-I9000 using xda premium
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.
I use this app https://market.android.com/details?id=com.bigtincan.android.adfree&hl=en
it used to block out most ads but in recent times id estimate over 70% of apps i have which are not paid apps still have annoying ads in them and despite updating ad free every day the ads are still there so im thinking of uninstalling it as it's become worthless and does not stop ads, can anyone recommend an app which blocks all ads from apps, some ads aren't too bad and are barely visible other ones are really annoying.
Thanks
Try adAway also in market.
Sent from my Arc to your eyes.
punkmonkey1984 said:
Try adAway also in market.
Sent from my Arc to your eyes.
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will do thanks.
punkmonkey1984 said:
Try adAway also in market.
Sent from my Arc to your eyes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Will also try this out...
Thx!
I basically stay away from free apps due to the ads.
90% of the apps loaded on my phone are paid and if the developer offers a paid app to lose the ads, I purchase it.
augie7107 said:
I basically stay away from free apps due to the ads.
90% of the apps loaded on my phone are paid and if the developer offers a paid app to lose the ads, I purchase it.
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I refuse to pay for an app just to be ad free ill pay for extra features but certainly never just to be ad free,hopefully this ad away will be better than ad aware.
jonny68 said:
I refuse to pay for an app just to be ad free ill pay for extra features but certainly never just to be ad free,hopefully this ad away will be better than ad aware.
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You refuse to support developers that support you? How gracious of you...tho I can understand expectiong everything for free. Just makes sense right? Hell thos developers loving wasting there time for others benifit!
Sent from my Xoom using Tapatalk
jug6ernaut said:
You refuse to support developers that support you? How gracious of you...tho I can understand expectiong everything for free. Just makes sense right? Hell thos developers loving wasting there time for others benifit!
Sent from my Xoom using Tapatalk
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what the hell are you talking about i have over €70 worth of paid apps alone on my phone and i have given more than €40 in donations alone on this very forum so don't start talking rubbish with me does that sound to you like i "don't support developers" ive done nothing BUT support developers,i refuse to pay just to get rid of ads when ad away (thanks again OP works much better)does it for free,i have no problem paying for paid apps that offer extra features but not just to get rid of adds.
edit - i see you have a "donate" link in your signature,and exactly what is this for charity is it????
jonny68 said:
what the hell are you talking about i have over €70 worth of paid apps alone on my phone and i have given more than €40 in donations alone on this very forum so don't start talking rubbish with me does that sound to you like i "don't support developers" ive done nothing BUT support developers,i refuse to pay just to get rid of ads when ad away (thanks again OP works much better)does it for free,i have no problem paying for paid apps that offer extra features but not just to get rid of adds.
edit - i see you have a "donate" link in your signature,and exactly what is this for charity is it????
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...allow me to clarify then. Again from a developers stand point.
Would you rather there be a payed only version that u can only test for 15minutes or have a free ad supported version that you can test as long as you like? Just because they choose to offer you all the features up front does not make there paid version any less worth the money. Forgive me if i'm wrong but your justification is its the same just without ads. Would you rather they remove the features from the free version? I mean if you don't like ads don't use the program! You have that choice! But blocking ads its exactly the same as stealing the program to the developer of the app. Effect its exactly the same, one more user who had paid experience without paying for it.
I'm not telling you what to do, not even remotely. I'm just giving a view point. But I will say this as this gets worse it will have adverse effect.
As for my donation link if was for when I made roms for the HTC touch pro few years ago. Of which I've gotten...I think $25 last donation being well over 2 years ago. Honestly I had forgotten about it/ never thought about it. But if you have a problem with me spending my time for the community then...o well. Donation an paid apps are two entirely different things entirely. Keep in mind charity its just that, at complete discretion of the donater. I have never and will never ask for one.
Jug6ernaut
Sent from my MB860 using Tapatalk
Allow me to jump in
I have to agree. I LOVE ( I'll repeat), I LOVE how much free stuff is on the Android market. It's part of why I love android so much. But do you know why it's free? Well most of the time because it has ads. Ads are REVENUE for the developer, which comes from Google, not the "buyer". This allows the buyer to have a full user experience of the app for FREE, while the developer gets paid. Blocking ads is stealing. Plain and simple; It steals revenue from the developer.
All I have to say is this; keep blocking ads you guys. You know why? Because sooner or later the developers will wise up, and there will be no more free apps in the market and you'll have to buy anything, even just to try. Saying "Oh I have paid apps on my phone", or "I donate" is like going to the store to buy a couple CD's to justify the 20 Gigs of torrents on your PC.
All you're doing is biting the hand that feeds you, and when that hand stops feeding you, I'll be on a WP7 phone saying Hi!
My 2 cents........
AndGuard for Root/AndGuard Pro (w/Iptables) by Soapbox Apps - blows all the others away.
Devs that make money from ads are few and far between. Just multiply the average number of downloads x payout per ad. You need a wildly successful app to get any money out of ad banners.
For most developers ads are not revenue. They're just a nag screen to encourage users to get the paid version. Small developers are better off if they'd replace their online ads with a donate button or an offline advertisement for the paid version. It's less annoying for their users, and ad blockers won't touch them.
rogier666 said:
Devs that make money from ads are few and far between. Just multiply the average number of downloads x payout per ad. You need a wildly successful app to get any money out of ad banners.
For most developers ads are not revenue. They're just a nag screen to encourage users to get the paid version. Small developers are better off if they'd replace their online ads with a donate button or an offline advertisement for the paid version. It's less annoying for their users, and ad blockers won't touch them.
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You are 100% correct, ive had over 100k downloads...making money right? Nope not really lol... $40 total off ads.
What devs would do if smart(i should listen to my own advice hehe) is do what you suggest BUT first check for ad blockers(most common method being host files, second check for internet connection) If no add blocking, show ads, if not show donation link. Would be easy to do really...
I think some are missing an important thing.
In the grand scheme of apps, how many people actually go to the trouble to block the ads? Maybe a great percentage on XDA, Modaco etc, but, the "Sally secretary, Bill the bowler" are not the types that frequent this site, and more importantly, will not be blocking the ads. I would guess that the large percentage of downloads is by your non "geek" types, and therefore, will see the ads. Now, if they click on it, that is another thing, but they will at least be pushed to the phone.
On a personal note, I use LBE security to limit what "phones home" which also has as a side option of blocking the ad, since it can't phone home. Now, obviously if it is an app that needs internet, it's not going to work, but for the majority of the apps, if they are an app that doesn't need access, then I block it. I have purchased many apps, and would rather they keep the model they are using now, leave the ads on the free apps, and unlimited use, no ads on the paid. I do not even bother downloading the ones you have to buy, since 15 minutes is NOT enough time to evaluate an app.
Blocking ads ain't a good thing. After while Google will block you form getting most apps or even being able to update. Remember Android is built around the Android Market which constantly checks app status, use and crashes. You block Google, they will block you.
Trust me I been through this with my previous tablet blocking ads and stopping apps from accessing the internet and it got frustrating espicually having a Gmail account. Google knows what u do that u should not. Don't believe me?
Go to google.com/dashboard/ and I'm sure you will think twice about blocking Google. Just like a few guys said already, if u don't like ads don't use the app. Point blank
Sent from Wicced's rooted A100 16gb HoneyComb 3.2 using XDA PREMIUM
I will gladly pay for any app that is well made and usefully. Regardless of the situation. If there is more feature in the paid version the cool. If it just removes adds that cool too. Bottom line is I know my money is going to further development of that app. So if its useful and a well made app. I will gladly buy the paid version.
Same here as Scarmon25 said. I download lots of apps to try out, some i delete after testing, some i keep. The ones that are useful for me i buy (have +20 paid apps on my phone). Some of the pro versions offer additional features like Titanium, UberMusic or Easy Money, others i just buy because they are really useful for me. The rest of +100 apps i use with the ads, and that does not bother me at all. I must admit there are apps with very annoying pop up reminders or ads, but i understand that . Be aware that a developer spends many hours, weeks and sometimes months, to build an app that looks nice and works perfectly, taking into account the needs and requests of the users, so it is only correct when he tries to get at least a beer or two as reward for his effort.
So cheers and thanks to all developers and please please support them guys.
wicced247 said:
Blocking ads ain't a good thing. After while Google will block you form getting most apps or even being able to update. Remember Android is built around the Android Market which constantly checks app status, use and crashes. You block Google, they will block you.
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This is 100% untrue.
Blocking ad servers has nothing to do with "blocking google"
BenKranged said:
This is 100% untrue.
Blocking ad servers has nothing to do with "blocking google"
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Mainly my point is, nobody likes ads but ads build revenues and revenues helps us get lots of stuff free. Blocking ads in time will affect the app production of apps we all use. Nobody works for free and developers ain't going to be working for free.
Just my point everyone is free to do what he/she wants with their device
Sent from Wicced's rooted A100 16gb HoneyComb 3.2 using XDA PREMIUM
Ok that does make some sense. That said I always use a hosts file to block ads on my computers and now phones. I pay for my internet connection therefore I only download what I choose to. (which is not ads) Especially when that internet is metered/capped.
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.
Sent from my ADR6300 using xda premium
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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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.
Sent from my ADR6300 using xda premium
Lots off "App Protectors" in the Market
Hey guys,
Recently there's been talks about piracy on Android and how developers seem to shy away from it and produce games for iOS. That's actually the reason why developers of Infinite Blade refuses to port the game to Android. I've recently gotten the chance to speak with the creative director Matt Small of Vector Unit (Riptide GP). In this interview he talks about piracy and how its equal on both sides of the os. You guys really think its that bad? In truth when GTA 3 came out today someone already posted the apk on this forums mere hours it showed up in the market.
Anyway check it out:
http://droidgamers.com/index.php/ga...-unit-talks-piracy-tegra-and-of-course-games-
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Piracy is always present in some form and amount on all devices. Windows Phone for example is pretty much closed platform, thus very unsuccessful to make bigger impact on the market. There is always "awareness" in big % of the consumers that think that piracy is bad and illegal, so software market is never that hurt. Some polls says that no platform has piracy more than a 10% (except PC of course), so it is not an issue and reason for someone not to port a good game on all the platforms. PC market is the biggest on the planet, so bigger amount of piracy is actually lower in numbers comparing to the others (more than 1.3 Bilion people are using Windows).
Piracy happens on iOS too. It just takes slightly longer, but every paid app that's worth getting gets pirated sooner or later.
The attitudes towards piracy on iOS versus Android are what I find most interesting though. When I was on iOS, pirating expensive apps was almost chic. It was talked about openly on some sites and seriously everyone I knew with an iPhone had stuff like sinful and hackulous in their Cydia repos. Now that I'm on Android, the online community is all about supporting the devs and pirating is looked down upon (at least openly).
Oh yes there is plenty of piracy going around in the android community. I've been doing some "research" on this topic and have discovered sites like Applanet, Blapkmarket, Snappzmarket, etc. Thrive in third party distribution of both free and paid apps. Though it is frowned upon in the general android population, i understand the people that use these sites when it comes down to not being able to spend hard earned money on overpriced apps in this ridiculous economy. (Not saying i support them, i just understand). Maybe we can make a compromise one day, who knows?
Sent from my SPH-M920 using xda premium
Pirated apps arenpirated for one main reason. To install some sort malware or keylogger onto your phone. Use a pirated app and enjoy what it brings.
As for apps not being ported because of it is just a cop out. It is everywhere no matter what OS it is.
There is one additional unpleasant thing in market. In some stores (not android market) people steal applications, changes its name (without changing application itself), after that they sell it from their name.
it exist in every OS you can imagine, even something ancient like Atari, or as new as Windows 8
as long as there are humans, you can never get away from it
just like the recent SOPA bill even if it passes, it means nothing as people already have work around and anti SOPA internet ready to deploy the moment it hits
that's why the best way to prevent piracy is to offer the App for free, and make them pay as they use it for additional features
this is becoming a very common practice in a lot of games, even Gameloft has joined the play
they all learned that from the MMO free to play, but pay to upgrade schemes
it's a very "honest" movement, and people will certainly pay to get what they want, as there is no way to dupe, hack, crack, stuff that is only available on the server side.
else they get banned
AllGamer said:
it exist in every OS you can imagine, even something ancient like Atari, or as new as Windows 8
as long as there are humans, you can never get away from it
just like the recent SOPA bill even if it passes, it means nothing as people already have work around and anti SOPA internet ready to deploy the moment it hits
that's why the best way to prevent piracy is to offer the App for free, and make them pay as they use it for additional features
this is becoming a very common practice in a lot of games, even Gameloft has joined the play
they all learned that from the MMO free to play, but pay to upgrade schemes
it's a very "honest" movement, and people will certainly pay to get what they want, as there is no way to dupe, hack, crack, stuff that is only available on the server side.
else they get banned
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''Freemium" or pay to play games is a great alternatives, but is in the brink of oversaturation. Its great that we receive games for free, but the micro transaction will only hurt if every single developer jumps in. I'm sure most will charge you for small ridiculous trinkets.
Take a look at Blood and Glory for example. Great gameplay and graphics. But almost impossible to play without purchasing something. I'd rather pay full price just to have everything available. Its breaks immersion when your trying to play and a box pops out asking you a dollar to unlock a level. Game developers should give us an option for a full game.Sad to see vector unit thinking of going that route.
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Isn't piracy even worse on iOS with stuff like Installous? I think developers should just jump on on board - by joining android they're going to make more money anyway aren't they?
Im not saying piracy isn't a problem on Android, but it's much more of a problem on iOS. Google have license checks with the market, which I don't believe exist on iOS. Saying you wont make an app for Android because of piracy is complete ********
I don't get it. Why not just install the free versions and deal with the ads? It's not that expensive to pay for the full app, not most apps anyways? I think pirating apps is more of an "because I can" and less of an "I can't afford it."
The worst is buying an app that receives no updates , becomes obselete and then just sits in your app list forever.....
Sent from my HTC EVO 3D X515a using XDA App
But equally, when you put the word "open" in open source, this is something google should have been prepared for. They even give the tools for piraters to pirate files. For example, if I'm rooted and know a package name of an APK, then all I have to do is adb pull the file, and upload it. It is sad that people go out and pirate games because it does discourage devs, but they know the wolves are in the den ahead before they walk into the forest. Apple is jailbreakable, but that takes for-freaking-ever, webOS is now open source, so its gonna have some miiiinor issues, and Windows basically hits the idea of open source with a giant middle finger, so it is horrible, but its one of those things you don't have a choice to do but accept.!
Sent from my PG86100 using XDA App
just make all games pay as you go like sleepy jack and cordy or the many many many MMO "free" to play, but pay to be elite
robotapocalypse said:
I don't get it. Why not just install the free versions and deal with the ads? It's not that expensive to pay for the full app, not most apps anyways? I think pirating apps is more of an "because I can" and less of an "I can't afford it."
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Because not every application has a free ad-supported version
Simple reason google checkout not supported by all banks, the transfer is declined,in india hence we cant buy any app...
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Ok, here I go....I'm sure I'll get mega-flamed for this but..I don't care. I pirate. Alot. Why? Because I'm poor. Seriously. I feel like, its not fair that only those that have money get to enjoy everything. Typically, if an app is good and really proves itself useful, I will eventually buy it when I'm able. Same goes for PC software, movies, music, etc. Why the hell would I wanna waste money I don't have on something that turns out to be worthless crap. And furthermore, the rights holders that seem to ***** the most tend to be (typically but not always) those that are most well off. I'm sorry, but I don't feel bad because I didn't put another dollar in some rich [email protected]%k's pocket. Like I said, if its worthy, I'll eventually buy it. I have paid for all the must have paid apps that I use for rooting my phone and tweaking it etc. Which brings me to another point, the fact that so many seem to believe that the rooting community as a whole only root so we can pirate...pure BS. As someone who admits to pirating, I root my phone for the pure and simple reason of installing custom ROMS and tweaking my phone. I can do all the pirating I want on my PC, I don't need my phone for that. I do try to support devs that provide quality and useful apps, because I know they are working hard to try and earn a buck, just like me...but all the rich conglomerates can kiss my @ss. If I had plenty of money, I wouldn't pirate...honestly, what would be the point? But I don't. So for now I'm just a little dog trying to enjoy myself in world made for big dogs. And that's considered a crime...that's a crying shame.
And on a side note, I'm really not trying to be offensive, just being honest...
I can get any app i want on my iphone for free if I were so inclinded.
reality is app makers make more with ios apps. end of story
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.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda app-developers app
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.