Was a little surprised no one had posted a thread here in the E4GT forums regarding the Avast! Mobile Security app. For those who are unaware, Avast! has been one of the best desktop AV solutions available for years. Their free options have routinely been better than most others' paid options. I started running their free Android app a few days ago and it is quite impressive. It might even be overkill, but I don't think many can argue that it doesn't provide something positive for pretty much anyone. I was going to post up a little write up, but Prashanthme already did a great job, so I'll just cleanup and repost his stuff here and link it to his name. Thanks to him for grabbing the Avast! site info. Anyway, give it a whirl, it's pretty powerful.
Full-featured Antivirus and Anti-Theft security for your Android phone.
Protect personal data with automatic virus scans and infected-URL alerts. Stop hackers by adding a firewall (rooted phones). Control anti-theft features with remote SMS commands for: history wipe, phone lock, siren activation, GPS tracking, audio monitoring, and many other useful tools. Your ‘invisible’ app hides itself, making it extremely hard for thieves to find and disable. A standalone yet tightly integrated component of avast! Mobile Security, avast! Anti-Theft is the slyest component on the market. Formerly known as Theft Aware, the Anti-Theft portion of avast! Mobile Security has been recommended by leading industry experts that include T-Mobile, N-TV, AndroidPIT, and Android Police.
avast! Mobile Security
Antivirus
Performs on-demand scans of all installed apps and memory card content, as well as on-access scans of apps upon first execution. Options for scheduling scans, virus definition updates, uninstalling apps, deleting files, or reporting a false-positive to our virus lab.
Privacy Report
Scans and displays (grid) access rights and intents of installed apps, identifying potential privacy risks, so you know how much info you are really providing to each app.
SMS/Call Filtering
Filter calls and/or messages from contact list using set parameters based on day(s) of the week, start time, and end time. Blocked calls redirect to voicemail, while blocked messages are stored via filter log. Also possible to block outgoing calls.
App Manager
Similar to Windows Task Manager, it shows a list of running apps and their size (MB), CPU load, used memory, and number of threads and services – with an option to stop or uninstall.
Web Shield
Part of the avast! WebRep cloud, the avast! Web Shield for Android scans each URL that loads and warns you if the browser loads a malware-infected URL.
Firewall
Add a firewall to stop hackers. Disable an app’s internet access when on WiFi and 3G and roaming mobile networks. (Works only on rooted phones.)
avast! Anti-Theft
App Disguiser
After downloading avast! Anti-Theft, user can choose a custom name that disguises the app (e.g. call it “Pinocchio game”) so that it is even harder for thieves to find and remove.
Stealth Mode
Once anti-theft is enabled, the app icon is hidden in the app tray, leaving no audio or other trace on the target phone – the app is ‘invisible’, making it difficult for thieves to detect or remove.
Self-Protection
Extremely difficult for thieves to remove (especially on rooted phones), Anti-Theft protects itself from uninstall by disguising its components with various self-preservation techniques. On rooted phones it is able to survive hard-resets and can even disable the phone’s USB port.
Battery Save
Anti-Theft only launches itself and runs when it needs to perform tasks. This preserves battery life and makes it very difficult for thieves to shut it down.
SIM-Card-Change Notification
If stolen and a different (unauthorized) SIM card inserted, the phone can lock, activate siren, and send you notification (to remote device) of the phone’s new number and geo-location.
Trusted SIM Cards List
Establish a ‘white list’ of approved SIM cards that can be used in the phone without triggering a theft alert. You can also easily clear the trusted SIM cards list, to leave the one present in the phone as the only trusted one.
Remote Features
SMS commands provide you the following REMOTE options for your ‘lost’ (or stolen) phone:
Siren, Lock, custom Display properties, Locate, Memory Wipe, covert Calling, Forwarding, “Lost” Notification, SMS Sending, History, Restart, and more.
Market Link
Avast! Site
Avast! Forums
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Nice! I've been a fan of and using Avast for about a yr+ now and agree, even the free version is one of the best.
patrick_1 said:
Nice! I've been a fan of and using Avast for about a yr+ now and agree, even the free version is one of the best.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've been on Lookout since it came out, but after a few days on this, I can't see any reason not to use it. I trust Avast! and this app will do as much or as little as i want it to. It's definitely a great app.
So I have asked my friends this, what is the point of having one of these types of security with a rooted phone. I used to have lookout before and the thing I found useful was locating phone when stolen. Everything is useless. You get a virus on your phone you do a whip and reinstall rom. If I'm wrong tell me. I think it's more space being used, and it does use space. And that was one of the reasons I rooted by phone. To get rid of bloatware.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium
i find these apps unnecessary:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencet...ps-infected-Androids-charlatans-scammers.html
Do you think it's better than Lookout?
@OP
I'm so glad you posted this, let me explain (and ask a question).
I've always thought AV stuff was kind of a sham. And always figured if I did somehow get a virus, I'd just wipe and flash a new rom. But a few days ago, I went to sleep with 455MB free on my SD card....woke up with 140MB. I panicked, and thought maybe I had downloaded a few roms before sleep. Checked my whole SD card, and no, I didn't. Couldn't find any new, big files on SD. Erased a bunch of extra music and stuff, got up to about 260MB free.
Next day, at work, I open file explorer to listen to a podcast, and see 7.39GB used, OKB free. Massive freak out, of course. Erased a few things, got about 50MB free.
Cruised the market looking for AV software cuz all I could figure was I had some malicious file on SD causing this. Read reviews of several AV SW, and wanted one that would scan SD card. I went with Avast (knowing nothing about AV SW, personally). Avast scanned card (all 24,000+ files, lol), and found ....nothing corrupt/malicious/dangerous .
So, does anyone have anyone have any idea what could cause SD space loss like this? Could a corrupt file even do that?
I've been considering making a thread, but saw yours, and thought it seemed the perfect place. Thanks in advance.
Evo, on CM hack rom
SZ kernel 2.2.1
Sent from my PC36100 using xda premium
Uamore6 said:
So I have asked my friends this, what is the point of having one of these types of security with a rooted phone. I used to have lookout before and the thing I found useful was locating phone when stolen. Everything is useless. You get a virus on your phone you do a whip and reinstall rom. If I'm wrong tell me. I think it's more space being used, and it does use space. And that was one of the reasons I rooted by phone. To get rid of bloatware.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
locoboi187 said:
i find these apps unnecessary:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencet...ps-infected-Androids-charlatans-scammers.html
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is really why I posted this, so that people can have a discussion about the merits of this app (or apps like it), give opinions, experiences, answwr questions, etc. It's a hot topic these days and will continue to be.
By all means, if you don't like, believe in or want an app like this, I would recommend you don't use it. Then you have no worries about it. I appreciate the post though as it presents another point of view.
For me, I feel like this app has the most robust remote features of any that I have tried. That's why I have it installed. The Firewall, Antivirus and Privacy scan options are bonuses for me.
So far it has had zero negative affects on performance, battery or anything else. So I guess for me based on a personal list of pros and cons, I'd rather have it installed than not. But again for those who don't want/need it, don't use it. Pretty simple.
Bottom line, information is power so now those who didn't know, they now know about it do.
P.S. That said, the article you linked locoboi is pretty useless as it provides no substantiated claims and is vaguely targeted at "many of the anti-virus apps". Honestly anyone who grabs any old anti-virus app deserves to have issues. The tried and true av companies that are offering apps are no more "charlatans and scammers" than Google themselves. Avast!, being one of the best and most trusted names in av software has nothing to gain from scamming its users. They have in fact offered complete, open-source, free av software for more than a decade, so I'd say it's a pretty safe assumption that the Avast! app is probably not one to worry about.
I love it but how do u get rid of the notification always on
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium
srgwidowmaker said:
I love it but how do u get rid of the notification always on
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Open App (type in password/pin if you've given root access.)
Go to Settings (at the very bottom of the list)
Untick "Show notification icon" (the app of course discourages this, but you'll have to go to the forum to find out exactly how the icon does/doesn't affect the functionality/performance of the app.)
Just_s said:
Open App (type in password/pin if you've given root access.)
Go to Settings (at the very bottom of the list)
Untick "Show notification icon" (the app of course discourages this, but you'll have to go to the forum to find out exactly how the icon does/doesn't affect the functionality/performance of the app.)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The perma-icon in the notification bar is the only thing I dislike about the app. If you uncheck it in Settings, you get no notifications from the app at all. Bad design in this respect only.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium
So no one has any suggestions about what could make an SD card behave that way?
I'd appreciate anyone's thoughts in this. Didn't wanna have to create anew thread, and thought maybe people familiar with AV stuff may have an idea/suggestion.
Sent from my PC36100 using xda premium
scottspa74 said:
So no one has any suggestions about what could make an SD card behave that way?
I'd appreciate anyone's thoughts in this. Didn't wanna have to create anew thread, and thought maybe people familiar with AV stuff may have an idea/suggestion.
Sent from my PC36100 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry, I missed your first post. That is a strange situation. What it's your setup (ROM, kernel, modem)? I've seen lots of crazy things on this phone regarding SD. Is it your external or internal SD that is acting up?
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium
Just_s said:
Was a little surprised no one had posted a thread here in the E4GT forums regarding the Avast! Mobile Security app. For those who are unaware, Avast! has been one of the best desktop AV solutions available for years. Their free options have routinely been better than most others' paid options. I started running their free Android app a few days ago and it is quite impressive. It might even be overkill, but I don't think many can argue that it doesn't provide something positive for pretty much anyone. I was going to post up a little write up, but Prashanthme already did a great job, so I'll just cleanup and repost his stuff here and link it to his name. Thanks to him for grabbing the Avast! site info. Anyway, give it a whirl, it's pretty powerful.
Full-featured Antivirus and Anti-Theft security for your Android phone.
Protect personal data with automatic virus scans and infected-URL alerts. Stop hackers by adding a firewall (rooted phones). Control anti-theft features with remote SMS commands for: history wipe, phone lock, siren activation, GPS tracking, audio monitoring, and many other useful tools. Your ‘invisible’ app hides itself, making it extremely hard for thieves to find and disable. A standalone yet tightly integrated component of avast! Mobile Security, avast! Anti-Theft is the slyest component on the market. Formerly known as Theft Aware, the Anti-Theft portion of avast! Mobile Security has been recommended by leading industry experts that include T-Mobile, N-TV, AndroidPIT, and Android Police.
avast! Mobile Security
Antivirus
Performs on-demand scans of all installed apps and memory card content, as well as on-access scans of apps upon first execution. Options for scheduling scans, virus definition updates, uninstalling apps, deleting files, or reporting a false-positive to our virus lab.
Privacy Report
Scans and displays (grid) access rights and intents of installed apps, identifying potential privacy risks, so you know how much info you are really providing to each app.
SMS/Call Filtering
Filter calls and/or messages from contact list using set parameters based on day(s) of the week, start time, and end time. Blocked calls redirect to voicemail, while blocked messages are stored via filter log. Also possible to block outgoing calls.
App Manager
Similar to Windows Task Manager, it shows a list of running apps and their size (MB), CPU load, used memory, and number of threads and services – with an option to stop or uninstall.
Web Shield
Part of the avast! WebRep cloud, the avast! Web Shield for Android scans each URL that loads and warns you if the browser loads a malware-infected URL.
Firewall
Add a firewall to stop hackers. Disable an app’s internet access when on WiFi and 3G and roaming mobile networks. (Works only on rooted phones.)
avast! Anti-Theft
App Disguiser
After downloading avast! Anti-Theft, user can choose a custom name that disguises the app (e.g. call it “Pinocchio game”) so that it is even harder for thieves to find and remove.
Stealth Mode
Once anti-theft is enabled, the app icon is hidden in the app tray, leaving no audio or other trace on the target phone – the app is ‘invisible’, making it difficult for thieves to detect or remove.
Self-Protection
Extremely difficult for thieves to remove (especially on rooted phones), Anti-Theft protects itself from uninstall by disguising its components with various self-preservation techniques. On rooted phones it is able to survive hard-resets and can even disable the phone’s USB port.
Battery Save
Anti-Theft only launches itself and runs when it needs to perform tasks. This preserves battery life and makes it very difficult for thieves to shut it down.
SIM-Card-Change Notification
If stolen and a different (unauthorized) SIM card inserted, the phone can lock, activate siren, and send you notification (to remote device) of the phone’s new number and geo-location.
Trusted SIM Cards List
Establish a ‘white list’ of approved SIM cards that can be used in the phone without triggering a theft alert. You can also easily clear the trusted SIM cards list, to leave the one present in the phone as the only trusted one.
Remote Features
SMS commands provide you the following REMOTE options for your ‘lost’ (or stolen) phone:
Siren, Lock, custom Display properties, Locate, Memory Wipe, covert Calling, Forwarding, “Lost” Notification, SMS Sending, History, Restart, and more.
Market Link
Avast! Site
Avast! Forums
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I look at tons of porn and download them and never caught a virus, really why do I need this?
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium
smoke423 said:
I look at tons of porn and download them and never caught a virus, really why do I need this?
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You don't
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium
This app actually seems to have some pretty good anti-theft capabilities taken from theft-aware acquisition. I think you can technically install it, hide the anti-theft portion and then uninstall the main app although someone might want to try it?
http://androidheadlines.com/2012/01/review-avast-mobile-security-for-android.html
Check it out
E4GT=IPhone killer
Just_s said:
Sorry, I missed your first post. That is a strange situation. What it's your setup (ROM, kernel, modem)? I've seen lots of crazy things on this phone regarding SD. Is it your external or internal SD that is acting up?
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
nah, it's my external (SD card), that's why I installed avast, cuz I thought I maybe downloaded an infected file on my SD. I've never had SD free space dissapear in HUGE amounts like that. Avast came back with no infected files. Not sure what to make of it. Just wondered if anyone else had any ideas.
Evo
CM7 based rom (been a solid rom for a while)
Stock 8GB SD card OEM.
I know nothing of how viruses work, so I thought I'd ask here, rather than start a new thread.
Sent from my PC36100 using xda premium
Just_s said:
Was a little surprised no one had posted a thread here in the E4GT forums regarding the Avast! Mobile Security app. For those who are unaware, Avast! has been one of the best desktop AV solutions available for years. Their free options have routinely been better than most others' paid options. I started running their free Android app a few days ago and it is quite impressive. It might even be overkill, but I don't think many can argue that it doesn't provide something positive for pretty much anyone. I was going to post up a little write up, but Prashanthme already did a great job, so I'll just cleanup and repost his stuff here and link it to his name. Thanks to him for grabbing the Avast! site info. Anyway, give it a whirl, it's pretty powerful.
Full-featured Antivirus and Anti-Theft security for your Android phone.
Protect personal data with automatic virus scans and infected-URL alerts. Stop hackers by adding a firewall (rooted phones). Control anti-theft features with remote SMS commands for: history wipe, phone lock, siren activation, GPS tracking, audio monitoring, and many other useful tools. Your ‘invisible’ app hides itself, making it extremely hard for thieves to find and disable. A standalone yet tightly integrated component of avast! Mobile Security, avast! Anti-Theft is the slyest component on the market. Formerly known as Theft Aware, the Anti-Theft portion of avast! Mobile Security has been recommended by leading industry experts that include T-Mobile, N-TV, AndroidPIT, and Android Police.
avast! Mobile Security
Antivirus
Performs on-demand scans of all installed apps and memory card content, as well as on-access scans of apps upon first execution. Options for scheduling scans, virus definition updates, uninstalling apps, deleting files, or reporting a false-positive to our virus lab.
Privacy Report
Scans and displays (grid) access rights and intents of installed apps, identifying potential privacy risks, so you know how much info you are really providing to each app.
SMS/Call Filtering
Filter calls and/or messages from contact list using set parameters based on day(s) of the week, start time, and end time. Blocked calls redirect to voicemail, while blocked messages are stored via filter log. Also possible to block outgoing calls.
App Manager
Similar to Windows Task Manager, it shows a list of running apps and their size (MB), CPU load, used memory, and number of threads and services – with an option to stop or uninstall.
Web Shield
Part of the avast! WebRep cloud, the avast! Web Shield for Android scans each URL that loads and warns you if the browser loads a malware-infected URL.
Firewall
Add a firewall to stop hackers. Disable an app’s internet access when on WiFi and 3G and roaming mobile networks. (Works only on rooted phones.)
avast! Anti-Theft
App Disguiser
After downloading avast! Anti-Theft, user can choose a custom name that disguises the app (e.g. call it “Pinocchio game”) so that it is even harder for thieves to find and remove.
Stealth Mode
Once anti-theft is enabled, the app icon is hidden in the app tray, leaving no audio or other trace on the target phone – the app is ‘invisible’, making it difficult for thieves to detect or remove.
Self-Protection
Extremely difficult for thieves to remove (especially on rooted phones), Anti-Theft protects itself from uninstall by disguising its components with various self-preservation techniques. On rooted phones it is able to survive hard-resets and can even disable the phone’s USB port.
Battery Save
Anti-Theft only launches itself and runs when it needs to perform tasks. This preserves battery life and makes it very difficult for thieves to shut it down.
SIM-Card-Change Notification
If stolen and a different (unauthorized) SIM card inserted, the phone can lock, activate siren, and send you notification (to remote device) of the phone’s new number and geo-location.
Trusted SIM Cards List
Establish a ‘white list’ of approved SIM cards that can be used in the phone without triggering a theft alert. You can also easily clear the trusted SIM cards list, to leave the one present in the phone as the only trusted one.
Remote Features
SMS commands provide you the following REMOTE options for your ‘lost’ (or stolen) phone:
Siren, Lock, custom Display properties, Locate, Memory Wipe, covert Calling, Forwarding, “Lost” Notification, SMS Sending, History, Restart, and more.
Market Link
Avast! Site
Avast! Forums
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great app. Just installed. Very light on resources. Thanks. I am sure this will become a paid app before long. Thanks again....
sd_N said:
Great app. Just installed. Very light on resources. Thanks. I am sure this will become a paid app before long. Thanks again....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They might come out with something paid, but I'd wager this will remain free. Been using their full featured desktop av for more than a decade and they have never even hinted at charging for the personal version. Avast is one of those rare "good guy" companies.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium
Related
Anyone else had problems with missing apps in the Market with the Desire?
Specifically:
http://www.google.co.uk/support/forum/p/Android+Market/thread?tid=72687bc93eba9a1b&hl=en
Good example seems to be the National Rail app, but I'm finding plenty of others too...some I've paid for :-(
Daern
Yes, I have. JuiceDefender is missing for me, however I got it from andappstore.com. No sign of that National Rail one there though.
And the BlueAnt Q1 app is not available....
I think everybody has problems finding all the programs. Try to search for Raging Thunder 2 for example. You will properbly only find the lite version and not the full version. I bought the full version with my Milestone, but now it cannot be found anymore.
Every Android phone has a 'fingerprint' in the build.prop file. This fingerprint has to be approved by google. Somehow google has not yet approved the fingerprint of the Desire, so protected apps cannot be fount yet.....
I have no clue why this takes so long.
Maybe someone from google is here and reads this and can explain to us why it's taking so long for the fingerprint to be approved?
Interesting. According to the similar thread about the Legend, however, it seems that HTC are pushing out an update to fix this...
Perhaps it's the fingerprint from the Hero
I've read about this issue which was recently explained by a developer of XDA (nprussell).
Apparently everyone is in the same boat so to speak. He states that many "protected" apps are missing from the market. There are generally two reasons why apps will be missing from the market:
When a new ROM or handset is released, the manufacturer (i.e. HTC), sends the build to Google for verification, which includes a 'Fingerprint' (a unique line of text which governs its market access) in one of the build files. Generally, it states the name of the phone and Android version in the fingerprint. With Root & System write access, this fingerprint can be changed, but although it's been claimed that the Desire has recently been Rooted, we still don't have confirmation from any developer of it being able to gain System write access.
Only until Google approve the build, then fingerprint will be added to their allowed database to view these protected apps on the market.
The other cause for apps missing from the market in builds is because of permissions of certain apps. For example, the barcode scanner app requires permissions to use the camera/auto focus. They are NOT protected apps. If the XML permission files are missing from system/etc/permissions, then Google Market will simply block these apps from showing.
HTC need to chase Google up on this and Google need to activate the Fingerprint.
Excellent info, thanks for that. So it's chasing HTC to get them to chase Google for an update.
I think I'll just go back to stopping the tide from coming in...much better chance of success, I reckon
Is there no where we can download the apk (for free apps of course) and just transfer it to the phone and install it ourselves?
strange think is I could find some apps. I found and installed Barcode Scanner no prob..
???
s4vva said:
Is there no where we can download the apk (for free apps of course) and just transfer it to the phone and install it ourselves?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
just google which ever apk you want (for free apps obviously) and install it to your phone, with the sync software that was on your original memory card.
i emailed HTC today to find out what they and google are doing to sort this out. if everyone emails them they might eventually chase google...
Mastoid said:
I've read about this issue which was recently explained by a developer of XDA (nprussell).
Apparently everyone is in the same boat so to speak. He states that many "protected" apps are missing from the market. There are generally two reasons why apps will be missing from the market:
When a new ROM or handset is released, the manufacturer (i.e. HTC), sends the build to Google for verification, which includes a 'Fingerprint' (a unique line of text which governs its market access) in one of the build files. Generally, it states the name of the phone and Android version in the fingerprint. With Root & System write access, this fingerprint can be changed, but although it's been claimed that the Desire has recently been Rooted, we still don't have confirmation from any developer of it being able to gain System write access.
Only until Google approve the build, then fingerprint will be added to their allowed database to view these protected apps on the market.
The other cause for apps missing from the market in builds is because of permissions of certain apps. For example, the barcode scanner app requires permissions to use the camera/auto focus. They are NOT protected apps. If the XML permission files are missing from system/etc/permissions, then Google Market will simply block these apps from showing.
HTC need to chase Google up on this and Google need to activate the Fingerprint.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just to confirm this explanation, I actually emailed HTC support asking about the missing apps and this was pretty much exactly what they told me. They are waiting for Google to approve the ROM for copy protected apps, and apparently it takes about a week... so hopefully we can expect full access some time next week. Fingers crossed!
foner78 said:
Just to confirm this explanation, I actually emailed HTC support asking about the missing apps and this was pretty much exactly what they told me. They are waiting for Google to approve the ROM for copy protected apps, and apparently it takes about a week... so hopefully we can expect full access some time next week. Fingers crossed!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nice one Bud, thanks for that update
All back for me Now on Vodafone
Yep. One of those apps for me was Google Earth since this is what I was facing so I installed it from the link here too and all works well: http://www.google.co.uk/support/forum/p/Android+Market/thread?tid=46acda8204439646&hl=en
Sent from my HTC Desire using the XDA mobile application powered by Tapatalk
th3 said:
Yep. One of those apps for me was Google Earth since this is what I was facing so I installed it from the link here too and all works well: http://www.google.co.uk/support/forum/p/Android+Market/thread?tid=46acda8204439646&hl=en
Sent from my HTC Desire using the XDA mobile application powered by Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep, that's about all we can do right now to install apps (or use barcode scanner app) which are not available via the Marketplace.
Tip: For anyone who has not done this yet and would like to know, make sure you first install HTC Sync (found pre-installed via your SD card).
Please can anyone expand on some of the security issues that are worrying me. I have been a pocket PC user up till now (HTC HD).
Every time I download an application I am informed that the application will may access one of the following:
1. SD card
2. The internet
3. The local network
As I keep many private things on my Desire I am worried that I am unknowingly "opening doors" for people to steal information.
What should I turn off or on to secure my Desire?
Are items downloaded from the Market secure?
Are items downloaded from other places secure?
Thanks
Sams
Don't worry about those security warnings, I just ignore them
samcory said:
As I keep many private things on my Desire I am worried that I am unknowingly "opening doors" for people to steal information.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Essentially, yes you are!
When you install an app, it requests certain permissions so it is in your interest to review that list and make sure that the permissions that the application is asking for reconcile with what the application is supposed to do.
For example, if I'm installing a video player, I don't expect that it should need access to my contacts, emails, or SMS messages, so if I installed one that asked for those permissions I would refuse it.
Are items downloaded from the Market secure?
Are items downloaded from other places secure?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unlike the Apple AppStore, applications on the Market are not vetted so there is always the potential that someone could post up some malware - it is one of the few downsides of being an open platform.
Regards,
Dave
security
Virtually every other app seems to want acces to the internet, that does seem a bit dangerous!!
What we need is a nice site setup that vets the apps and makes a small charge for the service. I certainly would be happy to pay for such a service toavoid having my Exchange contacts and notes being used by some nasty stranger.
Sam
^ but then every other app needs internet access. Even if it was just to post a high score. More worrying is when an app wants access to contacts/SMS/ or wants read AND Write access to something.
I was unaware the apps were not vetted.
hey folks, thought this is useful for everybody
Source: cissp dot com website (cannot post the url)
"Security experts warned on Tuesday about what is believed to be the first Trojan targeting Android-based mobile devices that racks up charges by sending text messages to premium-rate numbers.
The Trojan-SMS malware, dubbed "Trojan-SMS.AndroidOS.FakePlayer.a," is being distributed via an unknown malicious Web site, said Denis Maslennikov, senior malware researcher at Kaspersky Lab.
Users are prompted to install a "media player application" that is a little bigger than 13 kilobytes, but which is hiding the Trojan inside, according to Kaspersky and mobile-phone security company Lookout, which analyzed the threat.
Like all Android apps, the program asks for permission to do certain things upon install. In this case it asks for permission to send SMS messages, with a prompt that identifies it as a "service that costs you money," as well as to read or delete data and collect data about the phone and the phone ID, Kaspersky and Lookout said.
Once installed, the Trojan starts sending SMS messages behind the scenes that cost several dollars per message, without the device owner knowing it.
It appears to be affecting Android smartphone users in Russia and to only work on Russian networks, Lookout said. "As far as we know, there is no indication that this app is in the Android Market," Lookout said in a blog post. It was also reported on a Russian smartphone news site.
A Google spokesman provided this statement when asked for comment: "Our application permissions model protects against this type of threat. When installing an application, users see a screen that explains clearly what information and system resources the application has permission to access, such as a user's phone number or sending an SMS. Users must explicitly approve this access in order to continue with the installation, and they may uninstall applications at any time. We consistently advise users to only install apps they trust. In particular, users should exercise caution when installing applications outside of Android Market."
Android users must change a default setting to accept apps from outside the Android marketplace.
To tell if you are affected, review your bills for any premium SMS messages. Lookout also suggests that if you have recently downloaded a media player, check the permission to make sure the app is not sending SMS messages.
The company recommends that smartphone users only download apps from trusted sources, and avoid downloading media player files that request permission to access your text messages, particularly if they want to send messages from the phone.
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malicious app .. trojan:android plankton
Google Android Market is infected from new Plankton (Apperhand) variant
More than a Million infected from new Plankton(Apperhand) variant on Google android market
Over the last few weeks, Appriva Threat intelligence lab has seen a new variant of Trojan.Android.Plankton emerge embedded in various apps on the Google Android Market. This variant calls ‘itself’apperhand.
At the time of writing blog, the following apps are being detected by Appriva and one other Antivirus vendor. From the Google Android market it is estimated that more than a million users could be infected.
My older sister has asked me about programs to block adult sites. The phone is rooted and s-off. I found this
Just wondering if anyone has used it before or has any other ideas
http://www.trendmicro.com/us/home/products/mobile-security/android/index.html
I use ROM toolbox and it has an option to block pornography.
Doesn't seem to be working. I'm on miui 12.9 build
Sent from my Incredible 2 using XDA
This is a problem with Android, and it depends on how much the owner of the device knows about this operating system to say what it takes to make these "safe". I'm currently using mobifilter.com they sell you info how to use their filtered server and then its implemented through opera mobile (can customize the settings to use only three server of your choice). This has worked well for me.
Another option is to use an app: smart app protector free, protect the apps that you would consider harmful (market, browser, including the installer program) and give the password to someone you trust. This is the best way but also the most restrictive.
afo.com and cleaninternet.com are both working on Android programs, but I don't know that they are released yet.
Hope this helps
Edit, I discovered I'm behind times...Mobifilter.net has a app in play store. The app is free but you will still need to purchase a subscription and set up an account with them. Well worth the cost in my mind!
Sent from my Incredible 2 using XDA
I'm looking for a cloud storage app for my phone, I need to be able to get access to pics and other media files?
jonas000 said:
I'm looking for a cloud storage app for my phone, I need to be able to get access to pics and other media files?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Erm. Dropbox?
There are a host of threads on this bud.
Sent from my HTC One X using xda premium
if security is a must take a look at wuala, not as user friendly as dropbox but it is secure.
Sent from my HTC One X using xda premium
For non-personal data (video,photo) -> Dropbox/Boxee/Skydrive depending on your need.
For personal data (personal documents) -> Wuala (Secured, none except you can access your files, not even Wuala. Files get encrypted before sending to server).
H-Cim said:
For non-personal data (video,photo) -> Dropbox/Boxee/Skydrive depending on your need.
For personal data (personal documents) -> Wuala (Secured, none except you can access your files, not even Wuala. Files get encrypted before sending to server).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Let's face it. Depending what you are tyring to secure, nothing is unbreakable. Whoever develops the encryption, generally has a back door. Be sure NSA, has a way.So nothing is safe. You have to develop other ways to be secure.
This is from Wuala's "About us"
"Nobody - not even we as storage provider - can access your data without your authorization. "
Your authorization is the key word here.
Then read in fine detail in the EULA what you Agreed To, when you accepted the use of their software.
+1 for Wuala, even hosted my ROM there, but I'll also be using Dropbox a bit more now thanks to HTC
Bottom line, they're both very good in my experience.
In my opinion Dropbox gives a really good service with an awesome integration on our Android phones. If you've got a data plan there are more possibilities, for example you can share a photo/video/data with your friends in a public folder so your friends can check out this folder whenever they want.
Definitely, Dropbox is gorgeous
Dropbox for me is better than sugarsync or box.net, the weak point only give 2.5 GB
globalgpj said:
Let's face it. Depending what you are tyring to secure, nothing is unbreakable. Whoever develops the encryption, generally has a back door. Be sure NSA, has a way.So nothing is safe. You have to develop other ways to be secure.
This is from Wuala's "About us"
"Nobody - not even we as storage provider - can access your data without your authorization. "
Your authorization is the key word here.
Then read in fine detail in the EULA what you Agreed To, when you accepted the use of their software.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not saying it unbreakable, just less breakable then Dropbox. Which is important if there are some personal documents in it.
H-Cim said:
I'm not saying it unbreakable, just less breakable then Dropbox. Which is important if there are some personal documents in it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But what kind of documents are we talking about here? A shopping list? A degree certificate? A CV? People really fuss about personal security nowadays. I believe dropbox when they say that they're not giving out information without a court order and even then inform the user first. Why? Because if there was a single substantial case that they provided information with less than that, they'd soon be out of business. Hello anonymous-and-whatever-else-backed ****storm.
Let's face it, 99.98% of us aren't important enough to be spied upon in a cautiously planned and we'll executed manner. And even then we should be rather worried about our post, calls and home.
A social security number? Credit card pin? Dropbox + Keepass ftw.
Sent from my HTC Desire HD using XDA
baum01 said:
But what kind of documents are we talking about here? A shopping list? A degree certificate? A CV? People really fuss about personal security nowadays. I believe dropbox when they say that they're not giving out information without a court order and even then inform the user first. Why? Because if there was a single substantial case that they provided information with less than that, they'd soon be out of business. Hello anonymous-and-whatever-else-backed ****storm.
Let's face it, 99.98% of us aren't important enough to be spied upon in a cautiously planned and we'll executed manner. And even then we should be rather worried about our post, calls and home.
A social security number? Credit card pin? Dropbox + Keepass ftw.
Sent from my HTC Desire HD using XDA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nah It's not because I'm paranoid, I just prefer my documents like college stuff, bank account stuff (not the login info obviously), bills, contracts to be encrypted before they are uploaded.
If you can encrypt your documents for free anyway, why don't do so? (You never know if Dropbox/Wuala get hacked, I rather have a little layer of security then).
besides wuala is cheaper
In my opinion Dropbox, Box, Google Drive, and SkyDrive will be the perfect fit for the mentioned task. From the box android app when you signup you get 50 GB free space for life time. It a free app and easy to use and with Dropbox, you will get 5GB of storage free. You may also browse some useful information on best cloud storage providers!
-Zork- said:
Dropbox for me is better than sugarsync or box.net, the weak point only give 2.5 GB
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use Dropbox heavily, friends around Australia all share through it so have access to all our photos and videos (we 4wd quite a lot )
Carry out as many space earning things as you can, I got 4 or 5GB doing that, plus 25GB for the one x deal and 50GB for the S3 LTE deal so currently have 80GB storage space